Quality of Life

Founded in 1887 as a Quaker colony, Whittier's strong sense of history and vision for the future has made it an up-scale and dynamic residential community. Through a balance of economic, social, political, cultural and recreational opportunities, the City Council has encouraged an atmosphere conducive to community spirit and active participation in the affairs and progress of the community. Such efforts have been made to ensure a visually pleasing community in which the City's identity and character are preserved and enhanced.

Centrally Located

The City of Whittier is centrally located to all of Southern California and is only 12 miles southeast of Los Angeles. Easily accessible through the 605 Freeway, between the 60 and the 5 Freeways, Whittier borders Orange County on the east. Its proximity to Downtown Los Angeles and Orange County makes Whittier a desirable place to locate. Disneyland, mountains, beach and desert are a short drive away.

Excellent Housing, Neighborhoods & Schools

Tree-lined streets and the varied housing choices make Whittier a desirable place to live for young families and executives alike. From the historic Craftsman bungalows to the California ranch-style and the executive homes in Whittier's Friendly Hills area, pride of homeownership is evident everywhere you turn. Additionally, the exemplary school districts make Whittier neighborhoods more valuable for families and offer students a quality education.

Quality Parks and Services

The City's 19 parks, including the award-winning Greenway Trail, offer more than 400 acres of playgrounds and recreation opportunities. Over 1,700 acres in the Whittier hills are preserved and offer biking and hiking trails with breathtaking views of downtown Los Angeles, Catalina Island, the Pacific Ocean and even the world famous Hollywood Sign. The City provides comprehensive and diverse recreational, cultural, social and human service programs.

The City of Whittier is patrolled by its own Police Department and boasts a highly successful Community Based Policing Program. A cornerstone of this model program is a partnership between the Police Department, city residents and businesses to produce a high quality of life for all citizens.

Find out more about what Whittier offers its community on our Community Links page.