Adams Hill, Glendale, CA

Adams Hill in Glendale is the hilly southeast corner of the city, where streets climb toward views of the Verdugo and San Gabriel Mountains and, on clear days, the downtown Los Angeles skyline. Forest Lawn's grounds sit along the southern edge, which keeps that side green and quiet. Houses step up and down the slopes in a mix of Mediterranean, Craftsman and Mission Revival styles, with small bungalows on the lower streets and larger view homes near the top. Apartments cluster along Glendale Avenue and Chevy Chase Drive. Compared with the flat, dense blocks of Tropico to the west, the neighborhood feels more tucked away. Adams Square is the small village center, and Adams Square Mini Park and nearby Palmer Park give the neighborhood its playgrounds and picnic lawns. Hill streets make good walking loops for anyone who likes a climb. Forest Lawn itself holds a museum with rotating art exhibits and a set of small chapels on its grounds. Kafn Coffee on Palmer Avenue is the neighborhood cafe, a calm spot with seasonal drinks, and Palmer Market sits next door. Art's Bakery on Chevy Chase Drive is the pastry and bread stop. Down on South Glendale Avenue, Hamlet's Kitchen is cash only and turns out kebabs critics rank among the best in town, with sidewalk tables. Daily errands happen along Glendale Avenue and Chevy Chase Drive, with small markets, a library connection branch at Adams Square and bigger stores a short drive away. Getting around the upper hill really does need a car, since streets are steep and winding, and some narrow blocks struggle with parking. From the upper streets of Adams Hill, the Verdugos turn gold in the evening, and on clear winter days the San Gabriels carry snow.