Alhambra

About Alhambra

Alhambra is a Los Angeles suburb about eight miles outside the city center, with a very diverse population that includes many families. The neighborhood is home to a thriving Asian-American community, which has contributed to the local culture with special events such as the Lunar New Year Parade and Festival. Alhambra's local landmarks range from the unique Dupuy's Pyrenees Castle and the recognizable "The Hat" neon sign to local dining favorites such as Fosselman's Ice Cream, all of which contribute to Alhambra's unique identity.

The History of Alhambra

The first European settlement in Alhambra's current location was the San Gabriel Mission, which was established in 1771. Before the Spanish founded their mission, the land had been home to the native Tongva tribe. When Mexico won independence from Spain in 1820, the land was acquired by the Mexican Republic. Soon after, the United States took possession of the land following the Mexican-American War.

Benjamin Davis Wilson owned and developed the land, and was persuaded by his young daughter to name the community after a work by author Washington Irving called "The Tales of Alhambra." Even in its early years, Alhambra was designed as a suburb of Los Angeles. It was advertised as "a city of homes" and attracted many residents with its massive variety of architectural styles, many of which are still preserved today in the city's historic homes.

Jobs in Alhambra

If you're planning to look for a job in the area, you may be assuming you'll have to travel into Los Angeles for work. While that's always an option, especially with its close proximity, you don't have to leave Alhambra to find work. There are a variety of businesses both large and small that provide local jobs spread across several industries.

One of the cornerstones of the Alhambra economy is its large number of car dealerships. The city's Main Street "auto row" is home to the majority of these dealerships, which include well-known names such as Jeep, Kia, Toyota, Ford and BMW. The Alhambra Office Complex houses the Ratkovich Company, a major developer in the city. Not only does this company provide a number of jobs within its operation, but it's also added jobs to the local economy with its ongoing development projects. Another source of potential jobs is the recently-revitalized Main Street, specifically the stretch between Garfield Ave. and Atlantic Blvd. There, you'll find many restaurants and retail stores, including big-box retailers.

Alhambra Schools

The Alhambra Unified School District is responsible for the majority of schools in the city. Other nearby school districts include the Pasadena Unified School District and the San Marino Unified School District. Private schools in Alhambra include parochial, Montessori and college-prep campuses.

Resources for Moving to Alhambra

Here's some helpful information to make your move to Alhambra as easy as possible:

• Utilities: Alhambra's major utilities providers include Southern California Gas, Southern California Edison and the Alhambra Utilities Department.
• Garbage and Recycling: Allied Waste Services facilitates the regular collection of trash and recycling. Your collection schedule depends on your home's location within the designated pick-up zones.
• Transportation: Alhambra Community Transit provides an easy, convenient way to get around the city.

Alhambra Housing

Living in Alhambra is on the expensive side, due largely to median home and rent prices that are well above the national average. However, this isn't surprising for a suburb of Los Angeles, because the Southern California city (like most of its neighboring communities) is known for its high price of housing. The local housing market includes new construction, apartments, townhouses and single-family homes of all sizes and styles. Thanks to many historic homes, you can easily find something with unique historic character.