The History of Anaheim
When Anaheim was given its name back in 1857, it was derived from two separate words. The name "Ana" came from the nearby Santa Ana River and German word "heim" means "home." Loosely translated, the name Anaheim can be interpreted to mean "home by the river" and it fits the city of Anaheim quite well. The Anaheim of 1857 was completely different from the Anaheim of today. When Anaheim was first founded, it consisted of just 1,165 acres of vineyards and some modest housing. The city of Anaheim, incorporated in 1860, was actually California's very first planned community. While it is true that the settlers of Anaheim were farmers working in the vineyards, farm work was definitely not what defined these settlers as people. The very first residents of Anaheim were also writers, artists, musicians and scholars. In fact, the first public buildings to be erected in Anaheim were an opera house and a school. A big turn in the history of Anaheim occurred in 1955 when Disneyland opened, setting off a chain of events that would change the area forever. Because Anaheim property was so inexpensive and interest rates were so low, visitors and investors began buying up real estate as quickly as the deals could be made and the area experienced an explosion of population.
In the decade spanning from the early fifties to the early sixties, Anaheim's population increased from just 14,456 to that of more than 105,000 residents. The drastic increase in population drew big business into the area and Anaheim would never be the same. In 1970, Anaheim made another monumental decision and the community established another 4,200 acres to create the community of Anaheim Hills. The neighborhood development was an awe-inspiring success and all homes sold out in just two years.
Anaheim Hills Today Today, Anaheim Hills is a distinguished community unlike any other. The area has the lowest crime rate in the city and one of the lowest in all of Orange County. The exclusive community environment provides its residents, both young and old, with a safe and quiet place to call home. Featuring an abundance of shopping venues, dining establishments and entertainment selections, Anaheim Hills puts all modern conveniences within just minutes of its residents.
Anaheim Hills continues to grow and new construction opportunities are available. By the year 2008, the area is expected to reach a population of 100,000. Considering Anaheim Hills isn't even an official city, that's quite an impressive number. There's no doubt about it - Anaheim Hills may very well be one of the most desirable and esteemed communities in all of Orange County, and perhaps even all of California. |