Walkable, eco-conscious, and vibrant, Glendale is L.A. County’s fourth largest city with a population of more than 200,000, but is consistently ranked as one of the safest mid-size cities in the country. Residents love its 50 public parks, world-class shopping at the open-air Americana at Brand (Barneys New York, Crewcuts, and Tory Burch to name a few), and some of the best Armenian food this side of Yerevan at Carousel Restaurant. Situated 10 miles north of Downtown L.A., Glendale sits at the eastern end of the San Fernando Valley and is bisected by the rugged Verdugo Mountains. Take in a screening at the historic Art Deco Alex Theatre and enjoy a lineup of diverse free concerts (sax quartets, surf rock, and Yiddish vaudeville, anyone?) on the Brand Library Plaza each summer.

Being a resident of Glendale, I’m obviously a big fan. Here are some of my favorite spots and neighborhoods;

• Commissary - located in Kenneth Village

  • I can’t tell you how many people come to my home located just steps away from Kenneth Village and say to me. I had no idea this place existed. Glendale is one of the best kept secrets of LA. But I don’t think it will remain that way for long!

• Damon’s Steakhouse - off Brand

  • Did someone say Tiki Steakhouse? Who doesn’t love a bit of kitsch. An icon of Glendale, visually fun, and just good food.

• Porto’s - off Brand

  • A Cuban bakery and cafe. The pastries are beautiful, and the savory bites cannot be missed.

Glendale is home to some of the best Historic Architecture in Los Angeles, with iconic Spanish homes being at the forefront of the boom in Glendale in the 1920’s. Do not miss these neighborhoods on your hunt of character homes in Los Angeles;

• Glenwood - surrounded by Kenneth Village and Brand park with a number of historic districts and quaint streets including Cumberland Heights

• Rossmoyne - Right off the 2, and super close to NELA but safer and cleaner with incredible architecture