East Whittier City - Whittier, CA Area Guide

East Whitter City was established in 2012 after previously being known as East La Mirada. The greater city of Whittier was settled in 1784 after Spanish soldier Manuel Nieto was given a Spanish land grant of 300,000 acres, which was later reduced to 1,790 acres after a dispute with Mission San Gabriel. The city was incorporated in 1898 and was named after the poet John Greenleaf Whittier. It became a charter city in 1955.

East Whittier City has a thriving arts community, with numerous local community theaters and annual events, such as the Hillcrest Festival of Fine Arts held in nearby La Habra Heights. This festival celebrates everyone from local painters and photographers to jewelers and craftsmen.

The Whittier Museum showcases the area's history and culture, with exhibits catering to both children and adults to better educate residents about life in Whittier during its earliest days.

East Whittier City has plenty of culinary options when it comes to dining out in the area, with options to choose from that includes cuisine from Italy and South America.

Family-friendly Sol Maya offers a true Salvadoran experience with dishes such as pupusas revueltas and mar y tierra. Situated on Painter Avenue, it can be difficult to find, but a good GPS system will make you glad you did. Savor the cielo, mar y tierre as you dine outside on the patio as the casual atmosphere ensures a relaxing meal out with family and friends.

Sushi has always been a California staple, and Dakara Sushi on Whittier Boulevard does not disappoint. Traditionally prepared with the freshest ingredients, the spicy tuna roll and seared albacore with garlic butter soy sauce will have your taste buds begging for more. Moderate prices, a nice selection of beer and wine and a quiet, casual location will have you feeling like a local in no time.

If you want a taste of Italy without having to travel far, go to The Mission Square on Penn Street. The intimate indoor setting and romantic outdoor courtyard add to the classic dishes and warm, friendly service for an experience like no other. From the moment you sit down, you feel like part of the family. The fresh bread and olive oil will hold you over until your main course, as the owner comes to greet you while you wait. Try the Linguine mare e monti or the Salmon risotto, and pair it with a glass of your favorite wine. When dining here, be prepared for plenty of leftovers.

Whether you want to unwind with a cold craft beer, party with friends, or dance to retro disco tunes, East Whittier City has something for everyone.

The Bottle Room serves up a touch of class in a simply designed setting. Specializing in the finest craft beers and wine, The Bottle Room fuses the two together with a selection of craft food for the perfect end to a long week. The casual, laid-back atmosphere and focus on food, drinks and friends gives you the chance to sit back and relax in good company.

If you're in the mood for something a little more lively on the weekend, The Lounge Ultra Bar on Greenleaf Avenue has fantastic half-off drink and appetizer specials, salsa dancing on Fridays and regular club nights, complete with live bands or talented DJs, on Saturdays. The cabana-style decor, two dance floors and retro disco-nights filled with classic music from the 70s and 80s add to the endless fun and positive energy you'll find here. The Sportsman Cocktail Lounge serves as a live music venue every Friday and Saturday, with plenty of room to dance to the music, or sit back with your favorite drink to watch one of the local bands, proving you don't have to go far to experience an exciting night full of live music.

Close proximity to the 605, 210, 91 and 10 freeways makes getting around East Whittier by car or bus a breeze. The Uber app on your smartphone can help you locate a driver within minutes, whether you need a taxi, private car, or airport shuttle service. If you prefer an outdoor commute, you can take advantage of the bike-friendly roads, designated lanes and stable terrain to walk or cycle to your destination.

A & D Transportation L.P. has public transportation via appointment, providing rides to just about anywhere in the greater Los Angeles area for a reasonable fee. The Metro public bus runs daily, with several scheduled routes and affordable rates, giving you peace of mind during your daily commute.

East Whittier has plenty of public parking available throughout the city. Athena Parking in downtown Los Angeles charges a flat rate of $9 per day, with a discounted rate of $4 after 4 p.m.

Fitness and fun go hand-in-hand when living in California and East Whittier City follows suit with plenty of family-friendly and exercise-centric parks to choose from.

Adventure Park on South Gunn Avenue lives up to its name by offering a little bit of everything. Dog-friendly trails keep your pooch happy, while the baseball fields, basketball courts and playground equipment keep your kids active all day. If you're looking to exercise without hitting the gym, go for a run on the designated track that spans two baseball diamonds, take advantage of specialized equipment throughout the park, or spice up your workout routine by attending one of the Zumba classes held during the week. Be sure to check out the small flea market hosted by the park every Tuesday.

For a more relaxing day, try La Mirada Creek on Santa Gertrudes Avenue. Take a leisurely walk and stop on one of the bridges to marvel at the families of ducks waddling through the water underneath you, or listen to the kids squeal with delight at the sight of baby squirrels during the spring. Don't be surprised when you see horses by the creek or dogs frolicking in the lush, wide-open space. Pack a picnic basket to enjoy a family meal in this beautifully tranquil park.

The cost of living in East Whittier City can be considered moderate to high, costing 7 percent more than the rest of Los Angeles. A standard one-bedroom apartment averages $1,071, while a pint of beer at the local pub will cost you around $5.

The price of gas typically hovers around 16 percent higher than the national average, so if you'd rather commute via public transportation, you can expect to pay $1.25 for a one-way ride on the Metro.

Whether you prefer a day at the mall, buying local from your favorite boutique or just need to pick up your weekly groceries, East Whittier has plenty of shopping available.

Visit Whittwood Town Center to hit the sales at Kohl's, pick up the latest video game from Game Stop and browse the selection of affordable shoes at Payless. Grab a quick bite to eat in one of the many chain restaurants inside, or skip the online ordering process by picking up a tasty fruit basket from Edible Arrangements.

Trendy fashions and great prices give Haute Mess Boutique an advantage over higher-priced boutiques in the area. The friendly staff offers helpful advice, providing individual attention to help you find your best look. Feel like a goddess in the Athena dress and complete your ensemble with a fabulous fringe clutch and moon layering necklace. Clothes and accessories for the whole family will keep you looking like the best-dressed bunch in town.

For the freshest, locally grown food and produce in the city, head over to Uptown Whittier Certified Farmers' Market. Here you'll find a wide selection of fruits and vegetables, along with other items such as fresh flowers, various trail mixes and yummy kettle-corn. Open every Friday throughout the year, you can end every week on a healthy note. Choose from fresh whole foods at Trader Joe's on East Whittier Boulevard for your weekly grocery needs, or stop by Fresh & Easy to buy bulk items such as paper products, meats, breakfast foods and dairy products.