Glendale 72 Excellent
Glendale Livability #197 ranked city in California#6,319 ranked city in the USARanks better than 78% of areas
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Glendale, CA - The Jewel City

Glendale, CA, known as "The Jewel City," offers a vibrant urban lifestyle with a rich cultural heritage. Located in Los Angeles County, Glendale is approximately 10 miles north of downtown Los Angeles and 15 miles west of Pasadena. This medium-sized city is known for its excellent shopping, dining, and entertainment options, making it a desirable place to live.

Glendale's climate features hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters, perfect for enjoying outdoor activities year-round. The city boasts numerous parks and recreational areas, such as Brand Park and Verdugo Park, which offer hiking trails, sports facilities, and picnic areas. The nearby Verdugo Mountains provide additional opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts.

The cultural scene in Glendale is diverse and dynamic, with attractions like the Alex Theatre, the Museum of Neon Art, and the Glendale Centre Theatre. The city hosts a variety of events and festivals throughout the year, including the Glendale International Film Festival and the Montrose Arts & Crafts Festival, which draw visitors and residents alike.

Education is a priority in Glendale, with the Glendale Unified School District offering quality education to its students. The city is also home to Glendale Community College, which provides higher education opportunities. Additionally, Glendale's proximity to major universities in Los Angeles, such as UCLA and USC, enhances its appeal as an educational hub.

Living in Glendale combines the benefits of urban living with a strong sense of community. Residents enjoy access to top-notch healthcare facilities, diverse dining options, and a range of housing choices. The city's efficient public transportation system, including buses and the Metrolink, makes commuting and exploring the area convenient. With its cultural richness, excellent amenities, and strategic location, Glendale offers a fulfilling and dynamic living experience.

Pros and Cons of Living in Glendale

PROS
  • Amenities Amenities

    The area boasts an ample array of local amenities, such as restaurants, entertainment options, grocery stores and parks, all conveniently located within walking distance.

  • Commute Commute

    A high commute score suggests convenient, easy access to public transportation, with shorter-than-average work commute times to work.

  • Employment Employment

    This area excels in the employment category with a score well above average, primarily due to the higher median home income, per capita income and low unemployment rates.

  • Schools Schools

    The schools category boasts a high score thanks to factors like excellent test scores, impressive graduation rates and the convenient placement of elementary and high schools in this area.

CONS
  • Cost Of Living Cost Of Living

    The cost of living in this area is notably high, making it a more expensive place to live. You'll find higher expenses for everyday goods and services, housing and groceries.

What's it like Living in Glendale?

Glendale, California is a highly populated city with a population of 204,037 inhabitants. In Glendale, there are 6,705 people per square mile, which is well above the national population density average. If we take a look at the last Census, the vast majority of the population falls within one racial group (74% White). Given that fact, Glendale could be considered less diverse than other cities. On a daily basis, the typical American spends approximately 26 minutes on their one-way work commute. Reduced travel times not only contributes to increased overall happiness, but also affords more opportunities to cherish moments with family and friends. If you're living in Glendale, your commute time will align closely with the national average, spanning a one-way duration of approximately 28 minutes.

Whether you’re relocating to a new city to be closer to family, friends or for a new job, living in Glendale could be a positive experience compared to other cities in California if you know where to search. Don't forget to determine what matters most to you in a neighborhood. Consider factors such as safety, proximity to work or school, access to amenities (like parks, fitness facilities, grocery stores, restaurants), public transportation options, community atmosphere and the overall vibe you're looking for. The best areas in Glendale and in surrounding cities are easier to find when you are able to make informed decisions. Using data from crime, cost of living, commute, employment, housing, you will see a detailed breakdown of the most important information as well as comparisons to the California and national averages.

With a livability score of 73 out of 100, Glendale is ranked #4,732 in the United States and #159 in California. If we probe a little deeper into each category within the livability score, we see that Glendale has higher than average grades for the following: crime (B+), education (B+) and employment (B). Unfortunately for Glendale, there are some categories for which it does not score well, this includes: cost of living (F).

If you're living in Glendale, you can expect to enjoy a multitude of local amenities, mostly thanks to the strategic placement of essential services such as grocery stores, restaurants, coffee shops, parks and various shops. If you're contemplating a move to this locale with the intent of establishing it as your permanent residence, you'll be pleased to find an extensive array of amenities and recreational opportunities within easy reach, either on foot or via a brief commute. This wealth of accessible amenities not only enhances the livability of the area but also ensures that you can enjoy a rich and fulfilling lifestyle, making Glendale an attractive destination for those seeking a vibrant and well-served community to call home. A few of the enjoyable things to experience and sights to see are: The Americana at Brand, Forest Lawn Memorial Park, and Glendale Galleria.

There are many factors that go into deciding if an area is the right fit for your lifestyle. Certain “must haves” like low crime, great schools and nearby amenities are all at the top of most people's lists. But before even considering if those options are attainable, we'll need to know if the real estate in Glendale is actually affordable. Median real estate prices in Glendale come in at $1,479,260, which is 102.2% higher than the California average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Glendale, the home price to income ratio is 14, which is 81.8% higher than the California average.

Best Places to Live in and Around Glendale

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      Glendale transportation information

      Statistic Glendale California National
      Average one way commute28min28min26min
      Workers who drive to work74.8%73.5%76.4%
      Workers who carpool5.8%10.6%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit2.9%5.2%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle0.4%1.1%0.6%
      Workers who walk3.5%2.7%2.8%
      Working from home10.7%5.4%4.6%
      Source: The Glendale, CA data and statistics displayed above are derived from the United States Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS) and include 2026 modeled data developed using proprietary methodologies.