City, Los Angeles County
© McCormack's Guides
Zip Codes: 90022, 90023, 90040, 90091
As its name suggests, this city is devoted to commerce (and industry), about 1,500 businesses, but it’s also home to 13,536 residents, almost all of them living in two neighborhoods divided by Atlantic Boulevard. www.mccormacks.com
Click for regional or detailed map
School rankings low to middling. Commerce formed itself into a legal city in 1960 to get control of its taxes and planning and kill annexations by other cities. As part of the incorporation package, the new city included four libraries, an inducement for residents to vote yes. City offers great amenities, including a kids' camp in the mountains.
Commerce erected about 60 percent of its current housing between 1940 and 1970. Among single homes, two- and three-bedroom units run neck and neck. The housing was aimed at blue-collar workers: plain, easy to build, affordable. Here and there you’ll find homes with four bedrooms. Some deep lots have homes out back.
Housing care mixed. Some people take a lot of care. No graffiti (city runs a cleanup program).
The state in 2008 counted 3,447 housing units: 1,945 single homes, 615 single attached, 883 multiples, 4 mobiles. In the 1990s, the town's housing stock increased by 180 units. www.mccormacks.com
Children attend schools run by the Montebello Unified School District. Sample rankings: Bandini Elementary, 30th to 50th percentile; Rosewood Park Elementary, generally in the 20th percentile. In 1998 voters passed a bond to renovate schools. See Schools.
Two homicides in 2005, three in 2004, two in 2003, seven in 2002, four in 2001, two in 2000. Counts for previous years are 3, 3, 4, 4, 2, 10, 1, 4, 1, 1. Some homes use security doors and window bars. City contracts with sheriff’s department to provide police protection. Two sheriff’s substations. See Crime.
Seniors center, community center, aquatorium (two pools, wading pool, sauna), three parks, shooting range. Classes and activities for adults and children. People working (but not living) in Commerce can purchase a pass for the aquatorium.
Large casino pumps a lot of tax revenue into city treasury.
About six miles east of downtown L.A. Interstates 5 and 710 bisect the town. Commerce has own bus system (no fares). Metrolink (commuter rail). Buses to downtown L.A. www.mccormacks.com
Many jobs in town. Commerce has a rail yard that is tied into international trade.
Buildings include former tire factory, now office-retail outlet, with a facade inspired by palace of Assyrian king. Not something you see every day. Chamber of commerce: (323) 728-7222.
For orientation on cities, towns and neighborhoods of Los Angeles County, see County Overview.
City web site: www.ci.commerce.ca.us
