Situated 12 miles southeast of the Los Angeles Civic Center, Downey is only five miles from Orange County, and about 10 miles from the beautiful Pacific coastline. Conveniently located near several major freeways, the city is an ideal home base from which to take advantage of the business resources and hundreds of cultural and recreational activities in Southern California. With a population of 110,000, Downey offers a wide range of housing opportunities, from single-family homes to apartments and condominiums. Almost 100 acres are devoted to parks, including fishing lakes at Wilderness Park, the Independence Park Tennis Center and two major golf courses. And with thirteen elementary, four middle and three high schools, Downey is a family-friendly city.