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Norwalk is a city in southeastern Los Angeles County, about 17 miles southeast of downtown Los Angeles, between Downey, Cerritos and Santa Fe Springs. The area was settled in the 1870s as farmland and dairy country along the railroad, and its name is usually traced to the "North Walk", an old footpath across the fields. Norwalk stayed largely rural until the years after World War II, when new tracts of homes turned it into one of the fast-growing suburbs of the region, and it incorporated as a city in 1957.
Today Norwalk is a busy, diverse community of around 100,000 people. Cerritos College, a large community college founded in 1955, sits in the south of the city, and the Norwalk Civic Center brings together City Hall, the courthouse and the Norwalk Regional Library. The city is also a transport hub, with the Norwalk/Santa Fe Springs Metrolink station on the line to Los Angeles and the Norwalk station at the eastern end of the Metro C Line.
For visitors, Norwalk's history is the main draw. The Hargitt House Museum preserves a Victorian home from the town's farming days, the Sproul Museum tells the story of local families and businesses, and the historic Paddison Ranch keeps a working-farm feel with its old ranch house and gardens. Neighborhood parks such as Holifield Park and Norwalk Park, shopping at Norwalk Town Square and a wide range of Mexican, Asian and family-run restaurants round out an easygoing city that is well placed for trips to Los Angeles, Long Beach and Orange County.
A Victorian house built in 1891 by an early Norwalk settler and preserved with period furniture, clothing and household items. It is run by the Norwalk Historical Society and shows what life was like in the farming town. It is open only on limited days, so check times with the city before visiting.
One of the last historic ranch properties in Norwalk, with a farmhouse from the late 1800s, gardens and old trees. It is privately owned and mostly used as an event venue for weddings and gatherings, with occasional public open days. Check for public events, as everyday access is limited.
A small city-run history museum in a historic Norwalk home, with displays on the town's early families, dairy farms and growth into a suburb. Volunteers lead visitors through the rooms and photo collections. It keeps limited hours, so call or check the city website, and combine it with the Hargitt House.
A large community college in Norwalk, founded in 1955, with a performing arts center that hosts concerts, plays and dance shows open to the public, plus a campus art gallery. Check the college events calendar for shows. Visitor parking requires a daily permit from the campus machines.
A large LA County public library branch next to the Norwalk civic center, with a big book collection, study spaces, computers and children's programs. It often hosts free events and reading activities. It is a useful, quiet stop for families; free parking is shared with the civic center lots.
A city facility with a theater, gym, meeting rooms and classes in dance, arts and fitness. It hosts community shows, concerts and recreation programs for all ages. Check the city recreation guide for performances and drop-in activities, which are often low cost.
A large neighborhood park in south Norwalk with sports fields, a swimming pool, playgrounds, picnic shelters and a community center. It is popular for weekend soccer and family barbecues. The pool is open mainly in summer; come early on hot weekends to find a shaded table.
A central city park with lawns, a playground, sports courts, picnic areas and a pool, near the civic center. It is a local gathering spot for community events and holiday celebrations. It makes a good picnic stop after visiting the library or museums nearby, and restrooms are on site.
A neighborhood shopping center in Norwalk with supermarkets, discount stores, casual restaurants and services. It is a practical stop for groceries and everyday shopping rather than a destination. Parking is free and plentiful, and several taquerias and bakeries are found nearby.
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California, United States
California, United States
California, United States
California, United States
California, United States
California, United States
California, United States
California, United States
Photo: Northwalker, Wikimedia Commons, CC0
Photo: Northwalker, Wikimedia Commons, CC0
Photo: Northwalker, Wikimedia Commons, CC0
Photo: Northwalker, Wikimedia Commons, CC0
Photo: Northwalker, Wikimedia Commons, CC0
Photo: Northwalker, Wikimedia Commons, CC0
Photo: Northwalker, Wikimedia Commons, CC0
Photo: Northwalker, Wikimedia Commons, CC0
Photo: Northwalker, Wikimedia Commons, CC0
Photo: Northwalker, Wikimedia Commons, CC0
Photo: Northwalker, Wikimedia Commons, CC0
Photo: JERRYE & ROY KLOTZ, M.D., Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Northwalker, Wikimedia Commons, CC0
Photo: Northwalker, Wikimedia Commons, CC0
Photo: Northwalker, Wikimedia Commons, CC0
Photo: Northwalker, Wikimedia Commons, CC0
Photo: Northwalker, Wikimedia Commons, CC0
Photo: Northwalker, Wikimedia Commons, CC0