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Real Estate & Homes in Fountain Valley - Fountain Valley Information
Fountain Valley
Fountain Valley History
Similar to most of Southern California, the early history of Fountain Valley revolves around agriculture. The city's agricultural roots did not begin, however, until a severe drought in the 1870s. Prior to the drought, what is now known as Fountain Valley was a marsh that locals called Gospel Swamp. The term 'gospel' referred to the preachers who would publicize their beliefs from various firm ground islands in the swamp. When the marsh dried up in the late-1800s, farmers began purchasing land to grow wheat and lima beans. The population grew quickly, from 20,000 in 1900 to 61,000 in 1920. At that time, the community was called Talbert. Freeway development in the 1950s and 1960s piqued the interest of residential developers. Fountain Valley was now relatively well connected to growing communities to the north and south, making it an attractive investment for builders. Residents changed the name of the community from Talbert to Fountain Valley in 1957, the same year the city was incorporated. The original City Council was determined to maintain Fountain Valley's agricultural lifestyle. Since then, however, decades of housing development have slowly replaced the city's farmland. Today, Fountain Valley is primarily residential, with a few remaining farms and some commercial development.
Activities
Fountain Valley is a low-key, family-oriented city. Because it is mainly residential, the city is without big-name attractions. Locals are content to drive to nearby Huntington Beach and Newport Beach to enjoy Orange County's sun and surf, or to Anaheim for theme park fun. Staying within the city, residents can spend their free time at local coffee houses, restaurants, golf courses and parks. A family fun center also provides miniature golf, bumper boats, video games and a water slide. More recreational facilities are available at the 640-acre Mile Square Regional Park. Visitors will find three regulation golf courses, soccer, baseball, and softball fields, two lakes and many picnic areas. The expansiveness of the park makes it a preferred location for group events. In total, there are 15 parks in Fountain Valley, offering athletic fields, picnic facilities and open space.
Schools
Huntington Beach Union High School District, Garden Grove Unified, or Fountain Valley Elementary School District provides public education in Fountain Valley. There are eight elementary and middle school campuses in the city, plus two high schools and one continuation school. Los Amigos High School is within the Garden Grove district and Fountain Valley High School is within the Huntington Beach district. For higher education, students may choose to attend Fountain Valley's University of Phoenix campus or Coastline Community College.
Fountain Valley Fast Facts
Location: Fountain Valley is located in northwestern Orange County adjacent to Interstate 405, roughly between Santa Ana and Huntington Beach. Long Beach is about 20 miles north and Irvine is about nine miles south.
Total area*: 8.9 square miles
Population*: 54,978
Housing units*: 18,473
Average annual rainfall: 12.9 inches
Average temperatures: summer, 72; winter, 58
*Information provided by 2000 Census
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