La Verne, CA

La Verne’s charming college-town character actually started with a land boom flop in the late 1880s. When entrepreneur Isaac Lord persuaded the Santa Fe Railway to lay tracks through the area, developers rushed to build a grand 60-room hotel for tourists. The real estate market crashed before a single paying guest checked in, but the empty building found new life when Church of the Brethren members bought it to establish a small college. That school eventually grew into the University of La Verne, and its campus remains the centerpiece of the community today. It anchors the Old Town district, filling tree-lined sidewalks with students, faculty, and neighbors grabbing coffee between classes.

ATTRPhu "Son" Nguyen from CA, USA / CC BY 2.0

For anyone considering a move here, La Verne offers a steady local job market and great community resources. The university and the highly rated Bonita Unified School District are two of the largest employers, giving the area a strong educational focus. Major organizations like Gilead Sciences, regional water facilities, and healthcare centers provide diverse careers close to home. Down in Old Town along D and Third Streets, locally owned pizzerias, cafes, and boutique storefronts keep the neighborhood walkable and lively, making it easy to grab dinner or run errands without leaving town.

ATTRLos Angeles / CC BY-SA 3.0

Before it grew into a relaxed residential haven against the San Gabriel foothills, La Verne was covered in sprawling orange and lemon groves. While postwar housing eventually replaced the commercial orchards, that sunny citrus heritage still lingers in street names, historic craftsman homes, and backyard fruit trees. Up along Foothill Boulevard, the historic Route 66 corridor handles daily errands with modern grocery stores, retail plazas, and casual dining, keeping the commercial bustle conveniently separated from the quieter residential neighborhoods.

ATTRUnknown author Unknown author / Public domain

Getting around the region is also easier than ever thanks to the Metro A Line station at Arrow Highway, which offers a direct rail connection to Pasadena, downtown Los Angeles, and beyond. The stop sits right next to Old Town and across from the Fairplex, making commutes and event outings simple. Back along Third Street, local traditions like summer car shows, holiday parades, and weekend wine walks make it easy for newcomers to feel at home in this welcoming foothill community.