5 Fun Facts About Anaheim: How Well Do You Know Your City?

Anaheim is perhaps most well-known for Disneyland, but there are many other interesting features that make this city a unique place to call home. So whether you’ve spent years living in Anaheim or you’re considering moving to the city, Redfin has 5 facts about Anaheim, California that you may not know.

1. Anaheim is the oldest city in Orange County

Anaheim was founded in 1857 by a group of German immigrants living in San Francisco and became incorporated in 1876. Originally established as a wine-making community, Anaheim has since become a major hub in the region and a popular tourist destination due to its proximity to Los Angeles and attractions such as Disneyland and the Honda Center.

2. The first full-service Carl’s Jr made its debut in Anaheim

In 1945, founders Carl and Margaret Karcher opened the first full-service Carl’s Jr restaurant in Anaheim, initially named Carl’s Drive-In Barbeque. The restaurant experienced success and grew to include a location in the nearby city of Brea in Orange County.

3. The city’s name is inspired by the nearby Santa Ana River

The name “Anaheim” is derived from the Santa Ana River, with “Ana” referring to the river and “heim” meaning “home” in German. The city’s pioneers saw this location as their “home by the river” and named it accordingly.

4. Anaheim is home to Angel Stadium

If you’ve ever wanted to watch a Los Angeles Angels baseball game, you’ll actually have to take a trip down to Anaheim. Luckily, Angel Stadium is just a little over a 45-minute drive from LA.

5. Construction of Disneyland began in 1954 and opened just one year later in 1955

Although the park opened with less than half of the attractions that there are today, it was an immediate success. Prior to Disneyland’ s opening, Anaheim was a quiet, rural community. Now it’s become a tourist destination and bustling, urban area.