"American Idol" star Rudy Cardenas recently hired a moving company to help him settle in to his new home in the Valley Glen area of Van Nuys, California. What draws him and others interested in moving to Van Nuys?
One possibility is the vibrant and lively atmosphere that pervades the area. Although technically a neighborhood in the city of Los Angeles, Van Nuys has a strong sense of community. The Van Nuys Airport Gardening Club has established gardens where local residents come to relax and tend their plots. Visitors will also find the oldest fire station still operating in Los Angeles, as well as active community organizations such as the Cedros Associated Neighborhood, which throws block parties and barbeques several times a year. The Los Angeles Times states that Van Nuys is "moderately diverse" compared to other areas of Los Angeles, but many cross-country movers will find it very diverse compared to other states.
Economy:
The driving force behind Van Nuys's diversity is the low cost of living; many new residents are moving to Van Nuys to take advantage of the low housing prices in the area. Inexpensive real estate has also encouraged many small businesses to relocate to Van Nuys. Old factories are being renovated to make room for new retail space. One example of this trend is the Plant, a former General Motors factory which now houses the Academy of Barbering Arts, a Mann 16-screen theater and several smaller stores.
From 2000 to 2008, the population of this colorful neighborhood expanded by more than 10 percent. With such rapid growth, it's no wonder why Van Nuys moving companies are so busy.
History:
Van Nuys, California was named for Isaac Van Nuys, one of the areas first settlers. It began as an agricultural center, but after land speculators began selling lots in 1911, the area quickly grew to become the urban/suburban area that it is today. In the 1950s and 1960s, Van Nuys became famous for Van Nuys Boulevard, where Saturday nights saw teenagers cruising their hot rods up and down the infamous strip. The town also boasts quite a few homegrown celebrities, including Norma Jean Baker, who later changed her name to Marilyn Monroe.
Tourism:
Before buying a home and hiring a Van Nuys moving company, prospective cross-country movers may want to explore the local neighborhood as tourists. Those with their own airplanes might consider arriving through the Van Nuys Airport, which has been making headlines since Amelia Earhart set a speed record there in 1929. Even if they don't have a private jet, members of the public may visit the airport's Public Observation Area and Museum, which offers a guided tour of the business general aviation airport in the world. Since this is the airport of choice for Hollywood celebrities, visitors may even spot a movie star or two.
Golf enthusiasts may prefer to stop by the Van Nuys Golf Course, which has an 18-hole pitch-and-putt course, or a nine-hole executive course for the truly dedicated. Visitors who refer to walk, run or roller-skate can visit the Sepulveda Dam Recreation Area, which includes a public bike path around its nine-mile perimeter.
Naturally, the region's proximity to Hollywood has made Van Nuys a popular location in which to shoot movies and television shows. "Escape from New York," "The Office" and "Fast Times at Ridgemont High" were all shot on location here, as were scenes from many other films including "Grease" and "Carrie."