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 2010 census, the population was 83,089. The city’s ZIP codes are 91801 and 91803 (plus 91802 for P.O. boxes).
History of Alhambra (1771 to Present)
Midway in the nineteenth century, many people were drawn to the fabulous land of Alta California, lured by the promise of gold. Some settled in the north; others came over the southern trails and remained in Southern California to acquire great ranchos and smaller acreage planted with oranges and grapes.
SAN GABRIEL MISSION LAND GRANT
The principal part of the land within Alhambra’s present boundaries was included in a 1771 grant made to Mission San Gabriel, five years before the birth of our nation. There were no orchards or vineyards in San Gabriel Valley, only dry uncultivated fields broken by arroyos and low-lying hills from the Mission San Gabriel west to the small Indian village called “Yang-na,” which later became Los Angeles. According to 1784 records of individual land grants made by the Spanish government, at least a portion of the land on which Alhambra was built was once part of 300,000 acres grant to Manuel Nieto. Confusion in the validity of the Mission grant resulted in years of litigation.
ALHAMBRA RECEIVES 2014 LIVABILITY.COM “TOP 100 BEST PLACES TO LIVE” AWARD
Alhambra residents have one more reason to be proud of their community and confident they areliving in one of the best places in the country. Liveability.com, a national website that ranks qualityof life amenities of America’s small and mid-sized cities, has selected Alhambra among its 2014“Top 100 Best Places to Live.” Alhambra scored 21st place out of 100. The City of Palo Altoranked in first place.
CITIES WITH THE BEST AND WORST WEATHER
ALHAMBRA: 14TH PERCENTILE AMONG “CITIES WITH THE BEST AND WORST WEATHER” (WALLETHUB.COM)
Weather can impact more than just the clothes we wear. It impacts our daily lives and wallets in manyother ways, from monthly energy bills and local infrastructure costs to commute times and insurancepremiums. Moreover, it can affect our moods, productivity and earning potential. Nine key metrics wereused to arrive at the rankings of 600 U.S. cities. Alhambra placed in the 14th percentile nationally forbest overall mild weather in a study conducted by WalletHub.com, a leading personal finance website.
BEST CITIES FOR YOUNG FAMILIES IN CALIFORNIA
ALHAMBRA: 12TH PERCENTILE AMONG “BEST CITIES FOR YOUNG FAMILIES IN CALIFORNIA (NERDWALLET.COM)
Alhambra is rated #12 among the top 20 cities in California (and 4th in the Los Angeles area) to raisea young family, based on public school ratings, cost of home ownership and economic growth.
MOST BUSINESS-FRIENDLY CITY IN L.A. COUNTY
ALHAMBRA RECEIVES 2010 EDDY AWARD – “MOST BUSINESS-FRIENDLY CITY IN L.A. COUNTY
Presented by the Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation (LAEDC). In its write-up,the LAEDC noted that “Alhambra offers a favorable combination of housing, business, employmentand recreational opportunities. Alhambra’s Economic Development Element in its General Planprovides a blueprint to sustain and grow commerce and businesses including industrial and central business district project areas, financial assistance in redevelopment areas, land acquisition,negotiated sales, lease agreements with an option to purchase, rent subsidy, and rebates.”
Resources
Demographic Information
View demographic information about Alhambra from the United States Census Bureau. Topics include: population, age, race, sex, housing, health and much more.
Enjoy the outdoors
The City has various parks and outdoor space to enjoy. Come visit our beautiful parks!
Senior Services
The Senior Services Division offers programs and activities for adults age 60+, including recreation, social services, nutrition and transportation.