Moving to Glendale, CA, is an exciting and transformative experience. Known for its rich cultural diversity, thriving economy, and excellent quality of life, Glendale has become a sought-after destination for individuals and families alike.
Nestled in the heart of the Los Angeles metropolitan area, Glendale offers the perfect blend of suburban tranquility and urban excitement. Whether you’re relocating for work, education, or simply seeking a change of scenery, moving to Glendale, CA, promises a vibrant lifestyle filled with opportunities and new experiences.
Glendale’s appeal lies in its dynamic community and abundant amenities. From top-rated schools and world-class healthcare facilities to a bustling job market driven by major industries like entertainment and technology, the city caters to diverse needs and aspirations.
The housing market in Glendale ranges from charming historic homes to modern high-rise apartments, ensuring that you can find the perfect place to call home.
Moreover, Glendale’s unique cultural tapestry, influenced by its significant Armenian population and various other cultural communities, enriches everyday life with a variety of festivals, culinary delights, and artistic endeavors.
As you prepare for your move, this guide will provide you with all the essential information to ensure a smooth and successful transition to your new home in Glendale, CA.
Why Glendale?
Before diving into the logistics of your move, let’s explore why Glendale is such an attractive destination.
A Thriving Economy
Glendale boasts a robust economy, driven by industries such as entertainment, technology, and retail. The city’s proximity to Hollywood makes it a hub for animation studios like DreamWorks and Walt Disney Imagineering.
Additionally, major companies like Avery Dennison and Public Storage have their headquarters here, providing ample employment opportunities.
Excellent Education
Families moving to Glendale, CA, will appreciate the city’s top-rated schools. The Glendale Unified School District is renowned for its commitment to academic excellence, with several schools receiving national recognition. For higher education, Glendale Community College offers a wide range of programs and transfer opportunities to prestigious universities.
Cultural Diversity
One of Glendale’s most appealing aspects is its cultural diversity. With a significant Armenian population, the city celebrates a rich heritage with festivals, cultural events, and a vibrant food scene. You’ll also find influences from various other cultures, making Glendale a melting pot of traditions and experiences.
Preparing for Your Move
Now that you’re convinced Glendale is the right place for you, it’s time to plan your move. Here are some essential steps to ensure a smooth transition.
Research Neighborhoods
Glendale is composed of several
distinct neighborhoods, each with its charm. Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly environment, a bustling urban area, or a quiet suburban retreat, Glendale has it all.
Downtown Glendale
If you thrive in an urban setting, downtown Glendale is the perfect place for you. This bustling area is characterized by its high-rise apartments that offer stunning views of the cityscape and mountains. One of the key attractions in downtown Glendale is the Americana at Brand, a premier shopping, dining, and entertainment complex.
This vibrant center features a wide array of stores, from luxury brands to popular retailers, making it a shopper’s paradise.
Additionally, the Americana offers a delightful selection of restaurants and cafes, where you can enjoy cuisines from around the world. The complex also hosts various events and live performances, adding to the lively atmosphere.
Rossmoyne
For those seeking a more suburban feel, Rossmoyne offers an idyllic setting with its tree-lined streets and historic homes. This neighborhood is known for its charming architecture, featuring beautifully preserved houses that date back to the early 20th century.
The sense of community in Rossmoyne is strong, with residents often coming together for neighborhood events and activities. This tight-knit community vibe makes it an ideal place for families and individuals looking for a quieter lifestyle while still being close to the city’s amenities.
Montrose
Nestled in the northern part of Glendale, Montrose exudes small-town charm and offers a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.
This quaint neighborhood is renowned for its vibrant shopping district, where you can find an eclectic mix of independent boutiques, specialty stores, and unique shops.
Montrose’s weekly farmers’ market is a highlight, attracting both locals and visitors with its fresh produce, artisanal goods, and lively atmosphere. The market is a great place to support local vendors and enjoy the community spirit that defines Montrose.
Cost of Living in Glendale
Living in Glendale, CA, comes with a high cost, but it also offers a high quality of life. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect:
Housing
Homes in Glendale cover a broad price spectrum, catering to various budgets and preferences. Prices range from around $500,000 for more modest homes to more than $3 million for luxury estates.
Most homes, however, list between $900,000 and $2 million, offering a mix of architectural styles, including charming historic properties and modern constructions. Glendale’s condo market is equally diverse, with prices ranging from the high $ 400,000 to over $1 million, providing options for singles, couples, and small families.
Utilities
Keeping pace with the cost of living in California, the average utility bill in Glendale is approximately $195 per month.
This includes essential services such as electricity, water, and heating. Gas prices in Glendale fluctuate but are typically more than $4.50 per gallon, reflecting the general trend in Southern California. These costs should be factored into your monthly budget to ensure a comfortable living experience in Glendale.
Groceries
Grocery shopping in Glendale mirrors the high cost of living in Southern California. You can expect to pay around $4.30 for a loaf of bread, $2.50 for a dozen eggs, and $3.74 for a standard bunch of bananas.
These prices highlight the need to budget carefully for your grocery needs. However, Glendale offers a range of grocery stores, from high-end markets to budget-friendly options, allowing residents to manage their expenses effectively.
Healthcare
Healthcare in Glendale is slightly higher than the national average, which is an important consideration for potential residents. A doctor’s visit costs approximately $139, while a visit to the dentist is close to $120.
Despite these costs, Glendale boasts excellent healthcare facilities, including Adventist Health Glendale and Dignity Health-Glendale Memorial Hospital. These institutions provide high-quality care, ensuring residents have access to top-notch medical services when needed.
Glendale Job Market
Glendale is home to many large companies, making it one of the best suburbs in the Los Angeles area for employment opportunities.
Major Employers
The Glendale Unified School District is the city’s largest employer, with approximately 2,507 full-time and part-time employees. Adventist Health Glendale is the second-largest employer, with approximately 2,380 employees. The City of Glendale comes in third, employing around 1,866 people, while DreamWorks Animation has approximately 1,582 employees.
Glendale Community College is another significant employer with around 1,460 full-time and part-time employees. Two healthcare facilities, Dignity Health-Glendale Memorial Medical Center and USC Verdugo Hills Hospital, both have just under 1,000 employees each. Other major employers include the IHOP Corporation, ABC7, and Baxter BioScience.
Things to Do in Glendale
There are plenty of things to do in Glendale, from shopping and museums to arts and entertainment. The city is also home to nearly 50 public parks, offering various activities and attractions for both residents and visitors.
Outdoor Activities
Glendale offers abundant outdoor activities, managing over 5,000 acres of natural open space. There are over 7.5 miles of trails used by hikers, mountain bikers, dog walkers, and joggers.
Deukmejian Wilderness Park and Brand Park are two of the most popular outdoor destinations in town. The Glendale Parks & Open Space Foundation provides supplies and equipment for its Third Saturday Wilderness Workdays.
They also offer educational programs, lectures, trail safety patrols, and a Trail Maintenance Crew to keep everything safe and in good condition.
Shopping and Dining
Glendale is a shopper’s paradise. The Americana at Brand and Glendale Galleria offers a wide range of retail options, from luxury brands to everyday essentials. When it comes to dining, Glendale’s culinary scene is diverse and delicious. Enjoy authentic Armenian cuisine at Raffi’s Place or indulge in contemporary American dishes at Bourbon Steak by Michael Mina.
Glendale Climate
The weather in Glendale is warm and moderate, resembling the Mediterranean climate. In August the average temperature is 86°F high and in December it may reach as low as 48°F. The city experiences almost equal amounts of rainfall all year round.
Many people live here because it has a very nice climate with many sunny days that make outdoor activities enjoyable throughout the year. What makes Glendale one of the nicest places in California is its mild, comfortable temperatures.
Summers in Glendale are brief and dry while winters are cool and wet with sometimes overcast skies. As is Los Angeles city, Glendale rarely goes below 40°F or exceeds 96°F in temperature. During this period late May to mid-October seems to be best for visiting Glendale for any type of warm weather activities.
Traffic in Glendale
Glendale lies just north of downtown LA, and a typical commute takes under thirty minutes each way on average. In total about 77% of people drive alone, whereas only 7.6% get to work this way by carpooling.
Roughly six percent work from home, while just under four percent use the public transportation system of Los Angeles daily. Metro Bus and Rail services run throughout LA County at large, while the local bus service within Glendale called Glendale Beeline stops at Burbank, Pasadena besides other destinations.
Public Transportation in Glendale
Beeline is the local bus system of Glendale that operates twelve fixed routes serving Glendale and other surrounding areas. This bus service is meant to complement the larger Metro routes that serve the area as a community circulator.
Dial-A-Ride is another transportation option for disabled individuals who cannot use public buses; it offers door-to-door trips within city limits only. For those under 65 years of age, one must have a disability certification from their physician to ride.
Schools in Glendale
Glendale is served by the Glendale Unified School District, which has 10 kindergartens, 20 primary schools, 4 junior high schools, and four high schools.
There is also one continuation school, one independent study academy, three special education programs for students with disabilities, six magnet schools, and seven bilingual immersion programs.
These courses help learners master the Armenian Language, French Language, German Language, Italian Language, Japanese Language, Korean language and Spanish language. This district accommodates over twenty-five thousand students.
Are You Ready to Move to Glendale?
Glendale is an excellent relocation option for those considering moving to Los Angeles but seeking a smaller community, thanks to its great neighborhoods, convenient amenities, and thriving business districts near major LA attractions, making it appealing to a diverse range of people. Whether you’re drawn to outdoor activities or vibrant community life,
Glendale offers a rewarding living experience in one of Southern California’s most dynamic cities. If you need assistance moving, Glendale movers can ensure a smooth transition to your new home.
