"You want the moon? Just say the word and I’ll throw a lasso around it and pull it down." (George Bailey, It's a Wonderful Life)
Downey may be a small town but it is well-known for a few outstanding accomplishments. The city is boasted as the place where the Apollo Space Program. Think about it. This is where America's journey to the moon started. Downey is the first city to host two of the most famous fast food restaurants to boot; it is home to the oldest McDonalds and the first Taco Bell restaurant.
Within 12 miles from the famous Los Angeles Civic Center, 5 miles from Orange County, and 10 miles from the breathtaking view of the Pacific coastline, Downey is situated close to some of the best areas in Southern California
"You want the moon? Just say the word and I’ll throw a lasso around it and pull it down." (George Bailey, It's a Wonderful Life)
Downey may be a small town but it is well-known for a few outstanding accomplishments. The city is boasted as the place where the Apollo Space Program. Think about it. This is where America's journey to the moon started. Downey is the first city to host two of the most famous fast food restaurants to boot; it is home to the oldest McDonalds and the first Taco Bell restaurant.
Within 12 miles from the famous Los Angeles Civic Center, 5 miles from Orange County, and 10 miles from the breathtaking view of the Pacific coastline, Downey is situated close to some of the best areas in Southern California. You can reach each of these places by jumping on one of the convenient freeways located throughout the city. Downey offers the best of both worlds. It is in close proximity to major cities and attractions but it has a small town atmosphere and pleasant mixture of wonderful neighborhoods.
Living in Downey
Downey is home to approximately 110,000 residents within a 12.5 square mile area. The city has some of the best medical facilities, and exceptional neighborhoods providing a high quality lifestyle. If you love playing golf or would like to learn, Downey is home to some of the best golf courses in the world.
Located in Southern California, the weather is downright delightful. It doesn’t get too cold or too hot and humid. The average high is 83 degrees; the average low is 46 degrees. As the saying goes, “location, location, location”; and Downey sure does have a great location. Being less than 10 miles away from the Pacific Ocean and home to the best hospitals, pleasant neighborhoods, fabulous parks, the famous Downey Theatre, and a host of retail stores, you can (or should) expect that living here doesn't come cheap.
Finding an Apartment in Downey
Living in Downey, CA may be more expensive than other non-California cities of the same size, but it’s not as expensive as other similar-sized cities located in California. You can find some reasonable places to live without paying exuberant prices.
How much will it cost?
Well, the good news is that living in Downey won’t cost an arm, a leg, and your life savings like it does in Los Angeles or San Francisco. That’s for sure. Prices will vary depending on what you are looking for and where you plan to live. Of course, the closer you live to the ocean, the more you'll pay. Remember, you also have more available to you in the way of things to see and do. So it really depends on what you want out of life. People who love living on the West coast love it for various reasons.
When to rent
Winter is the best time to rent pretty much anywhere in California. The climate has changed from sunny and warm to cooler temperatures and rain. Vacationers are back at home and it’s too cold to lay on the beach. However, it could be a little difficult to find an apartment in Downey since the town is fairly small.
What you need
When you meet with the landlord or apartment complex manager, have all your necessary documents. That includes your driver’s license so that they can verify your identity, paycheck stubs or tax forms so that they can verify your income, a list of references with their correct contact information, and of course, a check for a deposit or down payment. Make sure you have checked your credit report for any inaccuracies or anything that may be an issue. Prepare questions in advance. Act and present yourself professionally.
Things To Do
The Carpenters’ Collection
If you are a music fan, you have probably heard of the Carpenters. The Carpenters were a famous sibling musical group from the 1970s and all born in Downey. The Downey City Library has a collection of all things Carpenter.
Downtown Downey Farmers' Market:
One of the main attractions in the city of Downey. The Farmer’s Market is not only a place to find fresh fruit and vegetables but a place to socialize.
McDonalds
Every town has a McDonalds. That’s nothing new. But this is a special McDonalds. You see, this is one of the original 1953 McDonalds Restaurants. It was the third one built in the country and is located at 10207 Lakewood Blvd. The restaurant was restored and renovated after it was destroyed by the 1994 Northridge Earthquake.
Congratulations on your move to the West Coast! Enjoy the weather and the sites.
