21 Things You Should Know Before Moving to Burbank, California

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People from all over the world dream of moving to Los Angeles to pursue their dreams of winning an Oscar or never shoveling snow again. What’s stopping them? For many, it’s the tortuous commute times to work and the congestion of city life. If you’re looking for the experience of living in Los Angeles without having to pay for parking every time you leave the house, Burbank may be the perfect place to call home.

1. Welcome to Beautiful Downtown Burbank.

Burbank_media_district_along_SR_134
Junkyardsparkle, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons

Burbank residents are known to call their 34-block town center “Beautiful Downtown Burbank,” but many don’t know why they do. Legend has it, the expression originated on Rowan and Martin’s Laugh-In – a television series that premiered on NBC (another Burbank native) in 1968. Local postcards scooped up the phrase and redefined the city. Today, Beautiful Downtown Burbank is packed with over 300 shops, restaurants, businesses, and as their website proudly boasts… over 9,000 parking spaces.

2. Work in the industry.

Every day, thousands of entertainment industry professionals brave the commute from Los Angeles to Burbank, dodging bumper-to-bumper traffic and a nightmarish 101. With Warner Bros, NBC, ABC, and The Walt Disney Company all located in Burbank, your commute to your fancy industry job is just a few minutes away. Fulfill your dreams of making it big in the industry without having to face LA traffic. Your coworkers from over the hill may enjoy the better nightlife, but you’re saving 10 hours a week (and quite a bit on gas!)

3. The weather is almost as good as LA’s.

Sure, it’s colder than LA in the winter and hotter in the summer, but there’s no such thing as snow or humidity, so get over it.

4. Wonder where the Wonder Years house is?

You probably don’t, but here’s the address anyway: 516 University Ave, Burbank.

5. Where Big Boy still exists.

Hop back in time—or a chapter of “The Perks of Being a Wallflower”—to the historic Big Boy, originator of the double-decker hamburger. Built in 1949, Burbank’s Big Boy is the oldest existing Big Boy Burger. Don’t miss Friday nights, when the parking lot turns into a 150+ car show, where Jay Leno is known to show off his shiny collection.

6.The kids will love it.

Living so close to so many industry studios has its perks – especially for kids. Universal Studio’s theme park is fun for you and them, and The Warner Brothers and Walt Disney studios both offer tours for kids. Kids can also advance their skills in gymnastics and horseback riding without ever leaving Burbank.

7. Catch some starlight.

There aren’t many stars to look at in Los Angeles County, but that doesn’t mean you can’t appreciate picnicking under them with a live concert. No, you won’t catch Led Zeppelin at the Starlight Bowl, but cover band Led Zepagain guarantees a 60’s & 70’s rock experience the whole family can enjoy.

8. Hike all year long.

The weather is perfect just about every day of the year in Southern California, so why not get outdoors? The Stough Canyon Nature Center and Wildwood Canyon Park are both located in Burbank and offer spectacular views of the region’s natural beauty.

9. The World’s First and Only Martial Arts Museum is Here

Kung_Fu_Weaponry_at_the_Martial_Arts_History_Museum
NKreuzer, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The Martial Arts History Museum in Burbank was designed by artists who worked for Walt Disney Productions, DreamWorks, The Simpsons, and more. It may sound super-niche, but just about anyone can appreciate Samurai warriors and Filipino dancers in this unique cultural center.

10. Eat fresh (No, not at Subway).

With over 25 years of service, The Burbank Farmers’ Market is one of the longest-running in Los Angeles. This mid-sized market offers high quality produce, organic dairy, grass-fed meats, and specialty breads every Saturday from 8am-12:30 pm. As with all great things about Burbank, parking is not only available, but FREE!

11. The sounds of Burbank.

Czech_Philharmonic_Orchestra
Jarba, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The Burbank Philharmonic Orchestra has been gracing the Burbank stage for over a quarter of a century. Support local artists and this nonprofit organization with their monthly (and very often FREE) events.

12.The award for best coffee in Burbank goes to…

Romancing the Bean Cafe! Located in the heart of up-and-coming Magnolia Park, this family-owned gem serves up lattes and farm-fresh fare to the vibrant local community. With so many industry professionals in the neighborhood, there’s a good chance the person sitting next to you is writing the next Academy Award-winning screenplay (or some nonsense about space ninjas).

13. Magnolia Park? Call it Brooklyn West

Or don’t… because all of your friends will hate you. While LA’s hipster population tends to migrate to Silverlake and Echo Park, there’s something very cool and funky happening in Burbank’s Magnolia Park. Sandwiched between Buena Vista Street and Hollywood Way, this 1920’s neighborhood boasts a Brooklyn-esque selection of retro retailers, including Atomic Records, Mindfulnest, Playclothes (once frequented by Mad Men’s costume designers), Pinup Girl Clothing, and throwback candy shop Rocket Fizz.

14. Ladies & Gents Welcome

Every last Friday of the month from 6-9 pm, food trucks line Magnolia Park, and local businesses open their doors to the local community with special deals and free wine. They call it Ladies & Gents Night Out, and it’s a great way to support local businesses while getting to know your neighbors.

15. You don’t have to live in LA to enjoy the view.

Nestled in the San Fernando Hills, Castaway Restaurant offers one of the best views of LA in the area (no hiking necessary!). Customers rave about the weekend brunch and stop by Happy Hour as often as possible for 50% off the select fare.

16. In Burbank, you don’t have to dress up to go bowling.

LA has a weird problem where you have to dress up and drink overpriced cocktails to go bowling in swanky bowling venues. In Burbank, you can bowl the way you did as a kid: in jeans and with artery-clogging fried foods. Pickwick Bowl offers a no-frills full-service bar (isn’t that what you really want at a bowling alley?) and Friday & Saturday night dance club bowling.

17. You’ll see people riding horses down the street. 

The Rancho Sierra Vista Equestrian Center offers a little something for everyone who’s ever loved horses.

18. When in Southern California… Get in shape!

Southern California is known for its wealth of fit bodies. Fortunately for Burbankians, you don’t have to join a gym to get in shape. The Burbank Tennis Center offers community classes and recreational court time to locals.

19. Time to get crafty.

Think you have what it takes to design a float for the Rose Bowl? Burbank Tournament of Roses Association invites you to give it a try!

20. Burbank takes recycling seriously.

And you should too! Burbank’s Recycle Center makes it easy to recycle responsibly, with a wealth of informative resources and electronics recycling Monday – Friday (On behalf of Burbank and the rest of the world: please stop throwing your batteries in the trash!)

21. Estately makes finding a home for sale in Burbank simple.

Whether you’re interested in relocating to Southern California for professional opportunities or daily beach trips, Burbank offers a suburban retreat in easy commuting distance from the best of LA (did we mention free parking?). Move here, and you’ll wonder why anyone lives on the other side of the mountain (see: free parking). Find your future Burbank home by exploring the local real estate listings on Estately.com.

Lynn Maleh