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Brea, CA


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Brea, California

Introduction to Brea, California

Brea, California, in Orange county, is 2 miles E of La Habra, California (center to center) and 6 miles N of Anaheim, California. The city is a prominent retail destination due to the popular Brea Mall and the redeveloped downtown. It has a large public arts program which features a vast number of artworks situated all over the city. The majority of the population is Hispanic. In 2007 Brea Olinda High School received the Blue Ribbon Award.

Brea History

The Village of Olinda was established in the beginning of the 19th century and numerous entrepreneurs arrived looking for oil. The Union Oil company acquired a large acreage for oil production. By 1898 a large number of oil drilling towers were situated in the hills. In 1911 while the economy was booming, Olinda and Randolf merged and became Brea.

Brea translates to tar in Spanish. Years later when the oil prodcution declined, lemon and orange groves were established. Over time, the citrus groves were converted to residential areas and industrial parks.

Brea Attractions

  • Brea Art Gallery showcases museum quality exhibits.
  • Concerts in the Park offers a variety of music.
  • Brea Civic & Cultural Center.
  • Family Films in the Park.
  • The Curtis Theatre provides a variety of entertainment.
  • Brea Community Center.
  • Country Fair.
  • Brea Museum and Heritage Center.
  • Brea Jazz Festival Concert Series is a four week event that offers some of Southern California's top jazz musicians.
  • Brea Trolley.
  • Brea Fest is a popular family event.

Brea Activities

The Brea Creek Golf Course is popular with golf enthusiasts. Carbon Canyon Regional Park features attractive coastal redwood trees and hiking and equestrian trails. The popular Disneyland and Knott's Berry Farm are nearby. Featherly Regional, Weir Canyon Wilderness, Thomas F. Riley Wilderness, Mason Regional and Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness parks are located in the region and are enjoyed by nature enthusiasts. The Cleveland National Forest is popular for a variety of outdoor activities.

Brea Higher Education

The city is home to the Southern California College of Business and Law.

High Points

Brea strengths, compared to Peers (similar size places nationally) or State (other places in California):

CategoryTrophy
Racial Diversity
(vs. Peers)		Top 18%Brea Racial Diversity

Comparative Profile of Brea, CA

Comparing Brea to similar size places nationwide (Peers) and to other places in California (State):

Ratings range from 1 (lowest) to 10 (highest).


The People

CharacteristicCompared
to Peers		Compared
to State
Racial Diversity97
Well-Paid Single Men88
Well-Paid Single Women88
Age of the Population77
Male Share of the Population64
Senior Citizens56
Female Share of the Population57
Children Under 5 Years Old34

Families

CharacteristicCompared
to Peers		Compared
to State
Portion of People Married86
Average Household Size75

Wealth

CharacteristicCompared
to Peers		Compared
to State
People in Middle Class or Better88
Median Family Income88
People Above Poverty89
College Educated Adults88

Commute & Sprawl

CharacteristicCompared
to Peers		Compared
to State
Working at Home75
Walking and Biking to Work75
Public Transportation Use44
Short Commute Times34

Housing

CharacteristicCompared
to Peers		Compared
to State
Studio & One-Bedroom Rentals76
Housing Recently Built77
Seasonal and Vacation Housing55
Affordability of Property Taxes54
People Living Alone46
Affordability of Rents23

Crime

CharacteristicCompared
to Peers		Compared
to State
Low Violent Crime77
Low Property Crime43

Detailed pages on related topics: Brea travel • Brea mortgage and property.

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Additional Details

Brea Hotels & TravelBrea Hotels & Travel
Brea hotels, landmarks, tourism, transportation.
Brea MortgageBrea Mortgage
Brea property, mortgage, and real estate.

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