Often called the birthplace of the L.A. metropolitan area, San Gabriel was incorporated in 1913, and is named after the Mission San Gabriel Arcángel. The city is known for its substantial Asian American population and public schools, each of which have been honored as a California Distinguished School (Gabrielino High School has also been named by US News and World Report as one of “America’s Best Public High Schools”). A prime example of L.A.’s ethnic fusion, it’s not uncommon to see exotic Chinese shops with Spanish-style tile roofs. Area high points include the outdoor shopping center, San Gabriel Square, the historic San Gabriel Mission, 1,300-seat Mission Playhouse, and San Gabriel Country Club, the oldest private golf club in Southern California. On the real estate front, you’ll find Ranch, Traditional, Craftsman, Mid-Century, and Mission-style homes—all just 12 miles from Downtown L.A.