Downey

About Downey

Downey is located in southeastern Los Angeles County and considered one of the county's "Gateway Cities." The city has many unique claims to fame as the home of the first Taco Bell, the world's oldest McDonald's and the origins of the Apollo space program. It's also earned recognition as one of the most business-friendly cities in the region.

The Growth of Downey

Downey was originally a farming community thriving on the moderate climate that supported healthy fields of corn, castor beans, small-grain crops and fruit trees. At the turn of the century, the area boasted a department store, banks, shops, restaurants, a grammar school and a high school.

Downey continued its rapid growth over the following decades, gaining a Sunkist packing plant, an aircraft company, the Civic Center complex and an Embassy Suites Hotel. A $100 million expansion revitalized the Stonewood Center mall in 1990, and the continued partnership between the city and local industries has encouraged further revitalization.

Jobs in Downey

Unemployment in Downey is on par with the national average, but job growth is more than twice the United States average. There are a number of local jobs in sales and office and administrative support. Other active sectors include production, transportation, material moving, management, business and finance. Thanks to the city's close proximity to Los Angeles, you can easily commute into the larger city for a number of jobs. However, if you'd prefer to stay in town, there's plenty of opportunity to be found at Downey's major employers, including Kaiser Permanente, Stonewood Center and the Downey Unified School District.

Downey Schools

The Downey Unified School District manages the city's public schools. There are also a number of private schools in the area, with options including faith-based and secular schools.

Resources for Moving to Downey

Here are a few quick resources to help you organize your move to Downey:

• Utilities: Southern California Edison and Southern California Gas are the city's major energy providers. The city manages water and sewer services.
• Garbage and Recycling: The city provides regular trash collection in most areas of Downey.
• Transportation: Downey has several public bus routes, and public transportation provides access to Greater Los Angeles.
• Pets: If you're planning on bringing a dog to Downey, you must obtain a license from the South East Area Animal Control Authority.
  

Downey Housing

The median home price in Downey is higher than the national average but fairly affordable when compared to other areas of Los Angeles County. If you'd prefer to rent, you'll find that prices are fairly equal to the California average.