East Whittier, CA
East Whittier is an unincorporated community in Los Angeles County, a suburban area with a rich history and close ties to the neighboring city of Whittier.
About the City
Official Status and Administrative Affiliation
East Whittier is an unincorporated community and census-designated place (CDP) in Los Angeles County, California, United States . It is not an incorporated city, meaning it is governed directly by the County of Los Angeles. The community was formerly known as East La Mirada but changed its name in 2012 to better reflect its location relative to the city of Whittier . For statistical purposes, the U.S. Census Bureau defines the area as the East Whittier CDP. Los Angeles County is a vast and diverse region, known as a global center for entertainment, culture, international trade, and media.
Date of Founding and Age
While the East Whittier CDP was formally delineated for the 1960 census, the area's development is tied to the nearby city of Whittier. Whittier itself was founded in 1887 by the Pickering Land and Water Company as a Quaker colony . The East Whittier area grew as a residential suburb in the early 20th century. The East Whittier Woman's Improvement Club, one of the area's first social organizations, was established in 1905 .
Geographic Location and Coordinates
East Whittier is located in Southern California at the coordinates 33.9244° N, 117.9887° W . It sits in the coastal plain of the Los Angeles Basin, approximately 20 miles southeast of downtown Los Angeles. The area is entirely urban and suburban, characteristic of the greater Los Angeles metropolitan area. The elevation of the community is 69 meters (226 feet) above sea level .
City Type and Economic Specialization
East Whittier is primarily a residential suburb within the Los Angeles metropolitan area. Its economy is integrated into the larger regional economy. Many residents commute to jobs in Los Angeles, Orange County, and other parts of the region. The local economy is supported by retail, education (such as nearby Biola University), and various professional services .
Population and Demographics
According to the 2010 U.S. Census, the population of East Whittier was 9,757 . More recent data from the 2020 census shows the population has grown to 10,394 . As a suburb, it has a population density of around 3,500 people per square kilometer. The community is diverse, with a significant Hispanic or Latino population, which made up 50.3% of residents in 2010. Non-Hispanic White residents accounted for 41.5% of the population at that time .
City's "Visiting Card" (in short)
East Whittier is a quiet, family-oriented suburban community in Los Angeles County, offering a more relaxed residential atmosphere within the bustling Southern California metroplex. Its charm lies in its connection to the historic Quaker colony of Whittier and its proximity to the educational and recreational resources of the greater region, including local parks and universities.
Geography
Mountains and Mountain Ranges
East Whittier is not located in a mountainous area. However, the Puente Hills are located just a few miles to the north, providing the area with its characteristic rolling backdrop and open space.
Water Bodies (Rivers, Lakes, Waterfalls)
There are no major natural rivers or lakes within the East Whittier CDP. The region is part of the coastal plain and its water bodies are primarily channelized flood control channels. The Pacific Ocean is located approximately 20 miles to the southwest.
Beaches and Coastlines
As an inland community, East Whittier does not have beaches. The nearest beaches are those of the Southern California coast, including popular destinations like Seal Beach, Long Beach, and Huntington Beach, all within a 20- to 30-minute drive.
Deserts, Canyons, and Unique Landscapes
The region does not contain deserts or major canyons. The landscape is typical of the developed coastal plain, though the nearby Puente Hills offer a glimpse of the region's natural rolling hills, covered in California coastal sage scrub and chaparral.
National and Natural Parks
There are no national parks within the immediate vicinity. However, Ralph B. Clark Regional Park is situated about 3.5 km (2 miles) south of East Whittier, in the cities of Fullerton and Buena Park . It offers fishing, sports fields, and nature trails, serving as a key recreational area for local residents.
Islands and Archipelagos
East Whittier is an inland community and has no islands within its boundaries.
Climate and Weather
Climate Type and General Characteristics
East Whittier has a warm-summer Mediterranean climate (Köppen classification Csa) . This climate is characterized by warm, dry summers and cool, wet winters. It is known for being mild with pleasant temperatures throughout the year, and it is one of the most pleasant places in California by some indices .
Average Monthly Temperatures
Summers are warm and dry, while winters are cool and moist .
- Hottest Month: August has the highest average temperatures, with an average high of 86-88°F (around 31°C) and an average low of 66°F (19°C) .
- Coldest Month: December is typically the coolest, with average highs around 65°F (18°C) and average lows of 46-50°F (8-10°C) .
- Temperate Months: The most pleasant months are typically May, April, June, and October, with high temperatures in the comfortable 70-85°F (21-29°C) range .
Precipitation and Humidity
- Average Yearly Rainfall: East Whittier receives approximately 14.5 to 15 inches (about 370-380 mm) of rain per year, which is significantly less than the U.S. average of 38 inches . Most of this rain falls during the winter months.
- Wettest Month: February is typically the wettest month, averaging around 3.4 to 4.9 inches (86-124 mm) of rain .
- Driest Months: June, July, and August are virtually rainless, with precipitation often measuring 0.1 inches or less .
- Humidity: Humidity is generally low and comfortable, though it can become slightly more humid (but still comfortable) in July, August, and September .
Sunny Days and UV Index
- Sunny Days: East Whittier enjoys an average of 283 sunny days per year, which is well above the U.S. average of 205 .
- Sun Hours: Daylight hours range from about 10 hours in winter to over 14 hours in June. The sunniest months, in terms of bright sunshine hours, are July and August . The UV index can be high, especially during the summer months, necessitating sun protection.
Seasonality and Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit East Whittier for outdoor activities is during the spring and fall.
- Spring (March-May): Temperatures are mild and pleasant, with average highs climbing from the mid-60s to mid-70s°F (18-24°C). This is a great time for hiking in the nearby hills before the summer heat arrives. Rainfall decreases significantly by late spring.
- Summer (June-August): Summers are warm to hot and dry, with average highs in the 80s°F (27-31°C). The low humidity makes the heat more tolerable. Evenings are cool and comfortable. This is the perfect time to enjoy the region's many pools and take trips to the nearby Southern California beaches.
- Fall (September-November): Fall is very similar to spring, with warm days and cool nights. September can still be quite warm, but temperatures become increasingly mild through November. It is another ideal period for comfortable sightseeing and local exploration.
- Winter (December-February): Winters are cool and wet. Days are typically mild with highs in the mid-60s°F (around 18°C), while nights can dip into the mid-to-upper 40s°F (7-9°C). Rain is common, but sunny, pleasant days also occur. Snow is extremely rare .
Specific Weather Phenomena
The region can occasionally experience Santa Ana Winds, particularly in the fall. These are strong, dry offshore winds that can bring warm temperatures and increased fire danger to the area.
Landmarks and Points of Interest
[East Whittier Woman's Improvement Club House]
This historic building at 14148 2nd Street is one of the community's most cherished landmarks . Originally a pumphouse built by the East Whittier Land & Water Co., it was purchased in 1905 by the East Whittier Woman's Improvement Club, one of the area's first social organizations, and converted into a meeting hall. The one-story building features a pitched roof and colonial-style woodwork. It holds a unique place in American history as the site where President Richard M. Nixon's parents were married . After the 1933 Long Beach earthquake, it even served as a temporary schoolhouse.
[Biola University]
Located nearby in La Mirada, about 3 km southwest of East Whittier, Biola University is a significant institutional landmark in the area . It is a private, nondenominational, evangelical Christian university that was founded in 1908. The campus serves as a cultural and educational hub, hosting events, lectures, and athletic competitions that are open to the public.
[Nearby Historic Whittier Landmarks]
While not within the East Whittier CDP itself, the neighboring city of Whittier is home to several important historic sites that are part of the region's shared heritage.
- Jonathan Bailey House (13421 Camilla St.): This was the only building on the original 1,259-acre Thomas Ranch when it was bought in 1887 to establish the Quaker colony of Whittier . The redwood cabin has been restored as a walk-through museum, offering a glimpse into the area's pioneer past.
- The Whittier Boulevard Packing House (12327 Whittier Blvd.): This cluster of buildings, with some parts dating back to before 1894, was once the center of a thriving local fruit-packing industry . It stands as a reminder of the region's agricultural history before it became fully urbanized.
[Ralph B. Clark Regional Park]
Located just a short drive south of East Whittier, this regional park offers a vital green space for the community . It features a lake for fishing, sports fields, picnic areas, and walking trails, providing residents with opportunities for outdoor recreation and relaxation. The park also has an interpretive center focused on local fossils and natural history.