Compton, California is a great place to live, work and raise a family. It is home to almost 100,000 citizens. Known as the "Hub City" because of its unique position in almost the exact geographical center of Los Angeles County, Compton is strategically located along the Alameda Corridor, a passageway of 25 percent of all U.S. waterborne international trade. This is an exciting time for Compton. Those moving to Compton will find a wide range of economic and cultural opportunities that makes this city an ideal location.
History:
Known as the 'Hub City' because of its location in nearly the exact geographical center of Los Angeles County, the city of Compton is one of the oldest cities in the county and the eighth to incorporate. The city of Compton was officially incorporated on May 11, 1888. In 1920, voters approved adoption of a new municipal charter, which provided for the city manager form of government. On March 10, 1933, a devastating earthquake took lives, toppled schools and caused major damage to the main business district. The city began to shed the effects of the Great Depression of 1929, and the population increased. By 1940, like Americans everywhere, the Compton residents participated in civilian and military efforts during World War II. During the 1970s through the 1990s, under the direction of the Community Redevelopment Agency, the City transformed over 1500 acres of unused and underutilized land into Walnut Industrial Park. This industrial and commercial complex houses some of the largest national and international corporations, including 3-M, Datsun, Ralphs and Xerox. Compton entered the 21st century as a multiracial, multicultural community of nearly 100,000 residents. The city's easy accessibility to and from five freeways and the affordability of its has drawn additional residents and sparked the interest of developers.
Economy:
Cognetics, Inc., an independent economic research firm, recently designated Compton as an "Entrepreneurial Hot Spot." The city's Planning and Economic Development department provides a business assistance program consisting of a comprehensive mix of resources to small business owners and entrepreneurs. Ralphs, a subsidiary of Kroger, is headquartered at 1100 West Artesia Boulevard in Compton. Compton is surrounded by multiple freeways, which provide access to destinations throughout the region. The Long Beach and Los Angeles Ports are less than 20 minutes from downtown Compton, providing access to international destinations for customers and suppliers. The Alameda Corridor, a passageway for 25 percent of all U.S. waterborne international trade, runs directly through Compton. This major project represents the new wave of investing in inner cities. The center opened in October 2007, and brought over 1,000 local jobs to the city. It brought much needed local services, and tax revenues to the city are up 30 percent, enabling economic investment throughout the city.
Tourism:
Head to the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial. Located on Compton Boulevard between Acacia Avenue and Willowbrook Avenue, this Civic Center monument is dedicated to the memory of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. While you are there, you can also check out the Civic Center, Compton Court House, Compton City Hall and Compton Public Library – all located close by. Next, the Heritage House was built in 1869 and is a State Historic Landmark. The oldest house in Compton, it was restored as a tribute to early settlers. Then, check out Eagle Tree. Eagle Tree is a natural boundary marker of Rancho San Pedro dating back to 1858. It contains an historic marker and plaque placed by the Daughters of the Golden West in 1947. Finally, for the golfer, the Compton Par 3 Golf Course has a fully stocked Pro Shop, a snack bar that serves food, beer and other beverages. It is the perfect place to work on your short game or improve your putting stroke.