We are home to where the Apollo Space Program began its journey to the stars. Downey is where you can find the world’s oldest McDonalds restaurant and the site of the first Taco Bell eatery. This is the city where the pop recording artist "The Carpenters" were inspired with many hit records. Today, our city is admired for its strong retail base with quality housing.

Downey is a unique community in the heart of Southern California that combines the best of both large and small. We are an active city of 110,000 with a small town atmosphere. This is a place of pride, history, involvement, and community. We are highly recognized for our centralized location, top medical facilities, quality residential neighborhoods and schools, excellent golf courses, and an unmatched family lifestyle. In fact, Downey has been rated in the top 25% of "100 Best Cities To Do Business in California" by California Business Magazine. Downey's winning formula can be the key to your business success or family lifestyle. Come discover Downey, the place where America began its journey to the stars.

In 1990, a $100 million remodel and expansion at Stonewood Center Mall was completed. Other recent additions to the City include the opening of the Green Line light rail station in 1994, the Gas Company's Energy Resource Center in 1995 and the Krikorian Theatre Complex in 1997. Downey has also taken a lead in creating the Gateway Cities Council of Governments. This action-focused partnership among industries and 27 cities of Southeast Los Angeles County have begun to study and resolve many of the region's challenges. Objectives include improving the region's economy and transportation network.

Today, Downey boosts an outstanding quality of life with 13 parks, two public golf courses, a model city library, live theater, symphony orchestra, historical society and art museum. It also has a wide selection of housing options and an award winning public school district.