The population of Glendale, California is expected to grow by 20,000 residents in the next two decades. Why are so many people moving to Glendale? One of its attractions is the great weather; like most of southern California, the climate is temperate and sunny. Glendale also has a strong economy and a lively downtown area.
What else keeps Glendale moving companies so busy? Perhaps it's the beautiful scenery. Even from the densely-populated heart of the city, it's still a short trip to the wildflowers and rolling vistas of the Verdugo hills.
Economy:
This thriving city has a vibrant downtown area which is home to more than 200 shops, spas, restaurants, spas and theaters. Several nationally-known companies have their headquarters in the downtown area, including the U.S. office of Nestle Foods. Dreamworks SKG and Disney Imagineering also have offices here. Glendale is an economically integrated city. In some Census districts, median income exceeds $100,000 and in other districts, the median income is below $18,000 per year. It is also unique for its broad variation in population density. The hills around Glendale are only lightly developed, but in other areas of Glendale, the population exceeds 30,000 people per square mile.
History:
Glendale began as 36,400 acres of grassland, woodlands and chaparral inhabited by the Native American tribe known as the Tongva. In 1798, a Spanish corporal named Jose Maria Verdugo retired from the army to settle in this area and found Rancho San Rafael. Over the next century, Verdugo's descendents declined in prosperity and began mortgaging parts of the settlement area. The many complex changes in title to the land led to disputes which were settled in what became known as "The Great Partition of 1871," in which the courts divided the Glendale area into parcels owned by 28 people.
After the partition, more settlers from the eastern United States moved into the area, and the ranch began dividing into multiple communities. The central community named itself Glen Dale in 1883 at the suggestion of a young lady artist from Chicago. By 1887, Glendale was officially surveyed organized into a town, and by 1904, local residents had persuaded the Union-Pacific railroad to build a line from Los Angeles.
Tourism:
Whether you're moving cross-country or one town over, you'll enjoy the friendly atmosphere and hospitable charm of Glendale. Downtown is known for its excellent opportunities for fine dining and shopping. It is anchored by the world-renowned Alex Theater and the Glendale Galleria shopping mall. City planners have worked to make the shopping experience at Glendale easy and exciting. Free validated parking is easy to find.
The downtown square is often host to free concerts and festivals. For a Sunday morning treat, stop by the farmer's market at the corner of Ivar and Sunset Streets. The market offers more than vegetables; check out the honey, fruit, nuts, flowers, plants and baked goods. Many farmers offer organic food, so ask a vendor or watch for signs indicating organic offerings.
If you are moving to Glendale and want to discover the natural beauty that it has to offer, visit Brand Park. Nestled at the base of the Verdugo Mountains, this park offers hiking trails, bicycle trails, a softball field, basketball courts and picnic areas. The park was contributed by a wealthy philanthropist, who also left a mansion that was converted into a 5,000-square-foot library.