City, Los Angeles County
© McCormack's Guides
Zip Codes: 91722, 91723, 91724
Middle-class city in the east county. It lies in a long valley between the San Jose hills and the San Gabriel Mountains, a sort of cove, one pioneer supposedly thought. In its early days, it had vineyards. And so the name: cov + vina. Another version spins off an Indian name. www.mccormacks.com
Crime rate low. School rankings low to high. Population 49,622. Median age of residents is 34. Under 18 years, 28 percent. Over 55 years, 19 percent. Family town, rounded demographics.
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In housing, Covina can almost be defined by one statistic. Over 50 percent of its housing was built in the 1950s and the 1960s. At that time, the favorite was the three-bedroom, two-bathroom home with the garage attached to the house, often set off at an angle to the driveway. With variations, that’s what you’ll find all over Covina. Some streets mix in newer homes, slightly bigger.
Near the downtown and on the west side, you’ll find cottages and bungalows and larger custom homes. But even here the three-bedroom home shows up. Some tract models rise into two-stories and four bedrooms, and a smaller number into five or more bedrooms.
The state in 2010 counted 16,542 housing units: 9,449 single homes, 1,321 single attached, 5,184 multiples, 588 mobiles.
Nice-looking town but not fancy. Homes in good repair, many remodeled or improved, lawns mowed, shrubs trimmed. Palm trees line — what else? — Palm Drive. Downtown fixed up: bookstore, movie house converted to community theater, restaurants, sidewalk cafes, antique shops, ornamental lights. More stores, apartments to be built in downtown. www.mccormacks.com
Covina used to be famous for its oranges. Rich soil, great for growing.
Education by Covina-Valley Unified School District, which in 2001 won voter approval of bond to renovate its schools. In 2006, the district passed another bond, for $66 million, to upgrade the schools and add library-media centers at many elementaries.
Most schools score just below or just above the 50th percentile, with a few schools hitting the 70s.
Charter Oak District also serves the area. In 2000, it passed a renovation bond. Scores generally 50th to 80th percentile. Two community colleges in nearby towns. See Schools.
Zero homicides in 2005 and 2004, one in 2003, two in 2002, one in 2001 Counts for previous years are 0, 4, 1, 1, 7, 2, 2, 10, 2, 1, 2. Town has own police department. See Crime.
Interstates 210 and 10 run north and south of the town. Downtown L.A. is a long 23 miles to the west. Metrolink (commuter rail) station in center of town. Buses. Wide boulevards criss-cross town and this helps the getting around. www.mccormacks.com
Covina and West Covina have landed a bunch of small and mid-sized industries, offices and stores and this cuts the commute for many while boosting the tax base. Short drive to City of Industry, the location of many jobs.
Library. Seniors center. Historical museum. About a dozen parks. Usual sports. Movie complex, 30 screens. Farmers market. Horseback riding. Christmas parade.
For orientation on cities, towns and neighborhoods of Los Angeles County, see County Overview.
Chamber of commerce: (626) 967-4191.
City web site: www.ci.covina.ca.us
