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Anaheim

Anaheim is a city in Orange County, California, United States, and part of the Greater Los Angeles area.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Anaheim is a city in Orange County, California, United States, and part of the Greater Los Angeles area. It was founded by German immigrants in 1857 and is widely known for the Disneyland Resort, the Anaheim Convention Center, and major professional sports teams.

History

Anaheim was founded in 1857 by German immigrants on land that had been part of Rancho San Juan Cajón de Santa Ana. Its name is German and is commonly explained as meaning “home on the Santa Ana River.”

Geography

Anaheim lies on the plain of the Santa Ana River in Orange County, southeast of Los Angeles. It is part of the Los Angeles–Long Beach–Anaheim metropolitan area.

Economy and tourism

The city is closely associated with tourism and conventions, especially because of Disneyland Resort and the Anaheim Convention Center. These attractions make Anaheim a major visitor destination in Southern California.

Sports

Anaheim hosts two major professional sports franchises: the Los Angeles Angels in baseball and the Anaheim Ducks in ice hockey. These teams are among the city’s best-known institutions.

Key facts

  • Anaheim is a city in northern Orange County, California, within the Greater Los Angeles metropolitan area.
  • The city was founded by German immigrants in 1857 as a cooperative agricultural community.
  • According to the 2020 census, Anaheim had a population of 346,824.
  • Anaheim is home to the Disneyland Resort and the Anaheim Convention Center.
  • The city is also home to the Los Angeles Angels of Major League Baseball and the Anaheim Ducks of the NHL.
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Canadian context

Anaheim is a major travel destination for Canadians visiting Southern California, especially for Disneyland Resort, conventions, and professional sports.

Frequently asked questions

Where is Anaheim located?
Anaheim is in Orange County, California, southeast of Los Angeles, in the Greater Los Angeles area.
When was Anaheim founded?
Anaheim was founded in 1857 by German immigrants.
What is Anaheim best known for?
Anaheim is best known for the Disneyland Resort, the Anaheim Convention Center, and major league sports teams.
What was Anaheim’s population in 2020?
The 2020 census recorded a population of 346,824.
What kind of city government does Anaheim have?
Anaheim is a charter city with a council-manager form of government.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anaheim,_California
    Supports: Population, location, Greater Los Angeles context, major landmarks, and sports teams.
  2. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/place/Anaheim
    Supports: Founding in 1857, German immigrant origins, location in Orange County, and name meaning.
  3. City of Anaheim — https://www.anaheim.net/DocumentCenter/View/6191/Anaheim-at-a-Glance?bidId=
    Supports: City status, incorporation date, population estimate, area, and council-manager government.