City, Los Angeles County
© McCormack's Guides
Zip Code: 91711
College town on east border of county. Pretty, well-kept, many trees, loaded with activities, many of them related to the city’s private colleges and educational institutions. Mountains in background. www.mccormacks.com
School rankings middling to high, crime low. Population 37,242. Median age of residents is 36. Under 18 years, 21 percent. Over 55 years, 24 percent.
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Claremont is home to a complex consisting of Harvey Mudd, Pitzer, Claremont McKenna, Claremont Graduate, Pomona and Scripps colleges.
Their presence and the residents they draw — students, ministers, professors and professionals — give the town a collegiate air on the scrubbed and well-groomed side. Claremont has a quaint downtown with shops and restaurants that border the colleges. Much interest in preserving older buildings.
Housing a mix of old and new. About 10 percent of the housing units were built before 1940; about 55 percent between 1940 and 1970. On west side near the colleges you’ll find the older neighborhoods.
As you move north towards the hills, the housing gets newer and bigger. North of Baseline Road some streets ascend into hills and provide vistas of the San Gabriel Valley. Around Mt. Baldy Road, the lots get bigger still and some homes jump into the executive class, large and impressive. www.mccormacks.com
For the most part, Claremont was built for middle-class professionals. Several senior complexes. Some lower-income units near the freeway.
The state in 2008 counted 12,139 housing units: 8,463 single homes, 919 single attached, 2,744 multiples, 13 mobiles.
Educated by the Claremont Unified School District. Scores a mix, reflecting the diverse demographics of the town. Claremont High scores about the 90th percentile. Oakmont Elementary scores in the 30th and 40th percentile. Voters in 2000 approved $49 million bond to renovate schools. See Schools.
Three homicides in 2005, two in 2004, zero between 2003 and 1997. The counts for previous years are 1, 1, 1, 3, 0, 0, 2. Claremont has its own police department. See Crime.
Downtown L.A. is a long 30 miles to the west but Claremont has Metrolink (commuter rail) service to L.A. and San Bernardino. Freeway on south of town. About eight miles to Ontario Airport. A light-rail line is being extended from Pasadena; Claremont will be the last stop. www.mccormacks.com
Activities galore. The city runs programs for all ages with activities ranging from dance to tennis to chess to knitting. Usual sports. Many activities associated with the colleges: concerts, readings, plays, exhibits, etc. Botanical garden, senior center, modern library, heritage tours. Golf course, 19 parks, including 3-mile linear park.
For orientation on cities, towns and neighborhoods of Los Angeles County, see County Overview.
Chamber of commerce: (909) 624-1681.
City web site: www.ci.claremont.ca.us
