Bloomberg Businessweek today named Walnut the “Best Place to Raise Kids in California.”
The publication touted the city’s, beauty, parks and community events.
“This city in Los Angeles County, with a combined 90 acres of parks, has more natural beauty than its big-city neighbors," wrote Bloomberg Businessweek. "Families with younger children can enjoy the annual Walnut Family Festival, with a parade and car show.”
Mayor Mary Su said when she was looking for a place to move in 1988, she chose Walnut because she wanted a good place to raise her son that had solid-performing schools.
Su said the Walnut Valley Unified School District, with its 906 Academic Performance Index test score, is one of the reasons families are drawn to the city.
“The resources are so rich for the parents to raise their children here,” she said. “It is very diverse, very safe. At our schools, our parents are really involved with all kinds of programs.”
Su pointed to the parks, sports fields, horse and walking trails, and youth programs through the Walnut Teen Center and Gymnasium as other reasons why families might be lured to Walnut.
“This is the best gift for Walnut this Christmas,” she said.
Mayor Pro Tem Tom King said he and his wife also were drawn to Walnut because of the schools.
"Margie and I lived in an area with less stellar schools and our kids were going into grammar school. Walnut' s school scores were tops," he said. "We visited Collegewood and the principal had been in Boy Scouts with me. He recommended the schools."
The programs for children also were impressive, he said.
"Walnuts park and recreation programs were the best I have ever seen," he said. "Our kids thrived in Walnut and succeeded."
*City Statistics:
Population: 29,269
GreatSchools city score: 9
Median family income: $106,284
Housing costs as a percentage of income: 25.3%
County unemployment rate: 10.3%
Nearby city: Los Angeles
*Source: Bloomberg Businessweek
