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Norwalk, CA

Frequently asked questions

Norwalk, CA

Norwalk is a city in Los Angeles County, California, United States. The population was 105,549 at the 2010 census and an estimated 103,949 in 2019. 

Founded in the late 19th century, Norwalk was incorporated as a city in 1957. It is located 17 miles (27 km) southeast of downtown Los Angeles and is part of the Greater Los Angeles area.

Norwalk is a member of the Gateway Cities Council of Governments. Norwalk's sister cities are Morelia in the Mexican state of Michoacán, and Hermosillo, in the Mexican state of Sonora.

Norwalk is located at 33°54′25″N 118°5′0″W (33.906914, -118.083398). According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 25.243 km2 (10 sq mi). 9.707 square miles (25.14 km2) of it is land and 0.039 square miles (0.10 km2) of it (0.40%) is water.

Norwalk is bordered by Downey to the northwest, Bellflower to the southwest, Cerritos and Artesia to the south, and Santa Fe Springs and Whittier to the north and east.

The area known as "Norwalk" was first home to the Shoshonean Native American tribe. They survived primarily on honey, an array of berries, acorns, sage, squirrels, rabbits, and birds. Their huts were part of the Sejat Indian village.

In the late 1760s, settlers and missions flourished under Spanish rule with the famous El Camino Real trail traversing the area. Manuel Nieto, a Spanish soldier, received a Spanish land grant (Rancho Los Nietos) in 1784 that included Norwalk.

After the Mexican–American War in 1848, the Rancho and mining days ended. Portions of the land were subdivided and made available for sale when California was admitted into the union of the United States. Word of this land development reached the Sproul Brothers in Oregon. They recalled the fertile land and huge sycamore trees they saw during an earlier visit to the Southern California area. In 1869, Atwood Sproul, on behalf of his brother, Gilbert, purchased 463 acres (1.87 km2) of land at $11 an acre ($2,700/km2) in an area known as Corazón de los Valles, or "Heart of the Valleys"

Norwalk focuses on health and wellness. Explore the parks, facilities, and programs offered by Norwalk’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, Norwalk Arts & Sports Complex, and Crunch Fitness. Discover the walking and biking trails in and around Norwalk, such as the Cranbury Park Trail the Calf Pasture and Shady Beach. These trails offer opportunities for outdoor exercise and enjoyment of nature.

Top sites in  Norwalk, CA are Golf N' Stuff, Los Angeles County Fire Museum, and D.D. Johnston-Hargitt House Museum.

Population: ~97,873 (2025). ZIP codes: 90650–90652, 90659. Area code: 562. Elevation: 92 ft (28 m). Area: 9.75 sq mi (25.24 km2). Area code: 562.

FAQs

Is Norwalk, CA a good place to live?

Living in Norwalk offers residents an urban suburban mix feel and most residents own their homes. In Norwalk, there are a lot of coffee shops and parks. Many families live in Norwalk and residents tend to be liberal. The public schools in Norwalk are above average.

What is Norwalk, CA famous for?

The city developed as a service point for logging, dairying, and ranching. Norwalk was also known as a center for some of southern California's largest sugar beet farms. It experienced rapid industrial development in the second half of the 20th century.

Is Norwalk, CA expensive to live in?

The median home price in Norwalk is $721,500 with a median price per sqft of $630. The cost of living index for housing estimates the cost of housing in Norwalk to be 235.2% of the national average. This makes it one of the most expensive cities in the US.

Sources

Wikipedia

City of Norwalk

Los Angeles County

Norwalk’s Recreation and Community Services Department

Planet Fitness

Norwalk Arts & Sports Complex 

Crunch Fitness

Cranbury Park Trail

Calf Pasture and Shady Beach

Golf N' Stuff

Los Angeles County Fire Museum

D.D. Johnston-Hargitt House Museum.

Norwalk.org

Britannica

Zero Down

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