Information about
Grand Terrace
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Key Statistics (2000 Census) |
|
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Area (square miles): |
3.6 |
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Population (2000): |
11,626 |
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Number of Dwelling Units: |
4,458 |
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Occupancy per Dwelling Unit: |
2.7 |
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Household Income (2000 Census): |
|
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Less than $25,000 |
10.9% |
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$24,999 to $49,999 |
26.2% |
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Over $50,000 |
62.9% |
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Housing Prices (as of 4-1-04): |
|
|
Starter Homes |
$250,000 to $325,000 |
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Trade-Up |
$350,000 to $450,000 |
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Luxury |
$500,000- $1,200,000 |
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Race (2000 Census) |
|
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White |
60.8% |
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Hispanic |
25.4% |
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Asian |
5.5% |
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Black |
4.6% |
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Other |
3.7% |
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Education (2000 Census) |
|
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High School Graduates or higher |
87.9% |
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Ages 18-24 enrolled in college/graduate school |
45.2% |
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Bachelor’s degree or higher |
24.7% |
Grand Terrace lies between mountain ridges. To the east is Blue Mountain, and to the west are the La Loma Hills.
This 3.6 square mile community, with a population of about 14,400 has an average elevation of 1,065 feet. It's motto, inscribed on the City flag is "The Blue Mountain City."
Grand Terrace's roots go back to Mexican land grants dating from the period between 1830 and 1840. According to the Riverside Press, in 1876 there were nine buildings in the Terrace-Colton area.
The development of Grand Terrace, or East Riverside as the Grand Terrace - HighGrove area was then called, became a reality with the construction of the Gage Canal. This 22-1/2 mile canal, built at a cost of 2 million dollars, brought water from the Santa Ana River marshlands below The Terrace. With plenty of irrigation water, Grand Terrace rapidly became an agricultural community featuring fine, quality citrus. However, the severe "freeze" of 1913 destroyed many groves. Walnuts, a hardier tree, were planted as replacements along with peaches as a quick-profit crop.
The social activities in the early 1900's centered around the Farm Bureau Extension Service and the Women's Club, followed by the P.T.A. in the 1930's. Since there were no local churches, people traveled to surrounding communities for worship and other church activities.
Grand Terrace was originally called "The Terrace" because of its higher ground. Later, the name "Grand" was added referring to the area's lovely view. By the time the Riverside-Highland Water Company was formed in 1898, this community was known as Grand Terrace.
In 1962, the Grand Terrace Chamber of Commerce was organized. From the very beginning the Chamber was interested in preserving the local identity of the area, and therefore, was a strong supporter of cityhood. This group did much of the ground work which led to the formation of a local governing body in 1976 which was called the Municipal Advisory Council or M.A.C. After nearly two years of meetings and negotiations with the County, the residents went to the polls to decide the issue of cityhood. The response was a 82% vote for incorporation!
On November 30, 1978, the Charter City Council was installed at Terrace Hills Junior High and Grand Terrace officially became the 16th city in San Bernardino County.