Moving to Glendale from Los Angeles: What to Know Before You Move

Glendale is one of the most searched destinations for LA residents looking to reduce their housing costs without moving far. Just 8–12 miles from Hollywood and Downtown LA, Glendale offers a range of neighborhoods from the walkable density of Brand Boulevard to the quiet hillsides of Montecito Heights — often at rents 15–25% below comparable LA neighborhoods.

Glendale at a glance

Glendale is an independent city of about 200,000 in Los Angeles County, bordered by Burbank, Pasadena, and the Verdugos. It has its own city government, Glendale Water and Power (consistently lower rates than LADWP), and Glendale Unified School District. Like Burbank, being an independent city means faster city services and more local accountability than the sprawling City of LA provides.

The city has a large Armenian-American community — the largest outside Armenia — and a thriving Korean-American community in the Montrose area. This makes for an unusually diverse food scene for a smaller city, especially around Central Ave and Brand Blvd.

Glendale neighborhoods

Downtown Glendale (Brand Boulevard)

Walkable, dense, and surprisingly lively — Brand Boulevard has a real pedestrian scene with restaurants, the Americana at Brand mall, coffee shops, and nightlife. The Americana itself is outdoor-mall-walkable in a way that's uncommon in LA. Rents here are Glendale's highest: 1BR $2,100–$2,700/month.

Adams Hill / Chevy Chase Canyon

A hillside neighborhood with craftsman bungalows and mid-century homes, popular with young families and creatives. Views of downtown Glendale and easy access to the 2 freeway. 1BR rentals: $1,800–$2,200/month.

Montrose

The quietest and most residential part of Glendale — a small-town feeling shopping district on Honolulu Ave, large lots, and a strong community feel. Most inventory is single-family homes; 1BR apartments: $1,700–$2,000/month when available.

South Glendale (near Eagle Rock / Atwater)

The most affordable part of Glendale, bordering Atwater Village and Eagle Rock. Walkable to the LA River trail. Studio apartments from $1,400/month, 1BR from $1,700/month.

Moving costs: Los Angeles to Glendale

Most LA origins are 20–35 minutes from Glendale. Under California's double drive time rule, a 25-minute drive bills as 50 minutes of labor time.

Get a written quote for your LA to Glendale move.

What's different about living in Glendale vs. LA

Utilities: Glendale Water and Power rates are significantly lower than LADWP — a typical 1BR apartment pays $40–$70/month in electric vs. $80–$120 in comparable LA neighborhoods.
Traffic: The 134 and 2 freeways connect Glendale to Hollywood and DTLA, but both congest heavily during peak hours. Off-peak, most destinations in central LA are 20–30 minutes away.
Schools: Glendale Unified is rated above the state average and well above LAUSD overall. A meaningful factor for families with children.
Parking: Generally easier than dense LA neighborhoods, though downtown Glendale has paid parking structures. Residential areas are uncongested.
Community feel: Glendale has a stronger "neighborhood identity" than most LA communities its size — annual events, active city council engagement, and distinct neighborhood character that LA's size dilutes.

Practical tips for your move to Glendale

Many older Glendale apartment buildings have narrow access lanes and no freight elevator — confirm with your building manager before move day. The hillside areas (Adams Hill, Chevy Chase) can have tight streets and limited parking for moving trucks; Best Movers LA coordinates parking and access before the move. Most Glendale buildings don't require COIs, but downtown Brand Blvd high-rises do — we issue them within 24 hours at no charge.

Full LA moving cost & FAQ guide →