Downey is a large southeast LA County city of about 114,000 (114,355 in the 2020 census), known for the Columbia Memorial Space Center (at the former NASA Apollo site), Downey Theatre and a revitalized downtown. It offers a suburban feel with relatively moderate prices and central freeway access.
By car: About 13 miles southeast of downtown Los Angeles; roughly 25–40 minutes via I-5 or I-105 in typical conditions.
By train: Metro C Line station at Lakewood Boulevard (just south); ~40–55 minutes to downtown by rail.
By air: About 12–15 miles from Long Beach Airport; roughly 20–30 minutes to LAX.
Schools in Downey
Public schools: Downey Unified School District, with Downey High, Warren High, and Columbus High. For enrollment and performance data, see the state report card in Town links below. Confirm school assignment for any address directly with the district.
Downey FAQs
What is the housing market like in Downey, CA? The median listing price in Downey is $739,990. Median list price · Homes.com · 2026-09-24
How is the commute from Downey, CA? By car: About 13 miles southeast of downtown Los Angeles; roughly 25–40 minutes via I-5 or I-105 in typical conditions.
Which school district serves Downey, CA? Downey is served by Downey Unified School District, with Downey High, Warren High, and Columbus High. See the state report card in Town links, and confirm school assignment for a specific address with the district.
