Moving to Glendale CA: Pros and Cons You Should Know

If you're considering a move to the Los Angeles area, Glendale probably came up in your research. It's close to LA, has good schools, offers a mix of urban and suburban vibes, and sits right next to Burbank—another popular choice for families and professionals.

But is Glendale the right fit for you?

As a Realtor who works with clients in both Burbank and Glendale, I'm going to give you the honest breakdown: the pros, the cons, and who Glendale is best for.

What Is Glendale?

Glendale is a mid-sized city in Los Angeles County with a population of about 200,000. It sits in the southeastern San Fernando Valley, bordered by Burbank to the west, Pasadena to the east, and Griffith Park to the south.

Key facts:

• Size: About 30 square miles (larger than Burbank)

• Population: ~200,000 (twice the size of Burbank)

• Vibe: More urban than Burbank, with a mix of residential neighborhoods, high-rise buildings, and commercial areas

• Known for: The Americana at Brand, diverse communities, proximity to downtown LA

Glendale has a strong Armenian-American community (about 40% of the population), which influences the city's culture, dining, and business scene. It's more diverse and urban than Burbank, but still family-friendly and relatively safe.

THE PROS OF MOVING TO GLENDALE

Let's start with what makes Glendale appealing.

1. More Affordable Than Burbank (Slightly)

Median home price in Glendale: ~$1 million. Median home price in Burbank: ~$1.1 million

Glendale is about 5-10% cheaper than Burbank on average. You'll find more inventory under $1M in Glendale, which matters if you're trying to stay within a budget.

Rent is also slightly cheaper:

• 1-bedroom apartment: $2,100-$2,700/month (vs. $2,200-$2,800 in Burbank)

• 2-bedroom apartment: $2,700-$3,400/month (vs. $2,800-$3,500 in Burbank)

It's not a huge difference, but it adds up over time.

2. More Inventory and Options

Glendale is bigger than Burbank, which means more homes come on the market more frequently. You'll have more options across different price points, styles, and neighborhoods.

If you're frustrated by limited inventory in Burbank, Glendale gives you more to choose from.

3. Excellent Dining and Cultural Diversity

Glendale's dining scene is outstanding, especially if you like Armenian, Middle Eastern, Persian, and Mediterranean food.

Standout restaurants:

• Elena's Greek Armenian (traditional Armenian food)

• Raffi's Place (Armenian/Mediterranean)

• Carousel (Middle Eastern, excellent mezze)

• Mini Kabob (Persian food)

• Porto's Bakery (Cuban pastries—yes, there's one in Glendale too)

The cultural diversity makes Glendale feel more international than Burbank. If you're moving from a diverse city or want access to authentic international cuisine, Glendale delivers.

4. The Americana at Brand

The Americana is an outdoor shopping and entertainment complex with:

• High-end stores (Apple, Nordstrom, Louis Vuitton, etc.)

• Restaurants (Katsuya, Cheesecake Factory, In-N-Out, etc.)

• Movie theater

• Open-air design with a central fountain and trolley

It's polished, well-maintained, and popular with families. If you like walkable, upscale shopping and dining, the Americana is a major draw.

Burbank has nothing quite like it. Downtown Burbank has shopping and restaurants, but the Americana is a step above in terms of scale and aesthetics.

5. Central Location for Commuting

Glendale's location makes it convenient for commuting in multiple directions:

• To Downtown LA: 15-25 minutes (depending on traffic)

• To Pasadena: 15-20 minutes

• To Burbank (studios): 10-15 minutes

• To West Hollywood: 25-30 minutes

If you work in downtown LA or Pasadena, Glendale is often more convenient than Burbank.

6. Good Schools

Glendale Unified School District is solid. It's not quite at Burbank's level on average test scores, but it's still well above California state averages.

Top-rated Glendale schools:

• Cerritos Elementary (highly rated)

• Rosemont Middle School (strong programs)

• Glendale High School (solid academics, diverse programs)

If schools are important but not your #1 priority, Glendale will meet your needs.

7. Parks and Outdoor Activities

Glendale has 30+ parks, including:

• Brand Park (walking trails, Japanese garden, historic mansion)

• Deukmejian Wilderness Park (hiking, mountain biking, views)

• Verdugo Park (shared with Burbank—playground, sports fields)

Glendale also borders Griffith Park, one of the largest urban parks in the US, with hiking trails, the Griffith Observatory, and the LA Zoo.

If you like outdoor activities, Glendale gives you plenty of options.

THE CONS OF MOVING TO GLENDALE

Now let's talk about the downsides.

1. More Urban, Less Community Feel

Glendale is bigger and busier than Burbank. It feels more like a small city than a tight-knit community.

What this means:

• You're less likely to know your neighbors

• Fewer community events and local festivals

• More traffic and noise in commercial areas

• Less of the "small-town" charm you find in Burbank's Magnolia Park or Rancho neighborhoods

If you want a strong sense of community, Burbank is the better choice.

2. More Traffic and Congestion

Glendale's major roads (Brand Boulevard, Glendale Avenue, Colorado Street) can be heavily congested, especially during rush hour.

Burbank has traffic too, but Glendale feels busier and more crowded overall.

If you're sensitive to traffic and prefer quieter streets, Burbank might be a better fit.

3. Schools Rank Slightly Lower Than Burbank

Glendale Unified School District is good, but Burbank Unified consistently ranks higher on test scores, graduation rates, and parent reviews.

If schools are your #1 priority, Burbank has the edge.

That said, Glendale's top schools (Roosevelt Elementary, Woodrow Wilson Middle, Glendale High) are still excellent. It's not a dealbreaker—just something to consider.

4. Less Walkability in Residential Areas

While downtown Glendale and the Americana are walkable, most residential neighborhoods in Glendale are car-dependent.

Burbank has walkable pockets like Magnolia Park and Downtown Burbank. Glendale's residential areas feel more spread out and less pedestrian-friendly.

If walkability matters to you, Burbank offers more options.

5. Slightly Higher Crime Than Burbank

Glendale is safe overall, but it has slightly higher property crime rates than Burbank.

Crime comparison:

• Burbank: One of the safest cities in LA County

• Glendale: Safe, but not quite as safe as Burbank

Both cities are safe for families. Burbank just has a slight edge.

6. Fewer Entertainment Industry Connections

If you work in entertainment, Burbank is closer to Warner Bros., Disney, and other studios. Glendale is 10-15 minutes farther.

It's not a huge difference, but if you're in the industry and want to minimize commute time, Burbank is more convenient.

Who Should Move to Glendale?

Glendale is a great fit for:

Buyers on a tighter budget. If you're looking for homes under $1M, Glendale has more inventory than Burbank.

People who work in downtown LA or Pasadena. Glendale's location makes commuting easier.

Foodies and culture seekers. If you love international cuisine and cultural diversity, Glendale delivers.

Families who want good (but not top-tier) schools. Glendale Unified is solid, but not as highly ranked as Burbank.

People who like urban energy. If you want more restaurants, shopping, and activity, Glendale feels more bustling than Burbank.

Who Should Choose Burbank Instead?

Burbank is a better fit for:

Families who prioritize schools. Burbank Unified ranks higher overall.

People who want a strong community feel. Burbank has more local events, neighborhood camaraderie, and small-town charm.

Entertainment industry professionals. Burbank is closer to the studios.

People who value walkability. Burbank has more walkable neighborhoods (Magnolia Park, Downtown Burbank).

Safety-conscious buyers. Burbank is one of the safest cities in LA County.

Glendale vs. Burbank: Side-by-Side Comparison

Category	Glendale	Burbank
Median Home Price	$1M	$1.1M
Rent (1-bedroom)	$2,100-$2,700	$2,200-$2,800
Schools	Good (above CA avg)	Excellent (top-rated)
Safety	Safe	Very safe (top-ranked)
Walkability	Downtown + Americana	Magnolia Park + Downtown
Dining Diversity	Excellent	Good
Community Feel	Urban, diverse	Tight-knit, suburban
Commute to DTLA	15-25 min	20-30 min
Commute to Studios	10-15 min	5-15 min

Winner: Depends on your priorities. Glendale wins on affordability and diversity. Burbank wins on schools, safety, and community.

Best Glendale Neighborhoods for Families

If you're moving to Glendale with kids, here are the top neighborhoods:

1. Sparr Heights

Why it's great: Quiet, residential, larger lots, top-rated schools (Cerritos Elementary) Price range: $1.2M-$2M+

2. Rossmoyne

Why it's great: Tree-lined streets, walkable to shops, safe, family-friendlyPrice range: $1M-$1.8M

3. Brockmont

Why it's great: Hillside location, views, quiet, good schoolsPrice range: $1.1M-$2M

4. Verdugo Woodlands

Why it's great: Close to parks, hiking, family-oriented, safePrice range: $900K-$1.5M

Things to Do in Glendale

If you move to Glendale, here's what you'll have access to:

Dining: Excellent Armenian, Middle Eastern, Persian, and Mediterranean restaurants

Shopping: The Americana at Brand, downtown Glendale, Glendale Galleria

Outdoor activities: Deukmejian Wilderness Park (hiking), Brand Park (walking, gardens), Griffith Park (nearby)

Entertainment: Movie theaters, comedy clubs, live music venues

Proximity to LA: 15-20 minutes to downtown LA, Hollywood, Griffith Observatory

Final Thoughts: Should You Move to Glendale?

Glendale is a solid choice if you're looking for:

• Slightly lower home prices than Burbank

• More inventory and options

• Diverse dining and cultural experiences

• Central location for commuting to downtown LA or Pasadena

  
  

But if schools, community feel, and walkability are your top priorities, Burbank might be a better fit.

Both cities are excellent. The right choice depends on your budget, lifestyle, and what matters most to you.

If you're trying to decide between Glendale and Burbank—or you're ready to start your home search—let's talk. I know both markets inside and out, and I can help you find the right home in the right city.

Michelle Crochet

Realtor | eXp Realty of Greater Los Angeles

DRE #02099298

📞 (818) 688-2062✉️ mc@magnoliagroupla.com