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Real Estate & Homes in Garden Grove - Garden Grove Information
Garden Grove
Garden Grove History
Alonzo Cook, the man widely recognized as the founder of Garden Grove, made his start in the region by purchasing 160 acres of land in the late-1860s for about $15 an acre. He later donated land to be used for the post office and the first schoolhouse. Although the landscape of the town didn't resemble much of a garden - it was primarily wide-open fields - Cook suggested naming the community Garden Grove. When asked about this name choice, Cook recommended the residents plant trees to make the community live up to its name. Twenty years after Cook's land purchase, a Garden Grove resident named Wickham spearheaded a movement to break up Los Angeles County. His efforts led to the formation of Orange County in 1889. At that time, Garden Grove's population was about 200. Garden Grove was reliant on agriculture and ranching for the rest of that century and well into the next. Chili peppers, poultry, eggs and strawberries were each, at various times, a mainstay of the local economy. Things remained relatively quiet in Garden Grove until 1905, when Pacific Electric Railroad built a line through the community. Tourists came and, later, more settlers. As the population grew, so did the need for services. Telephone, gas and electric service were soon installed near Main Street.
Two natural disasters shaped the development of Garden Grove in the first half of the twentieth century, by creating a strong sense of community among residents who joined together to repair their town. In 1916, the main area of town was flooded under about four feet of water after extended, heavy rains. About 15 years later, the Long Beach earthquake, with an estimated magnitude of 6.3, damaged some of Garden Grove's town structures. The town recovered from both events to see its largest period of population growth in the 1950s. Many of the servicemen who brought their families to California following World War II settled in in this community. As the population grew, residents recognized the need to establish their town's independence. Garden Grove was incorporated in June of 1956. By 1960, the population was approaching 44,000.
About Garden Grove
Today, Garden Grove, with a population nearing 170,000, is one of Orange County's largest cities. The rapid, mid-century growth may have taken its toll on the city's open land, but Garden Grove is now entering a period of revitalization. While there is a small, thriving business community, Garden Grove is primarily residential neighborhoods. Most of the homes and neighborhoods in Garden Grove were initially developed in the 1950s and 1960s. As with many Orange County communities, however, the selection of homes varies widely. Small, quaint starter homes, showcase estates, and virtually everything in between can be found here. The neighborhoods are broken up by small retail and commercial complexes, city parks, and heavily used streets like Harbor Boulevard.
The city, along with its neighbor Westminster, has become a popular home address for Korean and Vietnamese families. Garden Grove's diversity has added to the dynamic nature of the community, which still fosters the pioneer spirit of its past. This sense of energy is reflected by the motto, "City of Youth and Ambition." Many city residents are characterized by a willingness to volunteer their time to local organizations. Many groups, events and places of worship that rely on volunteer efforts thrive in Garden Grove. The city is home to a large number of churches and temples, including the famous Crystal Cathedral. Garden Grove's largest employers are Garden Grove Hospital, C&D Aerospace & Plastics, Air Industry Corp., and Crystal Cathedral. Most residents are employed in manufacturing, retail, or construction.
Activities
The biggest attractions available to residents of Garden Grove are those that are actually just outside the city. Residents have easy access to Disneyland, Knott's Berry Farm, John Wayne International Airport, and the white sand beaches of Huntington Beach; all are within 15 minutes of the city. The best-known landmark within the city is the Crystal Cathedral, home of the Crystal Cathedral Ministries. More than 10,000 people congregate for services at the Cathedral and many thousands more watch pastor Robert H. Schuller on the television show "Hour of Power."
Performing arts are available the Grove Theater Center's Gem Theater and Festival Amphitheater. The facility has been hosting dramas, comedies and musicals since it’s opening in 1994, and is recognized for the consistent quality of its productions. Those who prefer the orchestra should look into the Orange County Symphony, also based in Garden Grove. The symphony produces classical and pop concerts, as well as seasonal events. Annual Garden Grove events include the Tet Festival, Strawberry Festival, Korean Festival, the Garden Tour and Tea and the Arab American Festival. The Strawberry Festival is one of Southern California's largest Memorial Day celebrations. Garden Grove has extensive public parks and facilities available for recreational use. Twenty park sites cover 165 acres of space and provide for activities such as golf, basketball, football, soccer, baseball and softball. Public tennis courts and swimming pools are also available, as are roller hockey rinks and an arena soccer complex.
Schools
Public schooling is provided primarily by Garden Grove Unified School District. The district operates a total of more than 65 campuses, all of which are located in Garden Grove, Fountain Valley or Westminster. About 45 of these campuses are in Garden Grove. Serving more than 50,000 students in total, the district maintains a student-to-teacher ratio of about 23. Westminster Elementary School District and Orange Unified School District each also have a minor presence in Garden Grove. Westminster has two elementary schools: Meairs and Anderson; Orange Unified operates Lampson Elementary School. There are several colleges, universities and trade schools within driving distance as well. Private university education is offered by Bethesda Christian University, while Golden West College, Coastline Community College, Santa Ana College, and Cypress College all offer two-year, post high school programs.
Fast Facts
Total area*: 18 square miles
Population*: 165,196
Housing units*: 46,703
Average annual rainfall: 12.9 inches
Average temperatures: summer, 74 ; winter, 59
*Information provided by 2000 Census
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