Named for Quaker poet and abolitionist John Greenleaf Whittier, the picturesque and historically rich city of Whittier is within 18 miles of downtown Los Angeles — far enough for those who prefer less traffic, but close enough to easily enjoy big city culture and entertainment. Its quieter inland location with tree-lined streets and hillside preserves was famous at the turn of the century as the nation's largest walnut growing area. Welcome signs at city entry points carry the "Ye Friendly Towne" slogan, a nod to the religious influence of the Quaker Friends in its earliest days. And while modern Whittier is still quaint and charming, it thrives with city-based perks and nature-centric amenities. "It's more of a generational town," says Realtor Ruth Velazquez of Re/Max, who's lived and worked in the area for over 30 years. "You'll see children and parents and grandparents all hanging out together at school events or community gatherings. It's quiet, the schools are great, and homes here really hold on to their value."
The city's namesake Whittier College was established in 1887 and fields the Poets athletics program, whose Johnny Poet mascot wields a big pen. Just blocks from the college, Uptown Whittier is a walkable assortment of more than 80 cafes and clothing stores, plus a brewery, movie theater and a popular Friday farmers market. Historic churches built between the 1890s and the 1920s reflect the architecture of their era, some with tall steeples and bells. Some of these churches, banks and other buildings and residences comprise the city's more than 100 designated historic landmarks in four historic districts. In late 2023, city leaders announced a rebranding effort underway to capture the spirit of new large-scale projects like the $20 million Greenleaf Promenade in Uptown Whittier.
Welcome signs at Whittier's entry points display the "Ye Friendly Towne" slogan.
Whittier's namesake college, Whittier College, was founded in 1887.
Whittier is a quiet inland city known for its charming, tree-lined streets.
Saint Matthias Episcopal Church in Whittier is a historic site with deep community ties.
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Mix of multifamily, historic and high-end homes with scenic views
Many Whittier homes offer backyard views of the San Gabriel Mountains. Historic districts Hadley-Greenleaf, Central Park, College Hills and Earlham feature an array of vintage Craftsman and Spanish Revival styles. Condos and townhouses range from $550,000 to $950,000, and single-family homes ask between $750,000 and $2 million, with rare sprawling gated estates fetching $4 million. Whittier's median of $810,000 is still nearly double the national median but far less than the Los Angeles median of $985,000.
Whittier features many Craftsman-style bungalows with charming details.
Whittier’s urban-style condos are located near shopping and dining hubs.
Whittier’s contemporary townhouses combine style with low-maintenance living.
Luxury homes in Whittier’s hillsides offer panoramic views of the city and mountains.
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A-grade Whittier Union High district and Whittier College
Multiple school districts serve Whittier, including Whittier City, which gets a C-plus on Niche. East Whittier City and Lowell Joint school districts get a B-plus, and Whittier Union High earns an A. The private Whittier College and public Rio Hondo College offer four-year liberal arts and community college options in the city, while Southern California University of Health Sciences is a four-year private university offering graduate and certificate programs.
East Whittier Middle School offers a well-rounded curriculum for grades six through eight.
Whittier High School offers a wide range of Advanced Placement courses for its students.
Whittier College is a private liberal arts college located in Uptown Whittier.
Spy Glass Hill is home of the great Río Hondo College.
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Canyon trailheads, Palm Park Center and the Greenway Trail
Sycamore Canyon, Arroyo Pescadero, Turnbull Canyon and Hellman Park trailheads invite hikers and bikers to wander the city's more than 1,700 acres of undeveloped landscape for breathtaking views of LA and the ocean. More than 20 well-maintained city parks, like Parnell Park and Palm Park Center, offer amenities such as a petting zoo, playgrounds, a pool and lighted fields and courts. The 4.5-mile Greenway Trail passes through residential, commercial and industrial areas and connects with regional public transit systems.
Michigan Park in Whittier offers large grassy fields, playgrounds, and public BBQ areas.
Sycamore Canyon Trailhead is popular among Spy Glass Hill residents for hiking in Whittier.
Parnell Park’s barnyard zoo in Whittier is a great spot for parents to bring their kids.
Whittier bicyclists love the Greenway Trail, which stretches 4.5 miles.
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Stroll Uptown Whittier, shop Quad at Whittier
Taquerias, bars, coffee shops and breweries are all part of the Uptown Whittier core. Retail and dining choices are also concentrated along or just east of central Whittier Boulevard in several shopping plazas, such as Whittier Marketplace and Quad at Whittier, anchored by major department, big box and grocery stores. The culinary scene is a mix of cultures, from Italian deli to Thai vegan and more.
Shopping in Uptown Whittier offers unique boutiques, antique stores, and specialty shops.
Thai Aree serves authentic dishes like Pad Thai.
Whittier Marketplace is a major shopping plaza located on Whittier Boulevard.
Azabu in Whittier is known for its creative sushi rolls and craft cocktails.
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Interstate 5 and public transit
Whittier Boulevard connects to nearby cities like Brea and Pico Rivera. Interstate 5, just south of Whittier, offers a direct route to downtown LA and Anaheim, though traffic during rush hour can be heavy. Foothill Transit and Montebello bus routes run throughout east LA County. Getting to Anaheim requires a few transfers, and most residents commuting to Orange County rely on personal transportation. Long Beach Airport, just 22 miles south, offers nonstop flights to 22 destinations, and the Los Angeles International Airport is 26 miles west.
Wildfire and earthquake risk, crime rates lower than LA
Common in Southern California, Whittier is no stranger to wildfire, earthquake and heat wave risks. The city of Whittier maintains emergency preparedness plans online. A brush fire near Whittier in 2022 destroyed several homes, and wildfires occurred in the surrounding canyon and mountain ranges in 2024. Summers are warm and dry and winters are mild with occasional rain.
According to FBI data, violent crime rates per 100,000 people in Whittier dropped slightly from 73 to 72 between December 2022 and December 2023 — more than 40% lower than the national rate of 121 and half the rate in Los Angeles. Whittier's property crime rate rose from 170 to 237 in the same timeframe, which is higher than the national rate but still lower than the property crime rate in Los Angeles.
Dia de Los Muertos Art & Music Festival and Christmas parade
The Whittier Pride Festival at Whittier College each September reflects the city's diversity. In October, the Uptown Whittier Car Show and the Dia de Los Muertos Art & Music Festival draw thousands from all over the region. The Whittier Christmas Parade has been a city tradition since the 1950s.
Dia de Los Muertos is one of the largest Southern California Day of the Dead Celebrations.
Dia de Los Muertos Art & Music Festival features vibrant altars honoring loved ones.
Families love coming to the Thursday Night Car Show in Friendly Hills Whittier.
Tail Fins cut through Ruby's Cruise Night with their aggressive design language.
Corina was born in Calexico, CA and grew up in East Los Angeles, An attendee of Garfield high school. Go Bulldogs!...
From majoring in Biology in college to a long background in food sales as a Business Development Manager, the opportunity to help people led the career change in 2005. As a passion to help people not only in Real Estate, but also on the streets, Corina makes it a priority to feed and clothe the homeless. 2017 was a big year for her as she opened her own office and is building her team 1 by 1 and also named in the Top 3 Real Estate Agents in her area. Her motivation thrives through her office and her work, which makes it a pleasure to work with her.
On her off time she is a foodie, an online gamer, a lover of art, history, and traveling. She is also bilingual in Spanish.
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