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Bell, CA

Frequently asked questions

Bell, CA

Bell is an incorporated city in Los Angeles County, California, near the center of the former San Antonio Township (abolished after 1960). Its population was 35,477 at the 2010 census, down from 36,664 in the 2000 census. Bell is located on the west bank of the Los Angeles River and is a suburb of the city of Los Angeles. At 2.5 square miles (6.5 km2), Bell is the thirteenth-smallest city in the United States with a population of at least 25,000.

In 2007, the U.S. Census Bureau ranked Bell's land area at 1245 out of 1257 cities (defined as incorporated areas) and two unincorporated areas that had a population of at least 25,000 in the year 2000. Ten cities in the list of 1267 cities had no land area data (e.g., Goleta, California).

City residents voted to become a charter city in a special municipal election on November 29, 2005. Fewer than 400 voters turned out for that special election. More than half of those votes were dubiously obtained absentee votes. Being a charter city meant that city officials were exempt from state salary caps. A scandal ensued, in which several city officials were indicted for giving themselves extraordinarily high salaries

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 2.6 square miles (6.7 km2), of which 2.5 square miles (6.5 km2) is land and 0.1 square miles (0.26 km2) is water.

The area comprising the present-day City of Bell has a Native American history dating back thousands of years. The Gabrieliño Indians migrated to the place now called Bell in 500 B.C. Spaniards have been living in this area of California since the mid-18th century. Among the early Spanish settlers was one of California's first families, the Lugos.

While stationed at Mission San Antonio de Padua near Salinas, California, Francisco Lugo's first California son, Antonio María Lugo was born in 1775, and would become Don Antonio María Lugo, a Spanish aristocrat and soldier, who settled on 30,000 acres of land that encompasses the present-day City of Bell. In 1810, the king of Spain formally granted the land to Lugo as a reward for his military service, and the acreage became known as Rancho San Antonio. Lugo later became the mayor of Los Angeles from 1816 to 1819.

Bell is home to healthcare facilities such as the Bell Health Center, ensuring residents have access to quality medical services close to home. The city's commitment to health and wellness is evident in its ongoing efforts to promote healthy living through education, outreach programs, and community events. Explore the parks, facilities, and programs the Bell Recreation and Community Services Department offers. 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 Fitness For Kids, The Camp, and Kinema Fitness. Discover the walking and biking trails in and around Bell, such as the Bell Canyon Trail and the Veterans Park. These trails offer opportunities for outdoor exercise and enjoyment of nature.

Top sites in Bell, CA include Salt Lake Park, Camp Little Bear Park and Lodge, and Griffith Observatory.

Population: 35,477 (2010). Area: 2.63 sq mi (6.80 km2). Elevation: 128 feet (39 meters). ZIP Code: 90201. Area code: 323. 

FAQs

Is Bell, CA a good place to live?

Living in Bell offers residents a dense suburban feel and most residents rent their homes. In Bell, there are a lot of bars, coffee shops, and parks. Many families live in Bell and residents tend to be liberal. The public schools in Bell are above average.

Is Bell, CA expensive to live in?

Bell, California gets a BestPlaces Cost of Living score of 161.7, which means the total cost of housing, food, childcare, transportation, healthcare, taxes, and other necessities is 61.7% higher than the U.S. average and 7.9% lower than the average for California. A typical home costs $621,800, which is 83.9% more expensive than the national average of $338,100 and 15.2% less expensive than the average California home, at $733,500. To live comfortably in Bell, California, a minimum annual income of $119,160 for a family, and $59,200 for a single person is recommended.

What is the crime rate in Bell, CA?

The crime rate in Bell is considerably higher than the national average across all communities in America from the largest to the smallest, although at 19 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 is 1 in 52. Based on FBI crime data, Bell is not one of the safest communities in America. Relative to California, Bell has a crime rate that is higher than 54% of the state's cities and towns of all sizes.

Sources

Wikipedia

Los Angeles County

Bell Health Center

Bell’s Recreation and Community Services Department

Fitness For Kids

The Camp 

Kinema Fitness

Bell Canyon Trail 

Veterans Park

Salt Lake Park

Camp Little Bear Park and Lodge

Griffith Observatory

Niche

Best Places

Neighborhoodscout

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