The Glitz of Glendale, CA

Just over the mountain from Los Angeles sits a glamorous suburb with a business district chock-full of brand name brand stores. The city of Glendale is considered an escape away from the hustle-and-bustle of Hollywood while still providing its residents with enriching culture and romantic homes. The chiseled plazas and tree-lined sidewalks are designed specifically to allow its patrons to feel great as they shop, eat and play. This tranquil city offers toits residents lives full of peace and excitement.

Because of this fact, homes in Glendale, CA are in demand, but this is nothing new. Glendale real estate has always been in demand since Glendale’s earliest days. It is a city defined by high-end hillside neighborhoods with views of the valley as well as Downtown Los Angeles. Large mini mansions line the streets along side large, classic Spanish and Mission revival, mid-century modern and California bungalows.

Though single-family homes dominate the many hillside neighborhoods, apartment and condominium living is the norm. Recently, high-rise buildings have been converted into pricy apartment rentals, including live and work lofts. Fancy communities such as the Americana, blend condo living with retail stores and dining in an outdoor mall atmosphere.

Glendale is a large city with many well-known areas aligning its border. Griffith Park, Atwater Village, and Eagle Rock are attached to the south while Burbank and Hollywood are to the west. Pasadena can be found to the east with La Crescent a-Montrose and La Canada Flintridge to the north. Unfortunately, public transit can be quite difficult with only one metro station located in the south of Glendale. However, any patron with a car can utilize the numerous surrounding freeways to arrive at their preferred destinations.

Glendale is located between two mountain ridges so a lot of the land sits on rolling, handsome hills. The business district may be populated with big-name brands, but the suburbs consist of serene housing complexes built in the 60s and 70s.

Glendale is one of the largest Armenian communities outside of Armenia; they make up more than twenty-five percent of Glendale’s population. Armenians infuse their culture throughout Glendale with many churches, restaurants and shops that produce authentic Armenian product.

The shopping centers in Glendale are created to provide its shoppers with experiences extending from just spending money. The Americana at Brand offers a beautiful courtyard full of lush grass, kiosks, floating bubbles and crisp fountains that perform water/light shows along to musical classics for the guests’ entertainment. A trolley operates to transport guests and their shopping bags to different areas of the mall.

Extending from the Americana is Glendale’s locale shopping which contains specialty delis and sweet shops. The highly regarded “Mario’s Deli” has imported food items from Italy so patrons of Glendale can enjoy the succulent sweets and savory meats of Europe.

Nightlife in Glendale is full of classy fun as the historic theatres come to life and the bars fill up with parties. The infamous “Alex Theatre” serves today as a world class performing arts and entertainment venue. Orchestras, ballets and theatrical productions grace the Alex with their presence for the people of Glendale to enjoy. Located in the heart of Glendale, an assortment of bars, grills and restaurants surround the Alex to provide an evening full of eating, drinking and being merry.

Glendale is manicured city in a prime location where residents and visitors alike can enjoy shopping, eating and experiencing art. For those looking to live in Glendale, it is advised to seek out an experienced Glendale real estate agent who knows the ins and outs of selling and buying real estate in such an interesting and sought after city as Glendale.

Sweet Serenity of Atwater Village

The cozy village of Atwater is a community established in maturity and grace where residents can enjoy class-act dining and warm shops within walking distance of their homes. This diverse community takes pride in producing farmers’ markets to strengthen community ties. Atwater used to be one of Los Angeles’ leading fashion districts, but now it has developed into a nourishing affinity in which its residents can flourish and grow to their hearts’ content.

Atwater Village is located along the west of Glendale to the east of Griffith Park, Los Feliz and the Los Angeles River. Glassell Park is found to the south while the 134 freeway borders the north of Atwater. Atwater’s established business district is located along the border of Glendale next to the Los Angeles riverbank. The business district holds classy coffee shops, lively boutiques and unique shops knitting stores. This flat street has a beautiful view of the Verdugo Mountains, which are painted beautifully in sunset and sunrise.

In recent years, Atwater Village homes have become hot commodities to own. The beautiful, interesting neighborhoods are lined with quirky, interesting homes that have slowly been sold and then purchased by homeowners who have invested in restoring and remodeling these homes. As a result, Atwater Village real estate has steadily risen in value and demand.

The types of grills, delis and restaurants in Atwater are a manifestation of the mature vibe that the neighborhood has developed for itself. These eateries stay up to date on the most popular flavors to ensure that their menus are eclectic enough to satisfy most of their guests. For example, Atwater is home to the famous, organic “Hugo’s Tacos Stand”.In addition to meat, Hugo’s also serves vegetarian and vegan dishes. People of all different sorts can enjoy a dinner at Hugo’s. Some of the restaurants may look lackluster on the outside, but the insides are decorated with hanging lights, candles, and trees. Because many of the shops are independent, the customer service is of the highest quality. Every bookshop seller and barista is clocked on to ensure that his or her guests are satisfied.

Atwater Village nightlife is fairly simple. The beautiful one-story homes glow in the light of their spacious front porches and desert gardens. Cacti, rocks and flowers radiate in the glow of sunset providing a beckoning of welcome to whoever may be arriving. The business district is illuminated as friends and family stroll along the sidewalk looking for a solution to their begging taste buds.

Atwater Village was named in Detail Magazine February 2012 as being one of the six up-and-coming neighborhoods in the world. This tranquil neighborhood has a large handful of cafes, shops and entertainment venues within walking distance. With its residents happily walking the streets together instead of being stuck in traffic alone, this neighborhood is friendly and relaxed.

For those wishing to buy or sell in Atwater Village, it is highly advised to locate an experienced Atwater Village realtor who understands the particular ins and outs of the neighborhood. Such an experienced agent will be able to properly represent both buyers and sellers in the transaction.

Pasadena – The City of Gold

Pasadena’s serene nature, imaginative homes, stunning business district, and colorful nightlife earn it the reputation of being one of the most popular cities for tourists and Angelinos. Pasadena resides just outside of Los Angeles to the northeast. This mini metropolis has its own museums and community parades making it safe and educational for families. Pasadena is Los Angeles County’s fourth largest city, coming into establishment over one hundred years ago. Pasadena offers a big city experience in conjunction with a wholesome environment, which can make it more appealing than Los Angeles.

Pasadena homes for sale are always in demand. Because it is an older city, neighborhoods are populated with magnificent turn of the century mansions and large classic Spanish Revival homes, California Craftsman bungalows and Victorians. There are many gorgeous neighborhoods in Pasadena that are well known and no matter whether the general real estate market is up or down, Pasadena real estate agents are always busy.

Pasadena is located to the east of Los Angeles. Pasadena sits above South Pasadena and San Marino and is south of La Canada Flintridge and Altadena. Eagle Rock is just west of Pasadena while Sierra Madre borders along the east. Pasadena is connected to the Metro Gold Line, which can take people all over Los Angeles. Owning a car is easy because of the large parking lots and numerous parking meters throughout Pasadena.

Pasadena has many aesthetically pleasing areas to explore. Old Town Pasadena is decorated with modern promenades and large boulevards. Pasadena is the home of the Rose Bowl where many championship games are held. On weekend mornings one can find Los Angeles locals exercising around the Bowl. Once a month the Rose Bowl becomes a large-scale flea market where consumers and buyers can haggle over unique items. On New Years Day the Rose Parade dances around the streets of Pasadena. There are also a series of historic Beaux Arts bridges that add to the artistic ambiance of the city.

There are other contributors to this ambiance like the Norton Simon Museum. When the city of Pasadena was first founded, this museum was named the Pasadena Art Institute. Over time it became the Norton Simon, but it did not forget its mission of showcasing traditional and contemporary art. The Norton Simon holds original pieces created by Rodin, Picasso and Van Gogh. Pasadena also celebrates performance art. The city is furnished with outdoor stages, playhouses and pavilions that are a source of musical and theatrical entertainment. Pasadena is the home to structural artifacts like The Gamble House, built in 1908. This mansion is a blend of Craftsman and Japanese style homes that are open for tours.

The area deemed “Old Town Pasadena” is the city’s main business district. Old Town Pasadena is full of fashionable boutiques, shops and commercial retailers. Most of the cafes and restaurants have large patios because of the consistently fair weather. This weather allows for a lively night scene. Bars and restaurants sprout to life; comedy clubs roar with laughter, and the streets of Old Town sport aspiring musicians performing their art. Pasadena is a great city in which to have fun, be safe and enjoy life.

If you’re a homeowner looking to sell your Pasadena home, it is best to perform your due diligence and hire an experienced Pasadena real estate agent to represent you. This is equally true for those looking to invest in home ownership in Pasadena. An experienced agent who understands that city and all the special neighborhoods will make sure your interests are protected and that you are well represented in the transaction.