The unique character of Glendale makes it one of the most desirable and attainable communities in all of LA, which is why single young professionals and upwardly mobile young families are choosing to call it home. The location, at the foothills of the beautiful San Gabriel Mountains, is like a rustic oasis, a world away from the frenetic pace of the city. The peace and serenity, sunny skies, and breezes through the shaded northern hills create the illusion of a mountain home, minutes from Downtown, Pasadena, and the rest the San Fernando Valley. Cultural diversity is a big part of the history and character of this town, home to the fourth largest population of Armenians outside of Armenia. Iranians and Armenians have settled here since 1920, with a major serge in the 1970s — enlivening and enriching the community with culture, schools, restaurants, and political involvement. A high concentration of professionals and artists in all forms of media and entertainment add an air of social sophistication and intelligence to the community. Prominent companies like DreamWorks, Disney, Muppets Holding Company and Nestle have headquarters and campuses in the downtown Brand Boulevard area. 

There are many neighborhoods in the city, each with a unique look and personality. Most attractive and affluent are the northern hillside areas, including Sparr Heights, Montecito Park, Oakmont and Montrose, which sits like a valley in the hills, conveniently near the Foothill Freeway. These are sought after for their private, peaceful feeling of mountain living. Old Town, in the southern part of the city, is where students and younger singles reside, and much of the shopping, dining, and historic landmarks are located. Public art abounds in Glendale, adding charm and individuality to these settings. 

The recent lure of new sophisticated and educated homebuyers has resulted in development of what was already one of the most prominent shopping destinations in the Valley. The Glendale Galleria, since the mid 1970s, has been a major mall destination for people from all over the Valley and beyond. The Americana at Brand is the newest installation of the outdoor promenade mall built by developer Rick Caruso. Like The Grove and Third Street Promenade, it has earned growing popularity among Angelenos, catering to upscale tastes and trends. Close by, the weekly Farmers Market each Thursday draws many crowds to this vibrant shopping district. The surrounding freeways make it very easy to reach other nearby attractions, including Dodger Stadium, Huntington Gardens, The Equestrian Centers in Griffith Park, Hollywood Boulevard, and the Disney Center downtown, to name a few. You don’t have to travel far from home for culture, though. The beautifully restored Alex Theater is a local treasure, where you can see plays, films, dance and concert performances year round.