San Gabriel Valley, Los Angeles County
Claremont, Los Angeles
A college town with tree-lined streets and the Claremont Colleges
Claremont is an incorporated city in the eastern San Gabriel Valley, known as a college town and home to the Claremont Colleges, a consortium of prestigious liberal arts colleges. As an independent city, Claremont has its own government and services. The city combines a walkable, historic downtown with tree-lined residential streets and a vibrant academic community. Claremont's mix of education, charm, and community makes it one of the most distinctive communities in the San Gabriel Valley.
History & Local Character
Claremont was founded in 1887 and incorporated as a city in 1907. The city was established as a college town, with Pomona College founded in 1887 as the first of the Claremont Colleges. The consortium grew over the decades to include seven institutions. The city has maintained its college-town character, with tree-lined streets, historic homes, and a walkable downtown.
Neighborhoods & Communities
Downtown Claremont centers on First Street and Indian Hill Boulevard with shops, restaurants, and a charming, walkable atmosphere. The residential areas are primarily single-family homes on tree-lined streets, with many historic homes near the colleges. The Claremont Village area is the commercial and social center.
Housing & Real Estate
Claremont's housing market is one of the most expensive in the eastern San Gabriel Valley, with a mix of historic homes, single-family houses, and newer construction. Prices are driven by the city's colleges, schools, and charm. The market is competitive, and the city's tree-lined streets and college-town character are draws.
Restaurants & Shopping
Claremont's dining scene is centered on the Claremont Village and First Street, with a range of restaurants from casual to upscale. The city offers American, international, and California cuisine, plus coffee shops and bakeries. The village area is walkable and popular for dining and shopping.
Schools & Education
Claremont Unified School District serves the city with well-regarded public schools. The Claremont Colleges, including Pomona College, Claremont McKenna College, and Harvey Mudd College, are major institutions in the city, making it one of the most important educational centers in the region.
Parks & Recreation
Claremont maintains numerous parks, including Memorial Park and the Claremont Hills Wilderness Park, which offers hiking trails and mountain access. The city is at the base of the San Gabriel Mountains, offering extensive outdoor recreation. The city maintains recreation facilities and neighborhood parks.
Transportation & Accessibility
Claremont is connected by the 10 and 210 freeways. The city has a Metrolink commuter rail station and is served by LA Metro bus lines and Foothill Transit. The location makes it convenient to the San Gabriel Valley and the Inland Empire.
Local Businesses
Claremont's economy includes education, retail, and services, with the Claremont Colleges as major employers. The city supports a strong small business community of restaurants, retail shops, and professional services in the Claremont Village area, and the village is a popular destination for shopping and dining.
No businesses are listed in Claremont yet. Add your business to be the first.
Nearby Attractions
- The Claremont Colleges
- Claremont Village
- Claremont Hills Wilderness Park
- Memorial Park
Advantages & Considerations
Advantages
- Home to the prestigious Claremont Colleges
- Charming, walkable village with shops and restaurants
- Well-regarded public schools
- Access to the San Gabriel Mountains for hiking
Considerations
- Among the most expensive housing in the eastern San Gabriel Valley
- Traffic on the 10 and 210 freeways
- Limited nightlife compared to larger cities
- Some hillside areas are in wildfire risk zones
Claremont FAQs
Is Claremont part of the City of Los Angeles?
No. Claremont is an independent, incorporated city within Los Angeles County, with its own government and services.
What are the Claremont Colleges?
The Claremont Colleges are a consortium of seven prestigious institutions, including Pomona College, Claremont McKenna College, Harvey Mudd College, and others, making Claremont one of the most important educational centers in the region.
What is the Claremont Village?
The Claremont Village is the city's walkable downtown area centered on First Street and Indian Hill Boulevard, with shops, restaurants, and a charming, college-town atmosphere.