Glendale, California, is located in Los Angeles County, adjacent to Burbank and Pasadena. It is located in the Verdugo Hills, at the southeastern end of the San Fernando Valley. The city was created as a result of six individuals contributing land to form a 150-acre townsite, which was named Glendale. The townsite was platted, filed, and recorded with the County Recorder as the Town of Glendale in 1887. The city was incorporated on February 15, 1906, and by 1920, it had grown to over 7,000 acres through nine annexations.
Glendale started as an agrarian settlement and has grown into a major urban center over time. As the city's physical appearance has changed, over 120 registered historic properties have been preserved to help chart the community's development. The city has a complex history, including its past as a sundown town, where Black people were not allowed to stay after sunset. In 2020, Glendale became the first city in California and the third in the nation to pass a resolution apologizing for this history of racial exclusion, which was shepherded by Black in Glendale and other advocacy groups.
Glendale is also home to a significant Armenian-American community, with Armenians making up around 40% of the population. The city is also home to Glendale Community College, which is one of California's largest two-year colleges and enjoys a statewide reputation for excellence.
Things to Do in Glendaleā¦
Glendale is known as the "Jewel City of the Verdugos" It is known for its picturesque views of the surrounding mountains, thriving businesses, beautiful parks and libraries, reputation for safety, and outstanding schools. It is also home to several attractions that are worth visiting, including:
Forest Lawn Memorial Park: Forest Lawn Memorial Park is a popular tourist attraction in Glendale, California. The park is a cemetery that provides a peaceful and serene environment for visitors. It is a great place to visit if you are interested in history and want to pay your respects to those who have passed away.
The Americana at Brand: The Americana at Brand is Glendale's iconic retail shopping complex. It combines upscale brand names, trendy dining, and an 18-screen cinema. The complex also features a trolley system that transports guests and over 200 condominiums. Additionally, there is a two-acre public park facility at the center of the complex that offers a great place to relax and enjoy the outdoors.
Brand Park: Brand Park is a hidden gem in Glendale that offers a range of activities for visitors to enjoy. The park has hiking trails, a lake, picnic areas, baseball fields, an amphitheater, a children's wading pool, and more. It is a great place to spend a day or a weekend with the family, and the park's visitor center is an excellent resource for park history.
Brand Boulevard: Brand Boulevard is a bustling mini-mecca of cafes, shops, and culture, including the Museum of Neon Art. The museum is known as MONA and is a visually stimulating collection of some of the most famous L.A.-based neon signs, including the famous Brown Derby Restaurant. This is a great place for those interested in art and history.
Verdugo Park: Verdugo Park is another popular tourist attraction in Glendale, California. The park offers a great place to explore and enjoy the outdoors and is a great destination for history lovers.
Doctors House Victorian Museum: The Doctors House Victorian Museum is a one-of-a-kind attraction for history lovers. The museum presents fun exhibits visitors can explore to learn more about the city's history. Glendale Galleria: While there might not be top attractions in Verdugo Viejo, visitors can explore the larger area and discover places like Glendale Galleria and Americana at Brand. The Glendale Galleria is a popular shopping destination worth visiting if you want unique shopping experiences.
Armenian Immigration
Armenian immigration to Glendale, California, began in the late 19th century, with the first Armenian families settling in the Los Angeles area. According to, the first Armenian in Los Angeles arrived around 1900. However, immigration to the city did not significantly impact its social fabric until the 1970s, when Armenians from the Middle East and other parts of the world began to migrate to the U.S. due to political instability and socio-economic reasons.
Today, the Armenian community in Glendale constitutes a demographic majority, with approximately 40% of the population being of Armenian descent. This concentration of Armenians in Glendale has earned the city the title of the world's most demographically concentrated Armenian diasporic hub.
Armenians have played a significant role in transforming Glendale from a homogenous sundown town of the 1950s into a culturally diverse and economically booming urban center. The history of the Armenian community in Glendale is situated in a complex matrix of international, national, and local events, as described in. Despite its many contributions to Los Angeles, the complex history of the Armenian community remains largely untold and absent from academic print.
The Future of Glendale
It is difficult to predict the future of any city with certainty. However, the information suggests that Glendale, California, is taking steps toward a sustainable and economically stable future. The city has an economic development department focused on attracting, retaining, and assisting businesses. They are also working towards electrifying the city, which will help reduce carbon emissions and improve residents' health.
The city has also committed to addressing its history of racial exclusion by becoming the first city in California to apologize for its history as a sundown town. Additionally, the city is working towards modernizing its housing elements to create a vibrant and sustainable future.
The population of Glendale was 199,357 in 2020, with a median household income of $70,596. The city offers an urban-suburban mixed feel, with many amenities such as bars, restaurants, coffee shops, and parks. Many young professionals live in Glendale, and residents tend to rent their homes. There has been a 31% growth in unique rental units in the last year, indicating a possible trend toward short-term rentals.
Finally, Glendale also has access to exceptional cancer care through the City of Hope facility, providing residents with the latest treatments close to home. The city of Glendale is working towards a sustainable, economically stable, and inclusive future, with a growing population and access to exceptional healthcare.