Anaheim Hills

The History of Anaheim

When Anaheim was given its name in 1857, it was derived from two words. The name “Ana” from the nearby Santa Ana River and the German word “Heim” means “Home.” translated, the name Anaheim can be interpreted to mean “home by the river” which adequately describes the city of Anaheim.

Orange groves eventually replaced the dying vineyards. With the orange growers’ labels advertising a sunny, California lifestyle, the city grew to over 5,000 residents by 1920. After World War II, Anaheim continued to grow as returning servicemen who trained in the area came back to build their homes.

It is true that the settlers of Anaheim were farmers working in the vineyards, farm work was not actually what defined these settlers. The first residents of Anaheim were also scholars, musicians, artists and writers. The first public buildings to be erected in Anaheim was a school and an opera house.

A major turn in the history of Anaheim happened in 1955 when Disneyland opened, setting off a chain of events that would change the Anaheim 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.

From the early fifties to the early sixties, Anaheim’s population increased from just 14,456 to that of 105,000 residents. The 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.

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, with a safe and quiet place to call home. Featuring an abundance of shopping venues, entertainment selections and dining establishments, Anaheim Hills puts all 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 an impressive number.

There’s no doubt – Anaheim Hills may very well be one of the most desirable and esteemed communities in all of Orange County, perhaps even all of California.