Did you know 91.2% of Pico Rivera’s people are Hispanic or Latino? This shows the city’s rich cultural mix. Located in southeastern Los Angeles County, Pico Rivera combines history, diversity, and modern comforts. It’s a perfect entry point to Southern California living.
Pico Rivera is just 11 miles southeast of downtown Los Angeles. It sits at the intersection of the Los Angeles basin and the San Gabriel Valley. With a population of 62,088 in 2020, it’s packed with character in its 8.88 square miles. The city is close to Montebello, Downey, Santa Fe Springs, and Whittier, making it a key spot in Southeast Los Angeles.
Exploring Pico Rivera, you’ll see a city that respects its past and looks to the future. From historic Pío Pico State Historic Park to modern shopping centers, it’s a true California experience. Whether you’re moving here or just visiting, Pico Rivera invites you to enjoy the best of SoCal.
Key Takeaways
- Pico Rivera is located in southeastern Los Angeles County, California
- The city has a population of 62,088 as of 2020
- 91.2% of the population is Hispanic or Latino
- Pico Rivera covers 8.88 square miles
- The city is bordered by Montebello, Downey, Santa Fe Springs, and Whittier
- It’s situated 11 miles southeast of downtown Los Angeles
Introduction to Pico Rivera
Pico Rivera is in the heart of Southern California. It’s a mix of suburban charm and urban convenience. The city has a rich history and a diverse community, attracting both residents and visitors.
Location and Geography
Pico Rivera is well-placed in the Los Angeles area. It spans 8.88 square miles, with 8.29 square miles of land and 0.59 square miles of water. Its location near major highways makes it easy to get around.
Brief History of Pico Rivera
The history of Pico Rivera began in 1958. It was formed by merging Pico and Rivera. The city is named after Pío Pico, the last Governor of Alta California. Since then, Pico Rivera has grown, keeping its heritage while moving forward.
City Demographics
Pico Rivera’s population is diverse, like Southern California. In 2020, 91.2% of residents were Hispanic or Latino. This diversity is seen in the local food, festivals, and events, making Pico Rivera lively.
| Demographic | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Hispanic or Latino | 91.2% |
| Other Ethnicities | 8.8% |
Pico Rivera is special because of its history, diverse people, and location. It’s a great place to live or visit, offering a true taste of Southern California.
The Rich History of Pico Rivera
Pico Rivera’s history is as colorful as its landscape. The area’s story began long before it became the vibrant city we know today. In 1847, the Battle of Río San Gabriel took place here, marking a turning point in the U.S. conquest of California.
This clash saw American forces triumph over the Californios, forever changing the region’s future.
Originally, Pico Rivera was a land of farms and orchards. The Santa Fe railroad’s arrival in 1885 brought new life to the area, turning it into a bustling railroad town. By 1888, the community of Rivera was born on 95 acres of land.
The town quickly flourished, with thriving orange groves and walnut orchards. In 1890, Rivera produced an impressive 30,000 boxes of oranges and 6,600 sacks of walnuts.
After World War II, Pico Rivera underwent another transformation. The demand for housing skyrocketed, and the agricultural lands gave way to residential neighborhoods and industrial zones. On January 29, 1958, the people spoke. With 56% of voters in favor, Pico Rivera officially became Los Angeles County’s 61st city.
Today, Pico Rivera stands as a testament to its rich past and bright future. From the Battle of Río San Gabriel to its incorporation in 1958, the city’s history is woven into every street and building. As you explore Pico Rivera, you’ll find echoes of its agricultural roots and glimpses of its industrial heritage, all part of the unique tapestry that makes this city truly special.
Exploring Pico Rivera’s Neighborhoods
Pico Rivera neighborhoods offer a mix of homes, shops, and parks. This city is great for families and singles looking for a good life in Southern California.
Residential Areas
Families in Pico Rivera have many home choices. El Rancho Estates has big lots for spacious homes. It also allows for ADUs, making homes bigger.
Northwest Pico Rivera has homes of all sizes. This meets the needs of many families.
Commercial Districts
The city’s shops and restaurants are close to homes. Pico Rivera City Center is a key spot for shopping and eating. It’s lively and draws both businesses and people.
Downey Road has homes and shops, with a median sale price of $787,000. It’s a mix of living and business.
Parks and Recreation Spaces
Pico Rivera has many parks and places for fun. These areas are perfect for outdoor fun and community events. The city is walkable, with a score of 59/100.
Spy Glass Hill is affordable and close to parks. It’s a great place to live for those who love the outdoors.
| Neighborhood | Median Sale Price | Notable Features |
|---|---|---|
| Uptown Whittier | $821,500 | High rental demand |
| Laguna | $905,000 | Upscale properties |
| Spy Glass Hill | $594,500 | Affordable housing options |
Pico Rivera is a great place for families and singles. It offers a good balance of life in Southern California.
Education in Pico Rivera
Pico Rivera schools are key in shaping the community’s future. The El Rancho Unified School District is the main educational body in the city. It provides quality education to local students.
Rivera Elementary School is a prime example of the city’s dedication to education. It has 489 students and 21 teachers, with a student-to-teacher ratio of 23.3:1. The school’s student body is diverse, with 97% identifying as Latinx.
Community support for Pico Rivera schools is clear through initiatives like DonorsChoose. This platform has raised $51,619 for Rivera Elementary, funding 67 projects and supporting 12 teachers. The generosity is widespread, with 12.4% of donors coming from out-of-state.
| Project Category | Number of Projects |
|---|---|
| Basic Supplies | 13 |
| Technology | 6 |
| Books | 6 |
| Art Supplies | 3 |
The El Rancho Unified School District has a new vision statement. It aims to inspire learners in an ever-changing world. They focus on improving literacy and using new teaching methods.
“We create opportunities for growth and success.”
Over 700 teachers and staff have recently participated in events. Local officials also support the education system. Pico Rivera’s education system is evolving to meet student needs.
Pico Rivera’s Economy and Job Market
The pico rivera economy has changed a lot. It’s now a mix of different industries. This Southern California city has many job opportunities.
Major Employers
Pico Rivera has big employers that help the local job market. Walmart and Target offer jobs in retail. Feit Electric Co Inc provides jobs in manufacturing, helping the city’s industrial sector.
Economic Development
The city has grown a lot in recent years. New businesses are opening, creating more jobs. The local government works hard to bring in different industries. This ensures a strong economic future for Pico Rivera.
Retail Centers
Shopping fans will love the Pico Rivera Towne Center. It’s a 60-acre open-air complex with lots of shops. For more options, check out Pico Crossing. It’s a 2.79-acre center with national retailers.
| Retail Center | Size | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Pico Rivera Towne Center | 60 acres | Open-air complex |
| Pico Crossing | 2.79 acres | Shopping center |
Pico Rivera is great for shoppers and job seekers. Its thriving retail centers and diverse job market offer excellent opportunities.
Culture and Community in Pico Rivera
Pico Rivera’s culture is deeply rooted in its Hispanic heritage. This creates a vibrant tapestry of traditions and celebrations. The city shows its commitment to preserving and showcasing its cultural identity through many community events and landmarks.
The Pico Rivera Sports Arena is at the heart of the city’s cultural scene. Built in 1978, it has a 6,000-seat capacity. It was designed for charreadas, a traditional Mexican equestrian sport. The arena hosts competitions in nine charrería disciplines, including the graceful escaramuzas by female riders.
Pico Rivera community events often center around the Sports Arena. It has become a cultural cornerstone for generations of Mexican American families. The venue also hosts Mexican regional music, featuring legendary artists like Antonio Aguilar and Vicente Fernandez.
“The Pico Rivera Sports Arena is more than just a venue; it’s a living testament to our city’s rich cultural heritage and a gathering place for our community,” says a local resident.
The city’s cultural landscape goes beyond the arena. Pico Rivera has two community libraries, parks, and historic sites like the Pio Pico State Historic Park. These spaces host various community events, fostering a strong sense of togetherness among residents.
| Cultural Landmark | Significance |
|---|---|
| Pico Rivera Sports Arena | Center for charrería and Mexican regional music |
| Pio Pico State Historic Park | Preserves local history |
| Rivera Library | 6,724 sq ft community knowledge hub |
| Pico Rivera Library | 16,000 sq ft LEED-certified facility |
Pico Rivera’s cultural events, from charreadas to music festivals, reflect its diverse heritage and strong community bonds. These gatherings celebrate the city’s past and shape its vibrant present and promising future.
Transportation and Accessibility
Pico Rivera has many ways to get around, making it easy to connect with Los Angeles. The city’s location and infrastructure help everyone travel conveniently.
Major Highways
The San Gabriel River Freeway (I-605) is on Pico Rivera’s edge, offering quick access to other cities. Rosemead/Lakewood Boulevard (CA 19) goes through the city, making local trips easy.
Public Transportation Options
Pico Rivera has a plan for better transportation. It aims to make streets safer and more accessible. The plan includes designs for Whittier Boulevard and guidelines for new transportation tech.
Proximity to Los Angeles
Pico Rivera is just 11 miles from Los Angeles. It’s perfect for commuters. The city’s transport network makes it easy to get to LA and Southern California.
| Transportation Project | Description | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Historic Whittier Boulevard Program | Aims to create a safe, reliable, and accessible destination | In progress |
| Phase 1 Improvements | Intersection upgrades, painted crosswalks, curb extensions | Ongoing |
| Phase 2 Enhancements | Protected bike lanes, greenway development, advanced design conditions | Planned |
With these upgrades, Pico Rivera will be even more accessible. It will improve life for both residents and visitors.
Things to Do in Pico Rivera
Pico Rivera is full of fun activities for everyone. It has nine parks and eight playgrounds for outdoor fun. Golf fans will love the Pico Rivera Municipal Golf Course, a 9-hole course.
Art and culture lovers should check out the Ruth B. Shannon Center for the Performing Arts. It has a big theater and a smaller one, offering shows all year.
Pico Rivera’s restaurants offer food for all tastes. Don’t miss King Richard’s Antique Vintage Center for unique shopping.
Pico Rivera is just 11 miles from Los Angeles. It’s close to fun spots like the Montebello Barnyard Zoo and the Discovery Cube in Santa Ana.
The city’s Parks and Recreation Department offers many classes and activities:
- Education (30% of classes)
- Health & Wellness (22.5%)
- Sports (22.5%)
- Creative Arts (15%)
- Visual & Performing Arts (5%)
- Trips & Tours (5%)
Sports classes include basketball, martial arts, and soccer. Art classes cover painting and acting.
Pico Rivera has activities for all ages. The city also plans trips to events like the Festival of Lights and shows at the Pantages Theatre in Hollywood.
Local Government and City Services
Pico Rivera’s local government runs on a Council-Manager system. This ensures the city is well-managed. The City Council, with five members, works hard to meet community needs. They offer services to improve your life in this lively Southern California city.
City Council Structure
The City Council has a Mayor and Mayor Pro Tem. They work with other council members to make important decisions. Their job is to make Pico Rivera a great place for its 62,088 residents.
Public Safety
Keeping you safe is a big deal in Pico Rivera. The city has its own police and fire departments. They are ready to help you 24/7, keeping the city safe and peaceful.
Community Programs
Pico Rivera has many programs to help its residents. They offer services like solar permits and personalized advice. The city also fights fraud and respects your privacy, following the law.
FAQ
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Source Links
- https://www.parks.ca.gov/piopico/
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pico_Rivera,_California
- https://www.pico-rivera.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/GP-Chapter-5.pdf
- https://www.picowaterdistrict.net/about-us/
- https://sd30.senate.ca.gov/district/pico-rivera
- https://homesteadmuseum.blog/2022/07/15/thats-the-ticket-early-pico-rivera-history-through-a-quintet-of-agents-stubs-for-the-rivera-station-of-the-southern-california-railway-may-july-1897/
- https://www.bestplaces.net/city/california/pico_rivera
- https://www.redfin.com/living-in/CA/Pico-Rivera/6/14737
- https://supremeremodelinginc.com/top-5-neighborhoods-in-pico-rivera-for-adding-an-adu/
- https://www.donorschoose.org/schools/california/el-rancho-unified-school-district/rivera-elementary-school/29359
- https://www.whittierdailynews.com/2024/08/13/in-pico-rivera-el-rancho-unified-starts-school-year-with-renewed-focus-on-teaching-reading/
- https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/picorivera/jobs/newprint/3995178
- https://whatsmycashflow.com/blogs/news/pico-rivera-housing-market
- https://www.pbssocal.org/shows/artbound/how-pico-rivera-became-the-epicenter-of-charreria-and-mexican-ranch-life-in-l-a
- https://www.pico-rivera.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/GP-Chapter-2.pdf
- https://www.pico-rivera.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/HWB_Multimodal-Plan_ExSum_FINAL-lowres.pdf
- https://catc.ca.gov/-/media/ctc-media/documents/ctc-meetings/2024/2024-06/30-3-2c-a11y
- https://picoriveraca.myrec.com/info/activities/activities.aspx
- https://www.thecrazytourist.com/15-best-things-to-do-in-pico-rivera-ca/
- https://pico-rivera.org/
- https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/picorivera