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Bell Gardens, CA

Frequently asked questions

Bell Gardens, CA

Bell Gardens is a city in the U.S. state of California in the Los Angeles metropolitan area. Located in Los Angeles County, the city's population was 42,072 at the 2010 census, down from 44,054 at the 2000 census. Bell Gardens is part of the Gateway Cities Region, a largely urbanized region located in southeastern Los Angeles County.

Bell Gardens is notable for being one of only six Los Angeles County cities (out of 88 total) to permit casino gambling and for being home to the oldest building in Los Angeles County.

Bell Gardens is named after James George Bell, an American businessman. The “Gardens” in its name derives from the many Japanese who, early in Bell Gardens’ existence, established vegetable gardens and rice fields. The adjacent city of Bell is also named after James George Bell.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 2.5 square miles (6.5 km2), over 99% of it land. Bell Gardens is bordered by Bell and Cudahy on the west, Commerce on the north and northeast, Downey on the southeast, and South Gate on the southwest. The city is about 10 miles (16 km) southeast of Downtown Los Angeles. 

The area of Bell Gardens has a history dating back thousands of years. The Tongva established settlements in the area, including the village of Chokishgna. The village prospered until the arrival of the Spanish, after which it came under the influence of Mission San Gabriel in 1771.

In the late 18th century, when the area was associated with a large amount of land situated along the lower basin of the Rio Hondo area in Los Angeles County, Bell Gardens was once a bustling agricultural center for Californios during the Spanish Empire, 1509–1823, the Mexican government, 1823–1848, and the United States, after the Mexican-American War concluded in 1848.

Bell Gardens emphasizes health and wellness. Explore the parks, facilities, and programs offered by the Bell Gardens 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 Bell Gardens Sports Center, Health and Fitness Bell Gardens, and Training Mate. Discover the walking and biking trails in and around Bell Gardens, such as the Bell Gardens Ford Park Pond and the Bell Gardens Park Walk. These trails offer opportunities for outdoor exercise and enjoyment of nature.

Top sites in  Bell Gardens, CA are Disneyland Park, Bell Gardens John Anson Ford Park, and Woodworth House. 

Population: 37,110 (2025). ZIP codes: 90201, 90202. Area code: 213, 323. Elevation: 121 ft (37 m). Area: 2.46 sq mi (6.38 km2).

FAQs

What is Bell Gardens, CA famous for?

Bell Gardens is notable for being one of only six Los Angeles County cities (out of 88 total) to permit casino gambling and for being home to the oldest building in Los Angeles County. Bell Gardens is named after James George Bell, an American businessman. The “Gardens” in its name derives from the many Japanese who, early in Bell Gardens’ existence, established vegetable gardens and rice fields.
 

How expensive is it to live in Bell Gardens, CA?

Bell Gardens, California's cost of living is 36% higher than the national average. Bell Gardens's housing expenses are 73% higher than the national average and the utility prices are 11% higher than the national average. Transportation expenses like bus fares and gas prices are 28% higher than the national average.

What is the crime rate in Bell Gardens, CA?

The crime rate in Bell Gardens is considerably higher than the national average across all communities in America from the largest to the smallest, although at 15 crimes per one thousand residents, it is not among the communities with the very highest crime rate. The chance of becoming a victim of either violent or property crime in Bell Gardens is 1 in 66. Based on FBI crime data, Bell Gardens is not one of the safest communities in America. Relative to California, Bell Gardens has a crime rate that is higher than 39% of the state's cities and towns of all sizes.

Sources

Wikipedia

Los Angeles County

Bell Gardens’s Recreation and Community Services Department

Bell Gardens Sports Center

Health and Fitness Bell Gardens

Training Mate

Bell Gardens Ford Park Pond

Bell Gardens Park Walk

Disneyland Park

Bell Gardens John Anson Ford Park

Woodworth House

Payscale

Neighborhoodscout

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