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Frequently asked questions

Whittier, CA

Whittier is a city in Southern California in Los Angeles County, part of the Gateway Cities. The 14.7-square-mile (38.0 km2) city had 87,306 residents as of the 2020 United States census, an increase of 1,975 from the 2010 census figure. Whittier was incorporated in February 1898 and became a charter city in 1955. The city is named for the Quaker poet John Greenleaf Whittier and is home to Whittier College. The city is surrounded by three unincorporated areas sharing the Whittier name, West Whittier-Los Nietos, South Whittier, and East Whittier, which combined are home to a larger population than Whittier proper.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 14.7 square miles (38 km2), virtually all land.

Whittier is bordered by the community of Hacienda Heights to the northeast, the City of Industry to the north, and several other unincorporated communities in the San Gabriel Valley mostly along its northern sections. Pico Rivera lies to the west, La Habra Heights to the east, La Habra to the southeast, and Santa Fe Springs to the south.

The Gabrielino first inhabited the area.

Whittier's roots can be traced to Spanish soldier Manuel Nieto. In 1784, Nieto received a Spanish land grant of 300,000 acres (1,200 km2), Rancho Los Nietos, as a reward for his military service and to encourage settlement in California. The area of Nieto's land grant was reduced in 1790 as the result of a dispute with Mission San Gabriel. Nonetheless, Nieto still had a claim to 167,000 acres (680 km2) stretching from the hills north of Whittier, Fullerton, and Brea, south to the Pacific Ocean, and from what is known today as the Los Angeles River east to the Santa Ana River. Nieto built a rancho for his family near Whittier, purchased cattle and horses for his ranch, and planted cornfields. When Nieto died in 1804, his children inherited their father's property.

At the time of the 1840s Mexican–American War, much of the land that would become Whittier was owned by Pio Pico, a rancher and the last Mexican governor of Alta California. Pio Pico built a hacienda here on the San Gabriel River, known today as Pio Pico State Historic Park. Following the Mexican–American War, German immigrant Jacob F. Gerkens paid $234 to the U.S. government to acquire 160 acres (0.6 km2) of land under the Homestead Act and built the cabin known today as the Jonathan Bailey House. Gerkens would later become the first chief of police of the Los Angeles Police Department. Gerkens' land was owned by several others before a group of Quakers purchased it and expanded it to 1,259 acres (5 km2), intending to found a Quaker community. The area soon became known as a thriving citrus ranching region, with "Quaker Brand" fruit shipped all over the United States. Beginning in 1887, walnut trees were planted, and Whittier became the largest walnut grower in the United States. In addition to walnuts and citrus, Whittier was also a significant producer of pampas grass.

Whittier focuses on health and wellness. Explore the parks, facilities, and programs offered by the Whittier’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. Healing Corner incorporates the healing properties of plants, herbs, cremes, oils and minerals from around the world into a variety of unmatched spa services designed to reduce stress and enhance balance. Some popular options include Planet Fitness, EōS Fitness, and YMCA Whittier. Discover the walking and biking trails in and around Whittier, such as the Turnbull Canyon Trail and the Sycamore Canyon Trail. These trails offer opportunities for outdoor exercise and enjoyment of nature.

Top sites in Whittier, CA are Pio Pico State Historic Park, Whittier Museum, and Turnbull Canyon.

Population: 84,143 (2023). ZIP codes: 90601–90610. Area code: 562. Elevation: 367 ft (112 m). Area: 14.66 sq mi (37.98 km2).

FAQs

Is Whittier, CA a good place to live?

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

Is Whittier, CA considered LA?

Whittier, city, Los Angeles County, Southern California, U.S. It lies at the foot of the Puente Hills, about 12 miles (19 km) southeast of the city center of Los Angeles. Part of the Rancho Paso de Bartolo Viejo land grant, the site was chosen in 1887 by Aquila H. 

What is Whittier, CA famous for?

By the 1890s the citrus industry was taking over and by 1901 the Whittier Citrus Association was formed and "Quaker Brand" citrus was known around the world. By 1906, 650 carloads of oranges and 250 carloads of lemons were shipped annually by rail. Harriet Russell Strong began growing walnuts in the area in 1887 and others soon followed, eventually, Whittier was known as the largest walnut-growing area in the United States. In 1904 Pacific Electric opened the trolley line known as "Big Red Cars" from Los Angeles to Whittier. 

Sources

Wikipedia

City of Whittier

Los Angeles County

Whittier’s Recreation and Community Services Department

Planet Fitness

EōS Fitness 

Healing Corner

YMCA Whittier

Turnbull Canyon Trail 

Sycamore Canyon Trail

Pio Pico State Historic Park

Whittier Museum

Turnbull Canyon

Niche

Britannica

Sd30.senate.ca.gov

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