With a population of over 92,000 according to the Wikipedia page on Carson, this city in Los Angeles County has much to offer residents and visitors alike. Located just 13 miles south of downtown Los Angeles, Carson boasts a diverse economy, unique attractions, and a vibrant community.
Carson’s Growing Population
Over the past few decades, Carson has seen steady population growth. Back in 1980, around 82,000 people called Carson home. By 2000, that number grew to just under 90,000 according to Census data. The latest estimates put Carson’s population at 92,710 as of 2018. This makes it one of the larger cities in the South Bay area.
Carson owes much of its population growth to the development of the fashionable South Bay region. With its close proximity to Los Angeles, reasonable housing prices, and business-friendly environment, Carson became an attractive option for companies and residents alike. Major employers like Tesoro and IKEA helped create job opportunities that drew people to the area.
Industries Driving Carson’s Economy
Though only 19 square miles, Carson has a robust and diverse economy. Once mainly focused on oil refining and automobile manufacturing, the city’s major industries now include healthcare, retail, and logistics. Let’s look at some of the key drivers of Carson’s economy:
- Oil Refining – Though no longer the main economic force, oil refining is still important to Carson. Tesoro has a major refinery that processes crude oil into gasoline, jet fuel, and other products.
- Retail – Carson has become a retail destination in the region. The Carson Town Center draws shoppers from around the South Bay. Major retailers include IKEA, Target, Walmart, and Best Buy.
- Healthcare – Healthcare employs over 3,000 in Carson. The Harbor-UCLA Medical Center provides care to many low-income residents of the area.
- Logistics – Situated near the Port of Los Angeles, Carson is a hub for warehousing and distribution companies. Major players include UPS and Watson Land Company.
Professional services, construction, and manufacturing are other important industries in Carson. Entertainment also contributes to the local economy, which we’ll explore more later. Overall, Carson provides around 48,000 local jobs according to the City of Carson’s website.
Points of Interest in Carson
Though a relatively small city, Carson offers some noteworthy attractions and landmarks:
California State University Dominguez Hills
Cal State Dominguez Hills provides higher education opportunities for over 15,000 students annually. With popular programs in business administration, psychology, and nursing, it is a major hub of learning and career development in Carson.
SouthBay Pavilion
This large shopping mall contains over 160 stores, from Macy’s to Apple to AMC Theatres. The latest fashion, technology, dining, and films make SouthBay Pavilion a premier entertainment destination in Carson.
Porsche Experience Center
Car enthusiasts flock to the one-of-a-kind Porsche Experience Center. Through guided test tracks and training, you can push Porsche cars to their limits in a safe environment. The center also offers dining options and a heritage display area.
Victoria Golf Course
The well-maintained Victoria Golf Course provides an oasis of green in the midst of urban Carson. The affordable municipal course is popular with novice and experienced golfers alike.
Dignity Health Sports Park
Formerly known as the Home Depot Center, the Dignity Health Sports Park provides a venue for sporting events and entertainment. Home to the LA Galaxy soccer team, it has hosted events from NFL games to music festivals.
Go Kart World
For family-friendly recreation, Go Kart World offers fun go kart racing courses and arcade games for all ages. A favorite local spot for birthday parties and group events.
Getting Involved in the Community
Carson offers many ways for residents and visitors to engage with the local community. The city has an active arts scene, with organizations like the Carson Community Center promoting theatre, dance, and public events. For sports fans, cheering on the LA Galaxy pro soccer team is a popular pastime.
Festivals like the annual Carson Jazz Festival and Taste of Soul offer lively celebrations of culture and cuisine. Carson’s diversity is also reflected in local places of worship, schools, and community organizations. New residents can connect with others by joining one of Carson’s many Facebook Groups.
Why Carson is a Great Place to Live
With its friendly residents, business opportunities, and recreational attractions, it’s easy to appreciate the appeal of Carson. This city provides a high quality of life just minutes from the excitement of Los Angeles. Homebuyers also appreciate the relatively affordable housing prices compared to many LA neighborhoods. As Carson evolves in the coming decades, the future looks bright for this thriving South Bay city.