Downey is a city located in southeastern Los Angeles County, California, United States, 14 miles southeast of downtown Los Angeles. It is considered part of the Gateway Cities. The city is the birthplace of the Apollo space program and is the hometown of Richard and Karen Carpenter. It is also the home of the oldest still operating McDonald’s restaurant in the world.
As of the 2010 census, the city had a total population of 111,772. It is the 22nd most populous city in California and the 124th in the United States.
Downey is located at 33°56′5″N 118°7′17″W (33.934711, -118.121377).
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 11.1 square miles (28.7 km2). 10.9 square miles (28.2 km2) of it is land and 0.2 square miles (0.52 km2) of it (1.87%) is water.
Downey is bordered by Norwalk on the northwest, Bellflower on the southwest, Paramount on the south, Cerritos on the southeast, and Long Beach on the northeast.
Downey is served by the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, Downey Police Department, and the Downey Fire Department.
The Los Angeles County Department of Health Services operates the Downey Health Center in Downey.
Downey has its own city newspaper, the Downey Patriot, which is published weekly on Thursdays.
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1. Old Town Downey
Old Town Downey is a historic district in Downey, California. It is located on the eastern side of the city and is bounded by 5th Street, Downey Avenue, and Firestone Boulevard.
The district includes a variety of commercial and residential buildings that date back to the early 20th century. Many of the buildings in the district are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
The district is home to a number of businesses, including a variety of shops, restaurants, and bars. There are also a number of historic homes and buildings in the district, including the Downey House, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Old Town Downey is a great place to visit if you are interested in learning about the history of the city and seeing some of the beautiful architecture. The district is also a great place to enjoy a meal or a drink while you explore all that Downey has to offer.
2. Stonewood Center
Stonewood Center is a neighborhood shopping center in Downey, California, United States. It is anchored by J.C. Penney, Macy’s, and Sears. It is owned by CBL & Associates Properties.
The Stonewood Center was originally developed by A.F. Gilmore Company in 1953. It was one of the first regional shopping centers in the Los Angeles area. The center was originally anchored by The Broadway, J.C. Penney, and Woolworth’s. In 1974, the center was expanded and Sears was added as a new anchor. In 1992, the center underwent a major renovation and Macy’s was added as a new anchor.
3. Downey Landing
Downey Landing is a small unincorporated community located in Los Angeles County, California. Downey Landing is situated on the Los Angeles River, near the city of Downey. The community is home to a small number of residents, and is known for its rural atmosphere and scenic views. Downey Landing is a great place to enjoy the outdoors, and offers residents a quiet and peaceful place to call home.
4. Downey Promenade
Downey Promenade is a bustling outdoor shopping center located in the heart of Downey, California. With over 60 stores and restaurants, the promenade is the perfect place to spend a day shopping, dining, and exploring. The promenade is also home to a variety of events throughout the year, including live music, farmers markets, and holiday celebrations.
5. Plaza Mexico
Plaza Mexico is a world-famous shopping center located in the heart of Los Angeles, California. It is home to over 200 shops, restaurants, and businesses, and is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the city.
Plaza Mexico first opened its doors in the early 1970s, and has since become a staple of the LA landscape. It is especially popular with Hispanic residents and visitors, who come to the plaza to enjoy its vibrant atmosphere and to shop for traditional Mexican goods.
Whether you’re looking for fresh produce, authentic Mexican cuisine, or just a place to people-watch, Plaza Mexico is the perfect spot. Soak up the sun and the culture at this LA landmark.
6. Kaiser Permanente Downey Medical Center
Kaiser Permanente Downey Medical Center is a full-service hospital providing comprehensive medical care to the residents of Downey and the surrounding communities. The medical center offers a wide range of services, including emergency care, surgery, maternity care, and more. Kaiser Permanente Downey is dedicated to providing high-quality, affordable healthcare to its patients.
7. Downey High School
Downey High School is located in Downey, California. It is a public high school that serves grades 9-12. The school has a student population of approximately 3,000. Downey High School offers a variety of academic and extracurricular programs. The school’s academic offerings include courses in English, Math, Science, Social Studies, and Foreign Language. Downey High School’s extracurricular activities include sports, clubs, and activities. The school’s sports teams compete in the California Interscholastic Federation. The school’s clubs and activities include the National Honor Society, Student Council, and Robotics Club.
8. Rio Hondo College
Rio Hondo College is a public community college in Whittier, California. Founded in 1960, the college serves over 18,000 students. The college offers Associate’s degrees and certificate programs in a variety of fields, including business, engineering, and liberal arts. Rio Hondo College is accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.
9. Columbia Memorial Space Center
The Columbia Memorial Space Center is a museum and educational center in Downey, California, USA, dedicated to preserving the legacy of the Space Shuttle Columbia and the astronauts who lost their lives aboard her. The center houses exhibits about the Space Shuttle program, the history of the aerospace industry in Downey, and the lives of the astronauts who perished on Columbia. The center also offers educational programs and opportunities for hands-on learning about science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM).
10. Porto’s Bakery & Cafe
1. In business since 1957, Porto’s Bakery & Cafe is a beloved Los Angeles institution known for its delicious Cuban pastries and sandwiches.
2. Founded by Rosa Porto, who emigrated from Cuba to Los Angeles in the 1950s, the bakery started out as a tiny operation selling pastries out of the family’s home.
3. Rosa’s son, Raul, eventually took over the business, expanding it into the successful chain it is today.
4. Porto’s now has several locations across Southern California, and its baked goods are shipped all over the country.
5. The bakery is especially well-known for its guava and cheese pastries, which are a favorite of both locals and celebrities alike.
6. Other popular items include Cuban sandwiches, empanadas, and Cuban coffee.
7. In addition to its delicious food, Porto’s is also known for its friendly and welcoming atmosphere.
8. The bakery has been featured in numerous TV shows and movies over the years, and is a popular spot for both tourists and locals.
9. Whether you’re in the mood for a sweet treat or a hearty meal, Porto’s Bakery & Cafe is sure to have something to satisfy your hunger.
10. So next time you’re in Los Angeles, be sure to swing by Porto’s and experience a little bit of Cuban magic for yourself.
