About Gardena

Gardena is located in the South Bay region of Los Angeles County with a population of about 60,000 people. The last U.S. census cited the city as the having the highest percentage of Japanese Americans of any California city. It also has the largest concentration of Japanese companies within the continental United States.

Gardena was subdivided in 1887 in anticipation of the building of the Los Angeles and Redondo Railway. With the completion of the railway Gardena began to grow rapidly. Some believe the city was named for its reputation for being the only "green spot" in the dry season between Los Angeles and the sea.

In the early years of the 20th century, acres of strawberries were planted, giving the city the nickname "Berryland". The city was formally incorporated in 1930 and for many years held a monopoly on legal card rooms, the taxes from which accounted for one third of its annual budget.

The Gardena Willows Wetland Preserve, a 9.4 acre marshland at the corner of Vermont Avenue and Artesia Boulevard is fed from naturally occurring spring water. It hosts several species of trees and other vegetation and provides a habitat to many species of animals as well as a place for migrating birds to rest.

Many multinational corporations call Gardena home. They include Digital Manga, Nissin Foods and Marukai Corporation. The city is located close to aerospace and high tech employers and is served by three freeways making it easy to commute in any direction.

Numerous shops, coffee houses, sushi bars, noodle houses and other restaurants line Western Avenue and Redondo Beach Blvd. Many civic events are held throughout the year. There seems to be something for everyone. Concerts On The Lawn and Movies In The Park are always well attended by families. The Bonsai Exhibit and Show has been held for more than 3 decades and pays tribute to the Japanese heritage of Gardena. The Heritage Festival and Craft Fair is a great opportunity to sample ethnic foods and enjoy live entertainment.

Homes in Gardena are moderately priced and many were built in the 1950's to accommodate returning soldiers after WWII. Also available are homes built in the 1970's and 1980's. Gardena has recently seen construction of gated condo projects offering homes with modern open floor plans.