The city of Whittier, California, CA

San Gabriel Valley Master Key Podcast

About The City of Whittier, California, CA

whittier, ca

About Whittier, CA

The city of Whittier started with several Missions in the area and the colonization of the area by Spain in 1769. 

Spain granted a portion of the area to Juan Crispin Perez as a reward in 1835. A section of this ranch became Whittier. 

After California was relinquished California to the Americans, development by the new country and people westward started. 

After several land transfers and Quaker influence, the city became incorporated in 1898. The town increased when in the 20th century, residential and agricultural developments were made. 

Now the city has grown and sits in the San Gabriel Valley and is a gem of social, economic, and cultural achievements. 

Whittier strives to show that the city of flowers is welcoming.

Whittier, CA FAQ

What is Whittier, California, famous for?

In 1887, Harriet Russell Strong planted the first walnut trees in the region. Other growers soon followed, and eventually Whittier gained recognition as the country’s largest walnut-producing region. From Los Angeles to Whittier, the “Big Red Cars” trolley line was inaugurated by Pacific Electric in 1904.

Is Whittier a good place to live?

Residents of Whittier enjoy a dense suburban feel, and the majority own their homes. There are numerous eateries, coffee shops, and parks in Whittier. Whittier has a large population of families and young professionals, and its citizens lean liberal. Whittier’s public schools are better than average.

Is Whittier considered East Los Angeles?

On Whittier Boulevard in East Los Angeles, the sun sets. For many years, the 14-mile thoroughfare has been the center of Latino life, business, and culture.

Who is the most famous person from Whittier, California?

Taylor Gray was born in Whittier, CA. He is an actor and writer who is famous for Star Wars: Rebels and The Wheel.

What movies were filmed at Whittier High School in California?

Movies filmed at Whittier High School include Back to the Future, Back to the Future Part 2, and Imaginary Girls.

How close is Whittier, CA to the beach?

Whittier is about 24 miles from Huntington beach.

Is Whittier, CA a small town?

A member of the Gateway Cities, Whittier is a city in Southern California’s Los Angeles County. As of the 2020 United States Census, there were 87,306 people living in the 14.7 square mile (38.0 km2) city, an increase of 1,975 since the 2010 census.

Whittier, California Demographics

Age and Household Statistics in Whittier

Male Population: 40,987

Female Population: 43,834

Whittier Population: 84,821

Median Age: 37.8

Under 5 years old: approx. 5.8%

Under 18 years old: approx. 23.2%

Residents 65 or older: approx. 14.4%

Total Households: 27,093

Average People Per Household: 3

Marital Status Statistics

Never Married: 26,022

Married: 32,248

Separated: 1,510

Widowed: 4,188

Divorced: 6,512

Racial Statistics (percentages) in Whittier

White: 43.5%

Black or African American: 1.1%

American Indian/Native American: 1.4%

Asian: 4.7%

Two or More Races: 11.7%

Hispanic or Latino: 67.4%

Income Statistics in Whittier

Average Household Income: $93,392

Median Household Income: $76,026

People below Poverty Level: 7,855

Blue Collar Positions: 8,786

White Collar Positions: 30,865

Education Level in Whittier

No High School: 3,234

Some High School: 22,849

Some College: 18,849

Associate Degree: 5,680

Bachelor’s Degree: 9,983

Graduate Degree: 6,003

  • At one point in time, Whittier was known as the largest walnut-growing area in the United States.
  • Whittier is the site of the first rail spur from the Southern Pacific Railroad.
  • It is a part of the cluster of cities in Southeastern LA County known as the “Gateway Cities.”
  • The city is named after the Quaker Poet John Greenleaf Whittier.
  • On October 1, 1987, Whittier experienced a 5.9 earthquake that killed eight people. On October 4, there was a 5.2 aftershock earthquake.
  • There are a number of Movies and TV shows that have been filmed in Whittier, California.
    • The Fabelmans (2022)
    • True Blood (2008-2014)
    • Matilda (1996)
    • The Little Things (2021)
    • Star Trek (2009)
    • Back To The Future (1985)

Climate Of Whittier, CA

Most of the cities in the SGV share a similar weather pattern and climate. 

The particular city of Whittier averages between 46F and 87F, and anything outside of that range is abnormal. 

Overall the weather in the area is Mediterranean. 

The average is in the 80s F and is fairly warm and dry during the summer.

During the winter months, the average is in the high 60s F low 70s F. The overall feel is cool, somewhat humid, and has an arid feel.

Whittier, California, CA Points of Interest

Central Park and Hadley-Greenleaf Neighborhoods

These neighborhoods are historic districts and make up most of the area of the Whittier Historic Neighborhood Association. These neighborhoods are known for their Craftsman and Spanish Colonial Revival homes.

 

Whittier Museum

Located at 6755 Newlin Ave, Whittier 90601. The Museum is open for tours on Fridays and Saturdays from 1 to 4 p.m. 

 

Ruth B. Shannon Center for the Performing Arts

Located at 6760 Painter Ave, Whittier, CA 90601. The center is home to Whittier College’s Department of Theatre and hosts guest lectures, special performances, cultural events, community productions, and holiday events.

 

Skyrose Chapel

Located at 3888 Workman Mill Rd, Whittier, CA 90601. The Skyrose Chapel offers an impressive view of downtown Los Angeles, has a 70-foot cathedral ceiling, and a Quimby pipe organ.

 

Whittier Art Gallery

Located at 8035 Painter Ave, Whittier, CA 90602, the gallery has been offering free art exhibits to the public for over 80 years.