Burbank, CA

Burbank holds a position as a media and entertainment hub while keeping the appeal of a small town. The community combines a sense of excitement with a laid-back atmosphere. Sitting northeast of the Hollywood Hills, living in Burbank keeps you connected to Los Angeles but still allows you to get away from it all. With downtown only 12 miles away and Hollywood even closer, you’ll have major attractions only a short car ride away. The neighborhood strikes a balance between work and play that makes it ideal for both families and young professionals. A strong economy with many local employers, a well-designed school system and entertainment options throughout the city means Burbank can accommodate you no matter your lifestyle.

Burbank has a fun mix of classic dining options and new school restaurants with a modern vibe. Chow down on large portions of Mediterranean food at a reasonable price, over at Grilliant on Riverside Drive. The restaurant uses natural, organic foods free of hormones and antibiotics, ensuring you get the healthiest meal possible. Try one of Grilliant’s many kabobs if you’re in the mood for some meat. Those on a health kick should get the kale salad with Brussels sprouts. The Asian Project Buns and Bowls puts a new spin on Asian cuisine. You guide the creation of your food every step of the way, resulting in a customized meal exactly the way you want it. The dimmed lighting makes for an intimate, unique experience. If you like it spicy, add some jalapeño to your bowl. For a classic American breakfast, try Granville Cafe, which specializes in gourmet food without gourmet costs, and provides a casual, unpretentious dining experience. Start your day off with the heavenly hotcakes paired with berries, and wash them down with an iced blended coffee to beat the California heat. Nightlife in the area tends to be more low-key and laid-back than the nearby Hollywood club scene, but the collection of lounges, bars and clubs still provide plenty of entertainment. The Burbank Bar and Grille gives you a bit of everything, providing a neighborhood bar where you can watch the game and a rooftop patio if you want to dance the night away. The bar’s fire pits keep it warm and provide a touch of ambiance on chilly nights. Burbank Bar and Grille draws the biggest crowds on weekends, so check it out then and go up to the roof for live music.

Burbank has humble beginnings as a small ranch town which was purchased by its namesake, Dr. David Burbank, in 1867. Major growth occurred when entertainment and aviation companies came to the area in the 1920s, followed by a real estate boom after World War II. Today, the area remains popular while maintaining a strong sense of community. The Burbank Historical Society celebrates the area’s rich history at the Gordon R. Howard Museum. Visit the museum’s 1887 Victorian house and memorabilia building to get a taste for how life used to be in Burbank. The city also features a thriving art scene for both new and old work. For a wild mix of the current art scene, check out the Hyaena Gallery. Featuring dark and underground art, this gallery may both surprise and impress you.

Living in Burbank makes traveling easy and convenient, whether you just want to get across town or fly across the country. Driving around the neighborhood doesn’t take long thanks to several road options that don’t see as much traffic as other areas of Los Angeles. For longer trips, you can access multiple freeways from the area. Interstate 5, running north and south, runs through the middle of Burbank, with California State Route 134, running east and west, on the city’s south end. You can find public parking lots, especially near the airport, but you’ll rarely need it. Burbank has plenty of street parking options. Locals love having Bob Hope Airport in their backyard, especially because of the ease of getting through security compared to the larger Los Angeles International Airport. Located on North Hollywood Way, you can get to the airport conveniently by bus or a short cab ride. Those without cars have plenty of public transportation options. Take the Burbank Bus for local trips, and connect with one of the LA Metro buses if you need to travel farther. Metrolink stations at the airport and in downtown Burbank provide routes to visit the rest of the county. If you need a car, taxis and ride-share companies such as Uber service the area, and pickups usually happen quickly. Burbank can be also traveled on foot or by bike. The Chandler Bike Path provides a 2-mile path through the area, and the rest of Burbank tends to be safe for bikers as well. Downtown Burbank can be easy and pleasant to walk through, but the outer edges require a vehicle for most errands.