Living In La Mirada
Settled in the late 1800's by Andrew McNally of Rand-McNally fame, and originally a ranch of olive, orange, and lemon groves, La Mirada incorporated as a city in 1960 and has been home to Biola since 1958, when the school relocated here from downtown Los Angeles. La Mirada is a suburban city of approximately 51,000, located 20 miles southeast of Los Angeles and 10 miles north of Disneyland. Biola is its most notable feature, along with the La Mirada Theatre of the Performing Arts and the Splash! Aquatic Center, and is also the city's largest employer. A recent CNN/Money Magazine poll on the "Best Places to Live" ranked La Mirada third in California and 34th in the nation. La Mirada has one of the lowest crime rates in the region and remains one of the safest cities in LA County.
Resources
Whether you live on or off campus, you'll want to know where to find what you need. Some are within walking distance, others will need a car or a bus or shuttle service.
Banks
There are a few banks within walking distance, and several others within a five minute drive. There is also an ATM on campus in the Student Union Bldg.
Supermarkets & Grocery
Whether you have a meal plan or you're out on your own, you'll need snacks and soda, right? Here's a map.
Local Retailers & Retail Centers
There's no shortage of shopping, both in La Mirada and within a ten-minute drive. We've put together a map with most of the major stores and centers.
Restaurants & Eating
Hundreds... hundreds within a ten-minute drive of Biola. Too many to catalog here. Check out La Mirada Restaurants on Yelp!
Transportation
Collected information about local airports, rail and bus systems, and the La Mirada Dial-a-Ride.
Other Local Highlights
La Mirada Theatre
Home to the McCoy-Rigby Entertainment series of professional theater productions and also presents unique touring concerts and performances.
Splash!
An 18-acre aquatics center, with a water park, 50-meter and 25-yard pools, and therapeutic spa.
La Mirada Parks and Recreation
La Mirada offers excellent facilities for baseball, softball, football, soccer, basketball, tennis and volleyball...or just relax and enjoy the beauty of 220 total acres of parkland.
Dollar Theater
Well, it's usually more like $2, but the Starplex Movies-7 is a huge hit with Biola students.
City of La Mirada
More information about the city and its services.