Alhambra

by The Linguist

 

Alhambra is a city located in the San Gabriel Valley region of Los Angeles County, California. As of the 2020 census, Alhambra had a population of 85,804 people, making it one of the larger cities in the county.

Population and Demographics

According to the latest census data, Alhambra had a population of 85,804 in 2020. This is up from 83,089 in 2010. The population density is about 11,500 people per square mile. The racial makeup of Alhambra is 32.9% Asian, 29.8% Hispanic or Latino, 27.1% White, and 7.7% Black or African American.

The median age in Alhambra is 37.6 years old. About 22.7% of the population is under age 18 while 13.7% is aged 65 years or older. There are an average of 3.18 people per household and the median household income is $62,575.

History of Alhambra

The original inhabitants of the land that would become Alhambra were the Tongva, a Native American people. The Tongva lived in the Los Angeles basin for thousands of years until the arrival of Spanish settlers in the late 1700s.

The area was part of a Spanish land grant in 1845 by Mexican Governor Pio Pico. It was originally named Rancho San Antonio. The land was later acquired by Benjamin Davis Wilson, who built his ranch home there in 1864. Wilson named his property Alhambra after the Moorish palace in Granada, Spain.

Alhambra started to grow as a suburb of Los Angeles in the late 1800s. It was incorporated as a city in 1903. The city continued growing rapidly in the post-World War II years. Its location close to downtown Los Angeles and transportation networks contributed to its development.

Today Alhambra is a diverse suburban city with a mix of residential neighborhoods and commercial corridors. Though it is largely built-out, new development projects are helping to add housing and amenities.

Economy and Major Employers

Alhambra has a diverse economic base including commerce, education, healthcare, arts and entertainment. According to the City of Alhambra’s website, the city has over 4,000 businesses providing nearly 60,000 local jobs.

Some of the major employers in Alhambra include:

  • Alhambra Unified School District
  • AT Still University
  • Northern Trust
  • LA Care Health Plan
  • Sierra Autocars Inc
  • YU International

Other prominent industries include finance, real estate, healthcare, retail trade, and professional services. The city also has a growing number of creative businesses in web and media production.

Attractions and Landmarks

Some of the top attractions and landmarks in Alhambra include:

  • Alhambra Park – Also known as Almansor Park, this large urban park has open green space, lakes, walking paths, and recreational facilities.
  • Granada Hills – This neighborhood features some of Alhambra’s most notable historical homes in Spanish, Mediterranean, and Mid-Century Modern architectural styles.
  • LA County Arboretum – Home to botanical collections, historic buildings, and nature trails.
  • Alhambra Theatre – This Moorish-style movie palace first opened in 1925 and is an active venue for films and events.
  • Poppy Peak – One of Alhambra’s original neighborhoods with charming bungalow homes.
  • The Alhambra – A mixed-use urban development designed by notable architect Mehrdad Yazdani.

Sports Teams and Recreation

Residents of Alhambra have a few local sports teams to root for. The Alhambra High School Moors compete in CIF-Southern Section athletics. The school has had recent success in baseball, basketball, football, soccer, tennis and other sports.

One notable local Semi-pro team is the Alhambra Brewers baseball club. The Brewers play at Alhambra’s historic Brewery Arroyo Seco Stadium.

For recreation, Alhambra offers over 200 acres of parkland and open space. This includes facilities for golf, tennis, skateboarding, swimming, and more. Fitness centers like 24 Hour Fitness, LA Fitness, and Planet Fitness have locations in Alhambra.

The city also has miles of bike lanes and routes for cycling enthusiasts to enjoy. The nearby San Gabriel River Bike Trail is popular for walking, running, and biking.

Government

Alhambra has a Council-Manager form of government. The five members of the City Council are elected at-large to four-year terms. The Mayor is selected annually among the council members.

The City Manager is appointed by the City Council to oversee day-to-day municipal operations and implement policies. The current City Manager is Jessica Binnquist.

City Hall services and local government information can be found on the City of Alhambra’s website. Residents can use the site to access resources and services.

Getting Involved in Alhambra

There are many ways for residents to get involved and connect with the community in Alhambra. The city has lots of festivals, events, and activities throughout the year.

Some options include:

With its diversity, historic neighborhoods, and community vibe, Alhambra offers its residents a high quality of life in the San Gabriel Valley.