Rosemead, California

About Rosemead, California

As with many of the surrounding towns, the most recent decades have seen an exponential growth of Asian American residents within Rosemead.

The most recently available census data shows over 60% of residents identify as being of Asian descent, the seventh-largest concentration within Los Angeles County. As a result, this demographic has been a vital and vibrant face of much local culture and business.

History

Several notable individuals were granted land that would partially or fully make up what would become Rosemead, including Manuel Antonio (a Native American grantee, a rarity), Juan Matias Sanchez, and Caucasian pioneers such as John Guess & Frank Forst.

The community’s namesake came from an additional pioneer that followed, Leonard John Rose, a German immigrant who used the land he acquired to train and breed horses. He christened his ranch “Rose’s Meadow,” which over time was colloquially shortened to ‘Rosemeade,’ before eventually losing its final letter to take its present form.

Rosemead remained rural well into the 20th century, the initial piecemeal land grants being followed by smaller individual groves, crops, and animals. Around World War II, its local spaciousness also led to the establishment of a small airport, though the early ’60s discontinued it.

Suburbanization eventually reached Rosemead around the same time, with the city finally being legally incorporated in 1959. The expected housing developments and storefronts followed, both of which still comprise much of the community in the present day.

Demographic

Colleges

University of the West

Address: 1409 Walnut Grove Ave, Rosemead, CA 91770

Phone: 626-571-8811

Rosemead Beauty School

Address: 8531 East Valley Blvd, Rosemead, CA 91770

Phone: 626-286-2146

Points of Interest

The Dinsmoor Heritage House

Located at 9632 Steele St, Rosemead, CA 91770, The Dinsmoor Heritage House highlights the history of Rosemead.

The Marinelli Stadium

The stadium is located at Rosemead High School, named after the former Detroit Lions head coach Rod Marinelli.

Rosemead Aquatic Center

Located at 9155 Mission Dr, Rosemead, CA 91770, The Rosemead Aquatic Center features swim, water polo, and diving facilities. They offer swim classes and have a recreation area as well.  

Montebello Town Center 

Even though it has a Montebello address, it is located in Rosemead’s city limits; it has a small food court and a mix of small stores and larger department stores.

Notable People

Rosemead, while perhaps less than some surrounding communities, has still given the world a noteworthy handful of professionals across several different disciplines.

Let’s take a brief look at some of the most notable individuals from Rosemead in the most visible fields.

  • Taboo (musician)
  • Vikki Carr (singer)
  • Prima J (musicians)
  • Rod Marinelli (NFL defensive coordinator)
  • BIG (professional gamer)

Fun Facts

  • Native Americans, known as the Kizh, occupied Rosemead. 
  • In 1867 John Guess bought 100 acres for a ranch and named it Savannah, where the Savannah School sits today. 
  • Rosemead was once called Rose’s Meadows, named after the pioneers Leonard John Rose and his wife, Amanda.
  • There have been several movies and television shows filmed in Rosemead
    • Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas (1998)
    • The Wonder Years (1988 – 1993)
    • Halloween (1978)
    • The Jerk (1979)
    • Kalifornia (1993)

FAQs

Is Rosemead a good place to live?

Rosemead is a multicultural neighborhood with a large Asian population. Amazing cuisine, stores, and pastimes can be found here.

What city is close to Rosemead, California?

Other than Los Angeles, cities that are close to Rosemead, CA, include San Gabriel, Temple City, and South El Monte.

Is Rosemead a suburb?

Rosemead is a Los Angeles suburb with 51,698 residents. The majority of people in Rosemead rent their homes, giving residents a thick suburban feel. There are numerous eateries, coffee shops, and parks in Rosemead.