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Whittier, CA

Whittier is a charming city in Los Angeles County, founded by Quakers and named after poet John Greenleaf Whittier. Known for its historic Uptown, the Whittier Greenway Trail, and a strong sense of community, it offers a walkable, small-town feel just 20 miles from downtown LA.

About the City

Official Status and Administrative Affiliation

Whittier is a city located in southeastern Los Angeles County, California, United States. Its official name is the City of Whittier. It is a charter city, having adopted its charter in 1955 . The city is part of the Gateway Cities region of Southern California . Los Angeles County is a massive and diverse region, known for being the most populous county in the United States and a global center for entertainment, culture, and international trade.

Historical Names and Nicknames

Whittier is known by a few notable names that reflect its heritage and character:

Date of Founding and Age

Whittier was officially incorporated as a city on February 25, 1898 . This makes the city approximately 128 years old as of 2026. The city's roots go back a bit further, to 1887, when a group of Quakers purchased land in the area to establish a community, naming it after the poet John Greenleaf Whittier .

Geographic Location and Coordinates

Whittier is situated in Southern California, approximately 20 miles (32 km) southeast of downtown Los Angeles . Its precise geographic coordinates are 33°57′56″N 118°1′28″W . The city is nestled in the foothills of the Puente Hills, with an elevation of 112 meters (367 feet) above sea level . Geographically, it is a suburban city located in a coastal plain and hill region, offering scenic views of the nearby mountains .

Type of City and Economic Specialization

Whittier is primarily a residential suburb and a college town, serving as a "bedroom community" for people working in Los Angeles and the surrounding areas . Its key economic specializations include:

Population and Demographics

According to the 2020 United States census, the population of Whittier is 87,306 . With a population density of about 5,824.9 people per square mile, it is classified as a large suburban city. It is the 98th most populous city in California . The broader area, including the unincorporated communities of West, South, and East Whittier, is home to a much larger population .

"City's Business Card" (In a Nutshell)

Whittier is a welcoming, historic oasis with a walkable downtown, nestled within the vast Los Angeles sprawl. Visitors and residents are drawn to its charming Uptown district, with its indie bookstores, cozy cafes, and tree-lined streets, its extensive network of trails like the Whittier Greenway, and its deep-rooted sense of community—a quieter, friendlier side of LA County where the legacy of its Quaker founders is still felt today.

Transport

Main Airports and Access

Whittier does not have its own commercial airport. Residents and visitors rely on several major airports in the region :

Major Highways

Driving is the most common way to reach and navigate Whittier. The primary freeway access is via the I-605 (San Gabriel River Freeway) . Visitors can exit at Whittier Boulevard or Beverly Boulevard to enter the city . The city is also accessible from the I-5 (Santa Ana Freeway) and the SR-60 (Pomona Freeway) .

Public Transportation

While driving is most convenient, public transportation is available:

Local Transportation

Landmarks

Uptown Whittier Historic District

This is the vibrant heart and soul of the city. Uptown is a walkable historic district filled with indie boutiques, antique shops, family-run cafes, bookstores, and restaurants . Its streets are lined with charming, tree-shaded 1900s Craftsman homes and commercial buildings. Every Friday, the Greenleaf Promenade Farmers' Market brings the community together with local produce, handmade snacks, and live music . It also features the restored historic Whittier Village Cinemas .

Whittier College

Founded in 1887, this private liberal arts college is a cornerstone of the community. Its campus features interesting architecture, large, rolling lawns perfect for picnics or reading, and hosts theater productions and cultural events throughout the year . It is the namesake and a lasting legacy of the city's Quaker founders .

Pio Pico State Historic Park

Located at the edge of the city, this state historic park is the former home of Pío de Jesús Pico, the last Mexican governor of Alta California . The park features his historic hacienda, "El Ranchito," offering a fascinating glimpse into California's rancho era. Visitors can also see a historic red barn on the grounds .

Whittier Museum

For those interested in local history, the Whittier Museum houses a collection of artifacts and exhibits that tell the story of the city from its Tongva and Gabrielino Native American inhabitants, through its Quaker founding, and its development into a modern suburb . It features a small exhibit and statues dedicated to the city's namesake poet, John Greenleaf Whittier.

Jonathan Bailey House

One of the oldest structures in Whittier, this house was built in 1860 by German immigrant Jacob Gerkens and later purchased by Jonathan Bailey, one of the city's first Quaker settlers . Early Quaker meetings were held on its front porch, marking the spiritual birthplace of the community. It is now a historic house museum .

Historic Whittier Depot

This restored 19th-century train station is a reminder of Whittier's deep agricultural and rail history, when it was a major grower and shipper of citrus and walnuts . It stands as a picturesque landmark from the era when the "Big Red Cars" of the Pacific Electric Railway connected Whittier to Los Angeles .

Climate and Weather

Climate Type and General Characteristics

Whittier has a warm-summer Mediterranean climate (Köppen climate classification Csb), characteristic of coastal Southern California. It is characterized by short, hot, arid summers and long, cool, wet winters . The weather is generally mild and sunny, with the majority of rainfall occurring between November and March.

Average Temperatures

Temperatures in Whittier are moderate year-round. The warm season is short, lasting about 2.8 months from July to September, with average daily highs above 83°F (28°C). The hottest month is August, with an average high of 86°F (30°C) and low of 66°F (19°C) . The cool season lasts from late November to late March. The coldest month is December, with an average high of 68°F (20°C) and low of 47°F (8°C) .

Month Avg High (°F / °C) Avg Low (°F / °C)
January 68 / 20 47 / 8
February 69 / 21 49 / 9
March 70 / 21 52 / 11
April 73 / 23 55 / 13
May 75 / 24 59 / 15
June 79 / 26 62 / 17
July 84 / 29 66 / 19
August 86 / 30 66 / 19
September 84 / 29 64 / 18
October 79 / 26 59 / 15
November 73 / 23 52 / 11
December 68 / 20 47 / 8

Precipitation and Humidity

The city receives the bulk of its 380 mm (approx. 15 inches) of annual precipitation between November and March. The wettest month is February, with an average of about 3.2 inches (80 mm) of rain . Summers are very dry, with July often seeing no measurable rainfall . Humidity is generally low, especially in the summer, which makes the heat feel more comfortable .

Best Time to Visit

The best times to visit Whittier for pleasant weather are spring (March through May) and autumn (late September to November) .

Museums and Cultural Institutions

Whittier Museum

For those interested in local lore and the city's heritage, the Whittier Museum is a captivating tribute to the area's history. Run by the Whittier Historical Society, this museum's mission is to discover, preserve, and display objects that illustrate the history of Whittier and the surrounding area . Its well-curated collections boast remarkable artifacts and memorabilia, including items from Victorian times, military patches, blacksmith shop tools, and exhibits dedicated to the life and legacy of U.S. President Richard Nixon, who has strong ties to the area . The museum offers an engaging, interactive experience for all ages with features like a replica hand pump and special events such as ghost tours that intertwine local spooky tales with historical narratives. Admission is free, encouraging community engagement and making it a hidden gem for families and history enthusiasts alike .

Richard M. Nixon Presidential Library and Museum (Affiliated)

While the primary Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum is located in Yorba Linda, Whittier holds a significant connection to the 37th President. Nixon grew up in Whittier and attended Whittier College, where his association is strongly felt. The college itself houses a Nixon Library on its campus, serving as a key repository for those looking to explore his early life and enduring connection to his hometown . This site complements the larger presidential library by offering a more localized perspective on Nixon's formative years.

Universities and Education

Whittier College

Whittier College is a private four-year liberal arts college founded in 1887 and named after the Quaker poet John Greenleaf Whittier . It is a cornerstone of the city, preparing students from diverse backgrounds to excel in a complex global society through challenging, interactive courses taught by accomplished professors . The college is notable for its intimate class sizes with a student-faculty ratio of 12 to 1, ensuring all courses are taught by faculty, not teaching assistants . It is recognized as a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI), with students of color constituting about 69-70% of the student body, making it one of the most diverse liberal arts colleges in the country .

The 75-acre campus is located in the heart of Whittier, just blocks from the shops and restaurants of Uptown Whittier . Its most popular undergraduate majors include Business Administration, Kinesiology, Biology, and Psychology . The college also offers a graduate program in education. A key feature on campus is the library dedicated to former U.S. President Richard Nixon, a notable alumnus of the college, highlighting the deep historical connection between the institution and the 37th president .

Rio Hondo College

Whittier is also home to Rio Hondo College, a community college that serves as the other primary higher education institution in the city, providing a range of associate degree and certificate programs to local students .

Sports and Athletics

Whittier Poets (NCAA Division III)

The city's athletic identity is centered on Whittier College and its teams, known collectively as the Whittier Poets. The Poets compete in the prestigious Southern California Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SCIAC) at the NCAA Division III level . For over a century, the college has fielded sports teams, fostering a strong local sports culture. Current Poet teams include men's and women's basketball, cross country, soccer, swimming and diving, tennis, track and field, lacrosse, and water polo, as well as women's softball and volleyball, and men's baseball .

The primary home for many of these teams is on the Whittier College campus, with the football team having historically played at the Wallace "Chief" Newman Field at Memorial Stadium, a venue with a capacity of 7,000 .

A Storied Football History and a New Chapter

The history of the Whittier Poets football program is particularly rich, dating back to 1907 . The program has won 26 SCIAC conference titles and enjoyed a golden era from 1957 to 1964, winning eight straight conference championships under the direction of coaches who would go on to fame, including Pro Football Hall of Famer George Allen (who coached from 1951-1956) and Don Coryell (1957-1959), the only coach to win 100 games at both the collegiate level and in the NFL .

A beloved tradition was the annual rivalry game against the Occidental Tigers, with the teams competing for "The Shoes" of 1939 All-American Myron Claxton. In 2018, the Poets snapped a 33-game losing streak by beating Occidental to reclaim the coveted trophy .

However, in November 2022, Whittier College announced it was discontinuing its football program, along with men's lacrosse and men's and women's golf . This decision marked the end of an era for the city. As of early 2025, it was announced that the football program is scheduled to be reinstated and will restart competition in 2026, opening an exciting new chapter for Whittier sports .

Legendary Coaches and Athletes

Whittier's connection to sports legends runs deep, primarily through its college.

Healthcare and Medical Facilities

PIH Health Whittier Hospital

The primary full-service medical facility in the city is PIH Health Whittier Hospital, located at 12401 Washington Blvd . This hospital is a key healthcare provider for the community, offering a range of services. It is approved by the California Children's Services (CCS) program and accepts various insurance plans, including Medi-Cal . As an affiliated hospital, it serves as a critical access point for both emergency and routine care for Whittier residents.

Audiology and Hearing Services

For specialized care, residents have access to the HearUSA/HEARx West Hearing Care Centers, located within the Whittier area at 13512 Whittier Blvd . This center is associated with the broader Downey Medical Center network and provides comprehensive audiology and hearing services, operating weekdays by appointment .

Broadoaks Children's School (Therapeutic Focus)

While primarily an educational institution, Broadoaks Children's School on the Whittier College campus serves a unique role in the realm of child development and therapy. It is a private, non-profit demonstration school that acts as a learning laboratory for Whittier College faculty and students . It is known for its work in therapeutic and developmental education, providing services and support for children and their families, thus contributing to the city's network of child-centered health and wellness resources .

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