Right against the San Gabriel Mountains and just a little distance from downtown Los Angeles, Glendale, CA, is one of those cities people can't stop talking about.
Beyond the picturesque backdrop of the mountains and its steep Armenian heritage, Glendale has transformed into a bustling business district.
This Los Angeles County city has carved out a reputation for being a cultural Havana with plenty of flair. But while many rave about its charm and merits, others quietly whisper about its downsides.
Is Glendale, CA, a good place to live, or does it come with a few too many strings attached?
Let's talk about the good, the bad, and everything in between about this intriguing city.
Straight to the rip-off of the band-aid, Glendale is not cheap.
The cost of living here is 63% higher than the U.S. average, which can make your wallet quiver a little.
Housing, of course, takes the lion's share of your expenses. With median home prices tipping towards $1 million and monthly rents nearing $3,000, Glendale is a field for those with higher incomes or a solid savings cushion.
But you do get value for those dollars. The city is clean, well-maintained, and feels more upscale than some neighboring areas.
Plus, being close to Hollywood and the greater Los Angeles area means paying for premium proximity.
Verdict? If your paycheck can handle the heat, the perks of living in Glendale might just outweigh the price. If not, you may need to think twice before packing your bags.
For families, Glendale scores high marks in the education department.
The Glendale Unified School District is celebrated for its top-performing schools, including:
These schools have gained acclaim for their academic rigor and extracurricular options. It comes as no surprise though since the school district has a quality rating better than 83.2% of all U.S. school districts.
There is a catch, though!
While the public schools shine, competition to get into the best ones can be fierce due to zoning rules. It doesn't help much that private school tuition is not exactly kind to your wallet.
Still, is Glendale, CA, a good place to live for your child's education? Absolutely!
Glendale's job market is as dynamic as its city life.
If you were to ask the scores of people who move to the city, often with the help of Glendale movers, they would cite the high-paying salaries as the major attraction to the city.
Supported by industries like healthcare, manufacturing, entertainment, and retail, this city offers plenty of employment opportunities.
Big names like Disney Interactive and DreamWorks Animation are in Glendale. So, as a creative professional in media, you're in luck.
But here's where things get tricky!
While Glendale has a wide range of job opportunities, entry-level wages often lag behind the high cost of living.
Translation?
Unless you are in a high-paying field, you might feel like you are treading water financially.
An officer manager may get an average salary of $60,000 annually, whereas a software engineer rakes in over $92,000.
No doubt, Glendale is a haven for those who enjoy the finer things in life.
Whether you're shopping at the Americana at Brand, grabbing coffee at a local café, or catching a movie at a plush theater, you're spoiled for choice.
Parks like Brand Park and Verdugo Park provide nature lovers with a breath of fresh air (literally and figuratively).
But, that's not all…
The city is also foodie heaven, boasting some of the best Armenian cuisine outside of Armenia. Add in proximity to Hollywood's nightlife, and you have a city that balances the urban excitement with suburban quiet.
The downside is traffic and parking can be real headaches, especially around popular spots.
Glendale's average commute time is 35 minutes, 3 minutes more than the national average. So, patience is key.
Glendale's social vibe is more laid-back than that of its flashy neighbor, Los Angeles.
Instead of the vibrant nightlife of LA with its streets of endless bustling activities, you will have multiple options for family-friendly festivals, outdoor concerts, and cultural events.
Glendale is one city where your weekends will likely include farmer's markets, brunch dates, and low-key hikes in the Verdugo Mountains.
In fact, you might just want to drive into LA or Hollywood if you crave wild nights out. Glendale's nightlife is limited, skewing more toward cozy wine bars than thumping nightclubs.
So, is Glendale, CA, a good place to live in despite this reality?
Well, it depends on your preference. An introvert's fun or an extrovert's wildness? Make your pick.
A quick scan of what your expenses in Glendale are likely to be will reveal that healthcare is the most affordable cost (even though it's higher than the national average).
A doctor's visit can average a fee of $147.90 and a dentist's visit for $121.62.
But…
How about the quality?
Availability?
From routine checkups to specialized care, residents don't need to venture far for their medical needs. Glendale ranks well in healthcare, with Glendale Adventist Medical Center and USC Verdugo Hills Hospital offering top-notch services.
While the U.S. average for physicians per capita is 210 per 100,000 people, Glendale's 211 per 100,000 people is a far better number, considering the city's population is less than 200,000.
Is Glendale, California, a good place to live when it comes to crime and safety?
Well, the city consistently ranks as one of the safest cities in California. Its crime rate is significantly lower than the U.S. average, solidifying its position as a family-friendly place.
The not-so-great news about crime in Glendale is that while property crime is low, petty theft can still be an issue, especially in crowded areas.
A general tip would be: locking your car doors and keeping an eye on your belongings is a great step towards vigilance.
Is Glendale, CA, a good place to live?
Glendale is safe and has top-rated schools, abundant amenities, and a rich cultural experience. All these are within a short drive of LA's bustling core.
Yet, the high cost of living and competitive job market might bring a pause for most.
The truth remains that Glendale might be your dream city should you crave a clean, family-friendly environment with plenty of comforts, if you can afford the price tag.
If not, the decision might require a bit more soul-searching.
So, what's it going to be? Glendale is calling. Are you picking up?
