California Real Estate & Relocation Guide

Cerritos, California

Population: 51,488

Located in Los Angeles County

As part of a rich historical region, the land that Cerritos currently occupies has been home to many different peoples. The Gabrielinos, the area’s native American Indians, were the first to settle the area followed by the Spaniards and later by the Mexicans, some of whom developed ranchos and by the early 1900’s farms began to replace the ranchos and the area residents began to focus on agriculture and dairy farming.

In 1968, Cerritos was named the fastest growing city in California, when the population more than doubled in only two years. As the population continued to increase, the mix of ethnicities became more varied and Cerritos was given the distinction of being "the most ethnically diverse place in America," in a study by California State University, Northridge. Since the 1970s the City has continued its commitment to growth. The development of the Los Cerritos Center, the Cerritos Public Library, a new solar-heated City Hall, the Cerritos Auto Square and an Olympic Swim Center all occurred in less than one decade. In 1993, the world-class Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts first opened its doors followed by the opening of the Cerritos Towne Center and Senior Center at Pat Nixon Park in 1994.

Quality education from preschool to college is available in Cerritos. The Chamber and the community take an active role in encouraging education at all levels. Families are attracted to the City by the outstanding ABC Unified School District and Cerritos Community College, as well as the private institutions of Platt College and Devry Institute of Technology.

While Cerritos' central location has spurred its growth, innovation and leadership have sustained it. The City has pioneered in many areas which have both tangible present-day benefits as well as symbolic value. From building America's first solar city hall, to undergrounding all utility lines, to opening the most unique performing arts facility in the country, Cerritos is an exciting place to live and work.