A Brief History of Glendale

Glendale claims nearly forty neighborhoods. Here are some of my favorites:

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Adams Hill

The first Baskin Robbins ice cream store was located at the base of Adams Hill, in Adams Square and I vaguely recall my grandmother indulging me on more than one occasion. The Adams Hill Homeowners Association has been instrumental in preserving much of the neighborhood’s history including the Square’s 1930’s Art Deco Building which currently houses a public library and the nearby mini-park built around the shell of a renovated 1930s streamline modern gas station.

Adams Hill attracts an eclectic mix of homeowners and has long been popular with artists and studio employees. The charming winding streets are lined with a lovely mix of homes built in the 20’s and 30’s, and a fair assortment of mid-century. The quality of the architecture adds flavor to the community.

Pros and cons of Adams Hill living:

Pros: quiet, beautiful architecture, views, close to Fresh and Easy Market and Eagle Rock’s trendy restaurants

Cons: hillside, will not often find large level lots, street parking is limited

Location: S. Glendale, borders Glassell Park

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Chevy Chase Canyon

One of my first childhood memories is sliding down the slip and slide at my Aunt Dolly’s Chevy Chase Canyon home.

The 1937 formation of California’s oldest active homeowner’s association, the Chevy Chase Estates Association has been instrumental in preserving the canyon’s rural setting. Noted features are the Lloyd Wright Derby House, Chevy Chase Country Club, and an intimate community library.  Chevy Chase Canyon is the largest canyon in the San Rafael Hills. Although, far from the hustle and bustle of city living, residents enjoy an easy commute to downtown Glendale, Pasadena, or Los Angeles.

Pros and cons of Chevy Chase Canyon living:

Pros: quiet, some hillside and or/golf course views

Cons: will not often find large level lots; keep small pets away from the coyotes

Location: borders Pasadena and La Canada

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El Miradero aka Brand Park

The first home which held my name on title was located in this Glendale neighborhood.  I love hiking Brand Park; there is a small stream during the winter months past the Doctor’s House and the Brand Family Cemetery. There is a doggy drinking fountain at the base of the hill near the Japanese Tea House.

This community has so much to offer! El Miradero residents enjoy a variety of activities provided at beautiful Brand Park.  Kenneth Village offers a quaint shopping environment with a mix of unique shops, restaurants, beauty salons, a meat market, fresh produce, and a pharmacy.

Pros and cons of El Miradero living:

Pros: convenience of Kenneth Village, easy commute to Burbank studios, great walking neighborhood

Cons: some noise from Burbank airport

Location: Kenneth Rd – Brand Park / Grandview Ave. – Alameda Ave.

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Montecito Park
Montecito Park features a collection of custom built 1920’s and 1930’s homes on pretty tree-lined streets.

Pros and cons of Montecito Park living:

Pros: great walking neighborhood, Glendale’s blue ribbon La Crescenta schools

Cons: I can’t think of one!

Location: Borders Montrose and La Canada

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Rossmoyne

As a child Rossmoyne’s smaller Nibley Park was my favorite. I learned to play tennis on one of their two courts.

Rossmoyne was developed in the 1920s. Admired for its tree canopied streets and period street lights, the neighborhood boasts a delightful assortment of homes built in the 20’s and 30’s. According to the Los Angeles Times, Rossmoyne was built as a verdant suburb for more affluent families to escape the commotion of downtown Los Angeles.

Rossmoyne Pros and cons:

Pros: desirable walking neighborhood

Cons: speed bumps

Location: Borders Brand Blvd. – Glendale Ave./ N. of the 134 freeway

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Sparr Heights

Sparr Heights is probably the area’s most interesting walking neighborhood. The highlight of this neighborhood is the Montrose Shopping Park which spans several blocks on Honolulu. You will find a variety of restaurants and unique shops. The Sunday’s Farmer’s Market is reminiscent of a neighborhood craft fare. In addition to fresh produce, juices and bread, there is a variety of other items for sale. Developed as a residential neighborhood in the 1920s Sparr Heights offers a variety of character homes.

Sparr Heights Pros and cons:

Pros: desirable walking neighborhood

Cons: I can't think of one! 

Location: S. of Honolulu / East of Verdugo

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Verdugo Woodlands

 Photo by: Susanne Hayek

Verdugo Woodlands aka “The Woodlands” is home to 30 + acre Verdugo Park. Growing up I can recall many family events hosted here.  Rich in history, the Woodlands is mostly comprised of character 20’s and 30’s homes but is also proud to claim Rudolph Schindler’s Rodriguez House.

Be certain to slow down when driving through the tree canopied side streets such as Hermosita, as it is not unusual to encounter deer crossing the road. Protected trees such as sycamores and bays are found throughout this Glendale neighborhood.

Pros and Cons of Verdugo Woodlands living:

Pros: lovely tree shaded streets, beautiful architecture

Cons: not very much within walking distance

Location: North of Glendale College - South of Montecito Park / West of Glendale Freeway - East of the Verdugo Mountains

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Whiting Woods

Although, I grew up in Glendale I never knew this peaceful community existed until I started selling real estate. Whiting Woods is an entirely residential neighborhood comprised of just under 200 single family homes, many of which are proud examples of mid-century architecture. John Lautner’s Schaffer Residence is sited in Whiting Woods. Homeowners are reluctant to move and there are typically few listings available for sale in this highly desirable Glendale community. The neighborhood is very wooded and home to an abundance of protected sycamore and oak trees.

Pros and cons of Whiting Woods living:

Pros: quiet, peaceful neighborhood, hiking trail at the top of Mesa Lila, seasonal stream, La Crescenta schools Cons: keep pets away from coyotes

Location: S. of Honolulu East of Pennsylvania