Biz Week: Arcadia best for kids

Business Week magazine named Arcadia as the “best place to raise your kids” in the entire state of California.

The selections were limited to towns that have at least 45,000 residents and a median income of between $40,000 and $125,000.

In its recognition on November 7, 2008 (below), the national magazine cited Arcadia schools, the Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Garden, and Santa Anita Park as three notable elements in Arcadia. Among the criteria were school performance, number of schools, household expenditures, crime rates, air quality, job growth, family income, museums, parks, theaters, other amenities, and diversity.

The video below features comments from the president of the school board, the school district superintendent, the City manager, the head of the Arboretum, and the executive director of the Arcadia Chamber of Commerce.

From Business Week:

Nearest city: Los Angeles Population: 56,394 Median household income: $81,417

Arcadia, about 20 miles from downtown Los Angeles, has some of the best schools in California. It is also home to Santa Anita Park racetrack and the Los Angeles County Arboretum & Botanic Garden. Peacocks now live in the neighborhood near the arboretum where they walk on lawns or cross the street and, for some, are a bit of a nuisance.

Runners-up: Diamond Bar Monterey Park