Crescenta Highlands

Crescenta Highlands is a nice middle class neighborhood at the far north of Glendale. It is much like a slightly cleaner version of the same kind of neighborhood that you can find throughout the San Fernando Valley—nice 1950’s styles Ranch style houses on nice well kept lots. Nothing outstanding about it—but still quite pleasant.

There are several good schools in this long strip of neighborhood. Dunsmore Elementary is the local public school, and receives top marks from parent ratings. It stands adjacent to St. James Catholic Church, which runs the well regarded St. James’ elementary, a strong religious school. Clark Magnet High School is just two blocks from these schools, with its strong focus on robotics and science, it is a great school for scientifically gifted teens. (Though there are complaints about its arts programs.) Valley View Elementary and Verdugo Acadamy are also in the neighborhood, both receiving similar feedback—for the most part—as Dunsmore. And these are only some of the schools in the area. The point of this being that this is a very family oriented neighborhood with lots of educational choices for parents.

In addition, there are a handful of parks in the neighborhood as well. Not only do you have Brand Park at the southern border and the Los Angeles National Forest at the far north, but within the neighborhood you will find a number of fine parks. South of the 210 Freeway is Crescenta Park, a great community gathering place with year round programs for kids and teens. North of the freeway there is the tiny New York Park (the latitudinal streets are state themed on the eastern end of the neighborhood) and the activity heavy Dunsmore Park near the elementary by the same name has courts of all kinds and a baseball field to boot.

Along ugly Foothill Blvd. you will find all the usual fast food and grocery needs you could want. There are even a few Thai Places and Mexican Restaurants and even a few night spots. Whisperz is a classic dive bar type joint with darts and the whole deal.

You can also have your choice of Christian churches in the neighborhood—everything from St. James’ Catholic to Lutheran and Methodist Churches. The neighborhood has a strong religious tradition (about half of the population votes Republican based on religious grounds a apparently). This is very different from the Glendale neighborhoods just to south where politically they are three quarters Democratic voters in the last three elections.

All in all, a very standard neighborhood with lots of educational and religious choices but not a lot to draw outsiders on a weekend.