Declaring independence in 1923 since they wanted nothing to do with the sewage farm being built in the area, West Covina still lives by its motto, "Live, Work, Play".
Residents, young and old alike, live life to the fullest within the city's 16 square miles, making the Eastern San Gabriel sector a great place to call home. If you've ever thought about moving to California, why not consider West Covina? The city has so much to offer, proving the community really is the perfect province to "Live, Work and Play"!
West Covina Climate
With 278 sunny days a year, locals really do not have much to complain about when climate is concerned. A July high of 78 degrees and January low of 45 degrees, West Covina has a comfort index of 46 out of 100, based on humidity. The American comfort index comes in at 44 out of 100, revealing the Pacific Coast region is more than bearable. With 18 inches of rain a year and no snow, locals do not have to seek too much shelter from storms.
West Covina Neighborhoods
East of Downtown Los Angeles, West Covina is the classic California community. The socioeconomic diversity in the district is wide-ranging with some of the most affluent residents living off Hillside Drive, City Center and Elena Avenue. Notable neighborhoods and streets for educational sites are Doublegrove Street, Samantha Avenue and La Puente Road. Of course, downtown West Covina is a happening hub of hustling businesses mixed with residential properties.
Registering Your Car
To complete the registration process, your vehicle must also be inspected by the California Division of Motor Vehicles. You have 20 days to register your car after becoming a state resident and you must provide smog and weight certification, your last issued out of state title and proof of insurance. You only have 10 days to acquire a driver's license after becoming a resident and you must provide a thumb print, fill out a DL 44 form, have your photo taken, and provide your full name and Social Security number. You must also pass vision, traffic and road sign tests.
West Covina Schools
Home to the maroon and gold bulldogs, West Covina Unified School District serves area students in grades K-12. Saying its elementary schools "offer a high quality standards aligned academic curriculum, fine arts program, and physical education," the system touts an all-around scholastic setting with Superintendent Debra Kaplan as the district leader. Of course there are private schools in the sector as well, offering students of all ages a more specialized, religious-based schooling. As for post-secondary sites, ITT Technical Institute is the lone four-year school in town. However, Asuza Pacific University, Citrus College, Mt. San Antonio College, Pasadena City College, Whittier College, University of the West and California State Polytechnic University are all within 30 miles of West Covina.
West Covina Employment
According to the City's 2011 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report, the Citrus Valley Medical Center, West Covina Unified School District and Target are the three top employers, proving healthcare, education and retail are chief in the area economy. Retail is especially popular in the region with Macy's, Sears and J.C. Penny also noted as top employers. The trade keeps the local economy strong since shopping is taken seriously with at least three major centers in the city to choose from. Westfield West Covina center has a slew of restaurants and more than 200 shops. With a 8.2 percent unemployment rate, close to the American average, locals with jobs in any of the aforementioned trades and other industries are surviving just fine. As area employees survive the economic downturn, new merchants are reaping profits in the province after starting a West Covina business.
Living Costs in the City
All things considered, the high cost of living in West Covina is not as bad as it sounds. Coming in at 13.5 percent greater than the state average and 48.9 percent more than the national average, the California community can be a bit pricey; however with CNN Money reporting a 9.19 percent job growth between 2000 and 2011 and a median family income of $76,928, one could live quite comfortably in town. The financial periodical also reports a median family home price at $315,000 and Apartmentguide.com lists one-bedroom apartments starting at around $1,100 per month. As for utility costs in the area, those greatly depend on family size and usage.
West Covina Moving Resources
Moving and storage companies are ready and willing to help you with your move to West Covina, whether you’re moving from out of state or from another county in California. Make sure you get estimates from multiple moving services before you commit to hiring any (at least three estimates). Check back to our guides for tips on how to choose your moving service wisely with important questions to ask, differentiating between types of estimates, and mistakes to avoid. Visit the following pages at Movers.com to get quotes for the following services:
West Covina Transportation
There are five airports and 13 Amtrak stations within 30 miles of the Los Angeles County community. Residents in the region travel 27.6 percent more than the California average and 42.3 percent more than the national rate. Locals also use the public transportation at a 74.4 percent higher rate than the state standard and 133.3 percent greater rate than the national norm. Foothill Transit is a popular ride in the province, with thousands of locals getting around through the system. If residents are looking to fly in or out of the region, the closest airport is LA/Ontario International Airport.
Culture & Contemporary Life
Spending money is a big part of the West Covina culture. Three major retail centers are the hub for thousands of residents who love to shop 'til they drop. As for outside activities, the city's park system offers locals a chance to bond with Mother Nature as they play sports in sunny, open fields and picnic underneath shady trees. When residents want to take a walk in the past, they visit the Taylor House and Heritage Park and Hurst Ranch. For present-day fun, locals look to the Street Festival Farmer's Market that gathers the community close together. Of course, residents and visitors alike both enjoy the many restaurants, theaters and other entertainment opportunities available in the area as they always celebrate "Live, Work and Play"!
West Covina Relocation Tips
- It's all in the fine print. Know the moving policy of the company you hire so you know everything there is to know about packing, loading, transporting and unloading.
- Relocating is daunting to say the least. It can be a sensitive time for teenagers who are moving and do not want to leave home since they grew up in the very bedroom you are taking them from. Talk to them and tell them it will be okay.
- Relocating is expensive, hence making it duty-free helps. If you could get a moving tax break, why wouldn't you?