Hacienda Heights

The community of Hacienda Heights sits both on – and below- a  chain of rolling hills in the eastern part of Los Angeles county. In the days of Spanish rule, the land of Hacienda Heights belonged to the large Rancho La Puente, which is really a “parent” of sorts for many of the communities in the San Gabriel Valley.

Although it is surrounded on all sides by official cities, Hacienda Heights is still an unincorporated area today, with its residents long resisting the urge to incorporate this lush, quiet bedroom community.  The estimated household income, as of 2009, in this community of 54,000 is about $69,000. Th estimated median house or condo value is also about $443,000.

Hacienda Heights is served by the Hacienda La Puente Unified School District, and one of its main commercial areas is the Puente Hills Mall, which is located alongside the 60 Pomona Freeway.

Do you like trails and observing native plants and flora? Residents who enjoy outdoor activities and hiking can take advantage of the large amount of parkland and open space nearby that is maintatined by the Puente Hills Landfill Native Habitat Preservation Authority.

Do you want to spend some quiet time in meditation? The largest Buddhist temple in all of Southern California is also in Hacienda Heights. The Hsi Lai Temple covers 15 acres and is a striking example of classic Chinese architecture that attracts both sightseers and spiritual seekers interested in learning more about Buddhism.