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Real Estate & Homes in Cypress - California - Cypress, California homes and communites
Cypress
Cypress History
Before the Spanish settlement of Southern California, the Cypress landscape was an expanse of fertile, green plains. Plant life was nourished by the numerous, naturally occurring, artesian wells. Gabrielinos Native Americans, who lived off of the plants, berries, and nuts that grew here, inhabited this pleasant region. The region came under Spanish ownership in 1784 as part of a huge, 300,000-acre land grant given to two Spanish officers. Over time, the land was parceled out and sold off to various investors, most of whom used it for cattle ranching. The hide trade was strong between the 1820s and 1860s, and dairy and beef boomed briefly with the help of the California Gold Rush. This growth was curtailed somewhat by flooding in 1861, followed by a long draught. Locals turned to sheep ranching and sugar beet farming. After 1910, the dairy industry recovered and was again the mainstay of the region by 1945.
The railroad line came to Cypress in 1906, and the first post office opened in 1929. At about that time, Texaco established a large oil storage facility, which brought workers and economic activity to the area. In 1956, Cypress was incorporated under the name Dairy City. One year later, the name was changed to Cypress. Historians are unsure of the background leading to the selection of Cypress as the city's name. Housing development began in the 1960s, and the dairy farmers eventually moved inland where the land was less expensive.
About Cypress
Cypress' motto is: Education - Cooperation - Progress. It is a quiet, family-oriented city that tends to be overshadowed by neighboring destinations like Long Beach and Anaheim. While it isn't a tourist hotspot, Cypress does provide a peaceful lifestyle that is very much appreciated by its residents. The city is primarily residential housing developments, most of which were built in 1960s, 1970s, and 1980s. The commercial and industrial portion of the city is limited to one area along Katella Avenue. Cypress tends to attract corporate headquarters and other large commercial establishments, because of its central location. The city borders both Los Angeles and Orange County and is close to several major freeways. These businesses provide a selection of employment opportunities that is larger than what is normally found in a city of Cypress' size. Within this corporate area, there are many restaurants, hotels, and small shopping complexes.
Activities
Cypress manages 17 park sites, from neighborhood greenbelts to athletic complexes. Public facilities include softball/baseball fields, volleyball courts, basketball courts, a roller hockey rink, a skate park, jogging trails, and, of course, playground equipment and open space. The city also offers many lessons, classes, and special events for all ages. These include interest groups, summer camps, sports leagues, and holiday and seasonal festivals.
Within driving distance from the city, there are many recreational, educational, and cultural activities available. Orange County beaches, Long Beach golf courses, world class shopping in Costa Mesa, plus Disneyland and Knott's Berry Farm are all within 20 minutes of Cypress. Art enthusiasts can catch local theatre performances in Long Beach and view the work of local fine artists in Laguna Beach. Many of the beach communities in this region have eclectic downtown areas, which offer boutique shopping, fine dining, and live entertainment. Among Orange County communities and Long Beach, one can find almost every type of atmosphere imaginable, from barefoot bars to five-star restaurants. Cypress is central enough to take advantage of this variety.
Schools
Cypress Elementary School District and Anaheim Union High School District serve Cypress. Cypress Elementary operates 10 elementary campuses throughout the city; total enrollment is about 4,800 and the student-to-teacher ratio is 19.4. The Anaheim Union High School District manages Lexington Junior High and Cypress High School. Other institutions provide private and parochial education. Residents have the advantage of a community college within the city. Cypress College serves a diverse student base with small class sizes and many course options. The college's full-time enrollment is just more than 10,000. Other options around Cypress are: Long Beach City College, California State University at Long Beach, Biola University, Cerritos College, and Golden West College.
Cypress Fast Facts
Location: Cypress is located in northeastern Orange County, about 15 miles from the coast. Interstates 605, 405, 710, and State Routes 39 and 22 surround Cypress, making for relatively convenient road travel throughout Los Angeles and Orange Counties.
Total area*: 6.6 square miles
Population*: 46,229
Housing units*: 16,028
Average annual rainfall: 13.9 inches
Average temperatures: summer, 74; winter, 59
*Information provided by 2000 Census
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