Claremont

Claremont is a suburban city on the eastern edge of Los Angeles County, California, United States, 30 miles (48 km) east of downtown Los Angeles. It is in the Pomona Valley, at the foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains. As of the 2010 census it had a population of 34,926, and in 2019 the estimated population was 36,266.

Claremont is home to the Claremont Colleges and other educational institutions, and the city is known for its tree-lined streets with numerous historic buildings. Because of this, it is sometimes referred to as “The City of Trees and Ph.Ds.” In July 2007, it was rated by CNN/Money magazine as the fifth best place to live in the United States, and was the highest rated place in California on the list. It was also named the best suburb in the West by Sunset Magazine in 2016, which described it as a “small city that blends worldly sophistication with small-town appeal.” In 2018, Niche rated Claremont as the 17th best place to live in the Los Angeles area out of 658 communities it evaluated, based on crime, cost of living, job opportunities, and local amenities.

The city is primarily residential, with a significant portion of its commercial activity located in “The Village,” a popular collection of street-front small stores, boutiques, art galleries, offices, and restaurants adjacent to and west of the Claremont Colleges. The Village was expanded in 2007, adding a controversial multi-use development that includes an indie cinema, a boutique hotel, retail space, offices, and a parking structure on the site of an old citrus packing plant west of Indian Hill Boulevard.

Claremont has been a winner of the National Arbor Day Association’s Tree City USA award for 22 consecutive years. When the city incorporated in 1907, local citizens started what has become the city’s tree-planting tradition. Claremont is one of the few remaining places in North America with American Elm trees that have not been exposed to Dutch elm disease. The stately trees line Indian Hill Boulevard in the vicinity of the city’s Memorial Park.

The city hosts several large retirement communities, among them Pilgrim Place, the Claremont Manor and Mt. San Antonio Garden.

 Top 5 Things to do in Claremont:

1.  Visit the Claremont Colleges: Claremont is home to a consortium of seven highly-ranked liberal arts colleges, including Pomona College, Harvey Mud College, and Claremont McKenna College. Visitors can explore the beautiful campuses, attend lectures or events, and visit various museums and galleries on campus.

2.  Hike in the Claremont Wilderness Park: The Claremont Hills Wilderness Park offers miles of trails for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding. Visitors can e joy stunning views of the San Gabriel Mountains and surrounding foothills.

3.  Visit the Rancho Santa Botanic Garden: The Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Garden is 86-acre botanical garden that showcases native California plants. Visitors can explore the various gardens and trails, attend events and workshops, and learn about the importance of native plant conservation.

4.  Shop and dine in the Claremont Village: The Claremont Village is a charming downtown area with tree-lined streets, unique shops, and a variety of restaurants and cafes. Visitors can shop for antiques, clothing, and gifts, and enjoy a meal or drink at one of the many outdoor patios.

5.  Attend a concert or performance at Bridges Auditorium: Bridges Auditorium is a historic venue on the Pomona College campus that hosts a variety of cultural events, including concerts, dance performances, and theater productions. You can enjoy world-class performances in a beautiful setting.