10 Things to Know Before Moving to Burbank, CA
Burbank, a city about 13 miles north of Downtown Los Angeles, is located in the eastern part of the San Fernando Valley. Many film, TV, and animation studios call this area home, which is perhaps why it is so well-known. In addition to the main industries, a wide variety of ancillary businesses, such as post-production studios, craft service providers, and so on, are located there as well.
Many people are considering making Burbank their permanent home because of the pleasant weather, high quality of life, and abundance of employment options. Let’s talk about ten things to know before moving to Burbank, CA!
1. There are only two major seasons
While every day in Burbank is picture-perfect, the months of July and August may get quite hot. Average highs in July and August are 87 degrees and 88 degrees, respectively, with average lows of 62 degrees. The humidity level is low, which makes things a little better. December and January are the coolest months, with average highs of 67 degrees and 68 degrees and lows of 41 degrees and 42 degrees, respectively
The rainiest months in Burbank are January and February, with an average of 17.35 inches of precipitation per year. Burbank isn’t the best place to live if you want to experience each of the four seasons. There are only two distinct seasons: hot and dry summers and mild somehow rainy winters.
2. There’s the risk of wildfires
Even though Burbank enjoys mostly pleasant weather, the area has made the news quite a few times in recent years. Climate warming is making natural disasters like earthquakes and wildfires more likely.
Wildfires are less of a concern in the central business district, but those living in the foothills and on the outskirts should still be prepared. Wildfires have devastated the region once and again in the past decade.
3. Get a job in the media or IT industry
The unemployment rate here is 5.7%, which is quite higher than the national average of 3.6%. However, over the next decade, employment is expected to expand by 31.76 percent in Burbank. So, hopefully, things are looking out better.
The top five industries are the film and television industry, healthcare and social assistance, information technology, the retail sector, and the airline industry. The City of Burbank, the Burbank Unified School District, the City of Burbank Government, Deluxe Entertainment Services Group, American Broadcasting Company, and Warner Bros. are the main employers in Burbank.
4. Attend Woodbury University in this city
There are three secondary schools, three junior highs, and eleven elementary schools that make up the Burbank Unified School District, which serves the students of Burbank. In general, greatschools.org has very positive things to say about Burbank schools. There is a 9 out of 10 score for Theodore Roosevelt Elementary, and all the schools in the area received a perfect score of 10 in the Quality of Education category.
Burbank is home to a single four-year institution, Woodbury University, but there are a lot of other institutions of higher learning in the surrounding area. Occidental College is in the Eagle Rock area close to Pasadena, while the other two major universities in the area (USC and UCLA) are in Los Angeles. Two-year institutions near Burbank include the Glendale Community College and Pasadena City College, both of which are quite good to get an associate degree.
5. Have fun outdoors at Griffith Park or Verdugo Park and Recreation Center
Verdugo Park and Recreation Center has a pool and water slides, perfect for a family outing during the hot summer months. Johnny Carson Park, Verdugo Mountain Park, La Tuna Canyon Park, and Wildwood Canyon Park are just a few of the many well-maintained parks in the city. An outdoor ice rink is available at Ralph Foy Park during the winter months, thanks to the LA Kings Burbank Sports Center.
In the sprawling Griffith Park, which is on the southeastern border of Burbank, you can enjoy a round of golf, a visit to the world-famous Los Angeles Zoo, equestrian activities at the Los Angeles Equestrian Center, several walking trails, or a visit to the world-famous Griffith Observatory.
6. Living here costs 92% higher than the national average
With a cost of living index of 192, Burbank has a much higher cost of living than the rest of the United States. The good news is that the area’s average and median earnings are higher than the national average as well, putting it on par with other cities in terms of pay. The city’s average annual home income is $134,574.
The city’s median home price is $1,093,195, and a new resident might expect to pay anywhere from $1,300 for a studio apartment to $4,000 for a larger unit or a house.
7. Traffic gets bad during rush hours
Getting about Burbank is a lot like driving around the infamous LA long traffic lines. Knowing alternative routes is helpful for drivers in Burbank to avoid the delays that often occur during rush hour.
Around 6 a.m., morning traffic begins to increase, peaking around 9 a.m. At four o’clock, rush hour begins and lasts until well beyond seven o’clock. During peak times, commuting times for some residents can increase by as much as an hour. If you are not a big fan of podcasts and audio books, maybe you should consider somewhere further away from LA.
8. Get around the city on The BurbankBus or Metro Micro.
Although driving is the standard here, the public transit system in Burbank is another option for getting around town. City buses, METRO Rail and bus service, Metrolink, taxis, and rideshares are all viable alternatives.
The BurbankBus, the city’s bus system, operates nonstop on three routes (the Green, Orange, and Pink lines) across Burbank. Currently, all Burbank residents have access to a reasonably close BurbankBus route.
There are numerous choices for locals looking to join a rideshare network. The city’s Metro service provides a popular rideshare option called Metro Micro.
9. Eat at Portos’ Bakery & Café or Castaway
If you want to try real Californian food, Burbank has several great options.
Portos’ Bakery & Café is a family-owned bakery, serving guava pastries, potato rolls, and other traditional treats. Castaway is also a popular restaurant with stunning views over Burbank and a menu that changes with the seasons.
Paperback Brewing is a local brewery that sells craft beers for on-the-go or in-house consumption. Burgers, sandwiches, and snacks are available at Brews Brothers Brewpub, along with a broad variety of beers, ciders, and wines.
10. Have a great night out at Flapper’s Comedy Club and Restaurant or The Story Tavern
Burbank is home to an abundance of intriguing venues, perfect for those in search of lively nightlife. Diners and theatergoers alike can enjoy a night out at Flapper’s Comedy Club and Restaurant, where the hilarious acts never stop. The Chained Rabbit Craft Pub is a watering hole that serves specialty drinks and gourmet bar snacks.
The Story Tavern, open since 2012, is an integral part of Burbank’s nightlife; The Blue Room serves up some of the best cocktails in town; and the iHeartRadio Theater is frequently the site of concerts and other musical events.
Final Thoughts
Living in Burbank is ideal because of the pleasant climate, vibrant nightlife, and proximity to beautiful beaches. Although the city has a higher cost of living than many other parts of the country, and it has some traffic problems, it’s a terrific place to live because of the abundance of high-paying jobs and pleasant weather that lasts for most of the year.
