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Alhambra, CA

Frequently asked questions

Alhambra, CA

Alhambra is a city located in the western San Gabriel Valley region of Los Angeles County, California, United States, approximately eight miles from the Downtown Los Angeles Civic Center. It was incorporated on July 11, 1903. As of the 2020 census, the population was 82,868. The city's ZIP Codes are 91801 and 91803 (plus 91802 for P.O. boxes).

Alhambra is bordered by South Pasadena on the northwest, San Marino on the north, San Gabriel on the east, Monterey Park on the south, and the Los Angeles districts of Monterey Hills and El Sereno on the west. The city has a total area of 7.6 square miles (20 km2), over 99% of which is land.

The original inhabitants of the land where Alhambra now sits are the Tongva.

The San Gabriel Mission was founded nearby on September 8, 1771, as part of the Spanish conquest and occupation of Alta California. The land that would later become Alhambra was part of a 300,000-acre land grant given to Manuel Nieto, a soldier from the Los Angeles Presidio. In 1820 Mexico won its independence from the Spanish crown and lands once ruled by them became part of the Mexican Republic. These lands then transferred into the hands of the United States following the defeat in the Mexican–American War. A wealthy developer, Benjamin Davis Wilson, married Ramona Yorba, daughter of Bernardo Yorba, who owned the land that would become Alhambra. With the persuasion of his daughter, Ruth, Yorba named the land after a book she was reading, Washington Irving's Tales of the Alhambra, which he was inspired to write by his extended visit to the Alhambra palace in Granada, Spain. Alhambra was founded as a suburb of Los Angeles that remained an unincorporated area during the mid-19th century. The first school in Alhambra was Ramona Convent Secondary School, built on hillside property donated by the prominent James de Barth Shorb family. Thirteen years before the city was incorporated, several prominent San Gabriel Valley families interested in the Catholic education of their daughters established the school in 1890. The city's first public high school, Alhambra High School, was established in 1898, five years before the city's incorporation. On July 11, 1903, the City of Alhambra was incorporated. The Alhambra Fire Department was established in 1906.

Alhambra is promoted as a "city of homes", and many of its homes have historical significance. They include styles such as craftsman, bungalow, Spanish Mediterranean, Spanish colonial, Italian beaux-arts, and arts and crafts. Twenty-six single-family residential areas have been designated historic neighborhoods by the city, including the Bean Tract (formerly owned by early resident Jacob Bean), the Midwick Tract (site of the former Midwick Country Club), the Airport Tract (formerly the landing pad for Alhambra Airport), and the Emery Park area. There are also a large number of condominiums, rental apartments, and mixed-use residential/commercial buildings, especially in the downtown area.

Alhambra emphasizes health and wellness. Explore the parks, facilities, and programs offered by the Alhambra’s Recreation and Community Services Department. These spaces provide opportunities for outdoor activities such as walking, jogging, sports, and picnicking. Join local fitness centers and gyms to participate in exercise programs, fitness classes, and strength training. Some popular options include Planet Fitness, Mission Fitness Center, and Fit Body Boot Camp. Discover the walking and biking trails in and around Alhambra, such as the Almansor Park Loop and the Ascot Hills Park. These trails offer opportunities for outdoor exercise and enjoyment of nature.

Top sites in Alhambra, CA are Almansor Park, Lacy Park, and Mission San Gabriel Arcángel.

Population: 80,279 (2024). ZIP codes: 91801−91803. Area codes: 626, 323. Elevation: 492 ft (150 m). Area: 7.6 square miles (20 km2)

FAQs

Is Alhambra, CA a good area?

Alhambra is in Los Angeles County and is one of the best places to live in California. Living in Alhambra offers residents an urban suburban mix feel and most residents rent their homes. In Alhambra, there are a lot of restaurants, coffee shops, and parks. Many young professionals live in Alhambra and residents tend to be liberal. The public schools in Alhambra are highly rated.

What is Alhambra, CA famous for?

Alhambra is promoted as a "city of homes", and many of its homes have historical significance. They include styles such as craftsman, bungalow, Spanish Mediterranean, Spanish colonial, Italian beaux-arts, and arts and crafts. Twenty-six single-family residential areas have been designated historic neighborhoods by the city, including the Bean Tract, the Midwick Tract, the Airport Tract, and the Emery Park area.

Is it expensive to live in Alhambra, CA?

The median home price in Alhambra is $800,000 with a median price per sqft of $610. The cost of living index for housing estimates the cost of housing in Alhambra to be 235.2% of the national average. This makes it one of the most expensive cities in the US.

Sources

Wikipedia

City of Alhambra

Alhambra’s Recreation and Community Services Department

Planet Fitness

Mission Fitness Center

Fit Body Boot Camp

Almansor Park Loop 

Ascot Hills Park

Almansor Park

Lacy Park

Mission San Gabriel Arcángel

Niche

Zero Down

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