Downey's rich aerospace heritage comes alive at the Columbia Memorial Space Center, where interactive exhibits showcase the city's role in the Apollo program and Space Shuttle development. The historic McDonald's restaurant on Lakewood Boulevard stands as the oldest operating location in the world. Cultural attractions include the Downey Civic Theatre's regular performances and the Stay Gallery's creative exhibitions. Food lovers flock to Porto's Bakery & Cafe for Cuban pastries, while Gaucho Grill Argentine Steakhouse serves upscale South American cuisine. The city maintains 13 parks, including Wilderness Park's peaceful walking trails and Rio Hondo Golf Club's manicured greens.
The Downey real estate market features a diverse range of housing options. The median sale price for homes in Downey is $873,000. Single family homes in the Downey neighborhood command a median price of $955,000, while similar properties in Hollydale have a median price of $795,000. Condominiums present more affordable options, with median prices of $347,000 for one bedroom units and $545,500 for two bedrooms. Townhomes have a median price of $885,000.
Property taxes in Downey reflect Los Angeles County's effective rate of 0.69%, matching neighboring cities like Norwalk, Pico Rivera, and South Gate. California's state income tax rate is 6.00% for annual incomes around $41,901, while the combined sales tax rate reaches 8.80%.
The public Downey High School serves Hollydale and Downey neighborhoods with an A rating. Private education options include the A+ rated St. Pius X Elementary School and St. John Bosco High School. Commuters benefit from Metro bus service, Downey Link local transit, and proximity to I-5, I-605, and I-105 freeways. Downtown Los Angeles lies 13 miles northwest, typically reached in 30 minutes depending on traffic.
