Whittier is a warm and friendly southern California community located just 12 miles southeast of Los Angeles and is only 18 miles from the Pacific Ocean. This gateway city is named for the poet John Greenleaf Whittier, a respected Quaker poet admired by many of the early Quaker residents. It is also home to Whittier College. The College is a diverse liberal college with more than 30 majors and minors in 23 different disciplines. President Richard Nixon is the most famous alumnus from this institution.

The neighborhoods of Whittier are diverse, and range from a traditional business district to an area with historic homes. Uptown Whittier is home to the business center of the city. Two historic districts, Central Park and Hadley-Greenleaf, are made up of Craftsman and Spanish Colonial Revival homes. Recently designated a historic district is College Hills, the area surrounding Whittier College. Starlite Estates is an upscale development and three neighborhoods, Friendly Hills, Murphy Ranch and Leffingwell Ranch, are in East Whittier.

Housing choices in these lovely neighborhoods are varied and affordable. Buyers will find welcoming developments of single family homes with beautifully manicured lawns, restful backyards and patios, and tree lined streets that invite walks, runs, and bike rides. There are also well designed condominium complexes with comfortable units of varying sizes and amenities for owners such as fitness rooms and pools. Vacant building lots are also available and waiting for your dream home.

There are six elementary public schools, five public middle schools, and three public high schools, and a homeschooling headquarters is located in Sierra Vista High School. A number of private schools are also available including the largest Catholic elementary schools in Los Angeles County.

Residents enjoy many community parks, four are large, there are 15 neighborhood parks, sports fields, hiking/biking trails, and two wilderness areas. The Greenway Trail is a 4.5 mile trail for biking, walking, and hiking. Participants enjoy exercising in lushly landscaped surroundings and pass by art exhibits. There are also four exercise equipment stations along the trail and using the equipment at all stations will provide a full workout. The trail also goes by a number of old railway stations that have been renovated to reflect the past of the area and the local flora. Citrus Station represents the agricultural history of the region and Laurel Station hosts a garden of native plants. The Oak Station documents the history of the founding Quaker colony and Palm Station displays bird houses constructed in the varied architecture of the community. Sycamore Station is dedicated to early transportation in the area from wagons and trains to early cars and also pays tribute to the California Sycamore trees. Whittier was once a thriving producer in the nut industry and Walnut Station pays homage to this tradition. Three of the stations also display beautiful kinetic wind sculptures.

The Parks and Recreation Department sponsors a wide range of classes, programs, and events for residents of all ages. Examples of courses include classes in art, dance, crafts, cooking, computers, math, and reading. There are also fitness classes, swimming instruction, gymnastics, martial arts training, and dog obedience training. Athletic programs in soccer, baseball, softball, football, and cheer leading are popular.

The Youth Services Division of Parks and Recreation offers many programs for children of all ages. There are day camps, field trips, recreation programs, athletic leagues, homework assistance, skills training, programs and events.

Senior citizens can take advantage of education and exercise classes, cultural activities, lecture series, day trips, health fairs, and special events at the Senior Citizens Center.

Dining opportunities in Whittier are abundant with chain restaurants, fine dining establishments, cafes, bistros, delicatessens, and fast food eateries. It is easy to find your favorite dishes and preferred dining environment. Make a reservation for a luxurious evening enjoying your favorite food, go out for a delicious breakfast or brunch, treat your self to a terrific deli sandwich or relish a cup of coffee and desert at a sidewalk cafe.

Shoppers enjoy the local Whittwood Town Center that is anchored by brand name department stores, specialty shops, boutiques, health and beauty stores, services that include banks, medical and dental offices and a post office as well as a wide range of restaurants. There are also big box stores, local retailers, grocery stores, and specialty markets.

Residents embrace living among historic landmarks. Among these testaments to the past are the Pio Pico State Historic Park, Rose Hills Memorial Park, the largest cemetery in the world, the Southern Pacific Railroad Depot and the Whittier Museum.

The feeling of community is evident is the numerous events enjoyed by residents. Holiday parades and festivals are well attended and residents participate in local athletic leagues. The active art scene provides community wide beautification projects, art exhibits and shows, and maintains a 60 year tradition of hosting bus trips to the Hollywood Bowl for concerts.

Adult, youth and family community theater offer local presentations for all to enjoy. Productions has included The Wizard of Oz, On Golden Pond, and Man of La Mancha.

Residents also take advantage of the close proximity of professional sports arenas, theater and concert venues, and the beautiful beaches of the Pacific Ocean.

Whittier is a community of warm and friendly neighborhoods conveniently located near the city of Los Angles and the Pacific Ocean. Residents enjoy parks and recreation that provide open green space for rest and recreation as well as programs and activities for all ages.