With a population of over 95,000 as of the 2020 census, South Gate is one of the larger cities in Los Angeles County. Founded in 1923, South Gate has grown into a thriving community with a strong local economy and plenty to offer residents and visitors alike.
Major Employers and Local Economy
The economy of South Gate is driven by a mix of industries, including manufacturing, retail, healthcare, and education. Some of the top employers in South Gate include:
- Paramount Petroleum and Asphalt – An oil refinery that employs over 1,100 people
- St. Francis Medical Center – A major hospital and healthcare provider for the region
- South East ROP Career and Technical Education – Provides career training for high school students in South Gate and neighboring cities
- City of South Gate – Employs over 800 people to provide municipal services
- South Gate Unified School District – Operates 16 schools employing over 1,000 people
In addition to major employers, South Gate has a thriving small business community. The city’s downtown district along Tweedy Boulevard features a variety of local shops, restaurants, and services. The South Gate Chamber of Commerce supports local economic growth through networking, promotion, and advocacy.
Parks and Recreation
South Gate offers plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation and leisure activities. The city operates over 10 parks, including:
- Hollydale Regional Park – A 67-acre park with sports fields, tennis courts, playgrounds, and an amphitheater.
- Circle Park – Home to the Azalea Regional Library as well as open green space.
- South Gate Park – Baseball and soccer fields, an aquatics center, golf course, and more.
The South Gate Soccer Club provides youth sports leagues at the parks. The city also operates the South Gate Sports Center, which has indoor basketball courts, a weight room, and other amenities.
Historic Landmarks
As one of the first suburbs of Los Angeles, South Gate has a number of historic landmarks and places of interest. These include:
- Tweedy Mile – Also known as “The Miracle Mile,” this stretch of Tweedy Blvd was an early commercial center.
- Hollydale Library Mural – A large mosaic mural depicting the history of South Gate.
- Women’s Club of South Gate – Built in 1923, this historic building hosts community events.
The South Gate Historical Society works to document and preserve the history of the city through exhibits, collections and publications.
Arts and Culture
South Gate offers plenty of opportunities to experience arts and culture. The Azalea Regional Library hosts programs, classes and exhibits in addition to its extensive book collection. The South Gate Community Auditorium presents concerts, plays, and other performances featuring local talent.
Each year, South Gate hosts a series of popular community events like the Tamal Festival, Jazz Festival, Cinco de Mayo Celebration, and the Family Day Parade. These festivals celebrate the city’s diversity with food, music, and family-friendly activities.
Public Services
As a full-service city, South Gate provides residents with police and fire protection, water and power utilities, street maintenance, trash collection, parks and recreation services, and more. The city operates a main City Hall as well as satellite facilities for recreation and public services.
South Gate is part of the Los Angeles Unified School District. Local public schools include South Gate High School, South East High School, and over a dozen elementary and middle schools. The city is also served by the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, Los Angeles County Fire Department, and the Los Angeles Public Library system.
Location and Transportation
South Gate is conveniently located in southeast Los Angeles County, approximately 13 miles south of downtown Los Angeles. Interstate 710 runs through the city, connecting South Gate with the ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles as well as downtown LA. Public transportation is provided by Metro buses and the LA Metro Rail Green Line.
The city’s location near the junction of three major freeways makes it easily accessible from across the LA metro region. South Gate is also conveniently situated near Los Angeles International Airport (LAX).