About Cypress, CA

Long before it became a modern community, the land we now call Cypress was home to the Tongva people, who lived throughout the Los Angeles Basin. Later, it became part of the massive Rancho Los Nietos—a Spanish land grant from the 1700s that covered over 300,000 acres. During the 1800s, Cypress was part of Rancho Los Alamitos, and eventually gained recognition for its fertile soil and thriving agriculture.

In the early 20th century, the area, originally named Waterville, was known for its fertile farmland and dairy farms, earning the nickname “Dairy City,” with laws once requiring residents to own at least two cows per acre to preserve its agricultural identity. As post-WWII development spread across Southern California, Cypress began transitioning from farmlands to family-friendly neighborhoods. In 1956, residents voted to incorporate it as the City of Cypress—a name chosen through a local contest, inspired by the graceful cypress trees that line many of its streets.

Today, Cypress is a vibrant suburban city located in northwest Orange County, California. With a population of around 50,000, it blends the comfort of a quiet neighborhood with the convenience of nearby big-city attractions like Disneyland, Knott’s Berry Farm, and the beaches of Long Beach and Huntington.

Cypress is known for its top-rated schools, strong community values, and well-maintained recreational spaces. The city is served by the acclaimed Cypress School District and Anaheim Union High School District, with standout schools like Oxford Academy, consistently ranked among the best in California. Cypress College is another local gem—offering two-year degree programs, vocational training, and serving as a training ground for professional athletes, healthcare workers, and future leaders.

For outdoor lovers and families, Cypress has it all. Locals enjoy beautiful parks like Oak Knoll Park—home to the annual Cypress Community Festival, one of Orange County’s largest single-day events—as well as Veterans Park, Evergreen Park, and the Cypress Civic Center, where community events, farmers markets, and seasonal celebrations happen year-round.

With easy access to the 605, 405, and 91 freeways, Cypress is a commuter-friendly hub with a relaxed pace of life. Whether you’re catching a concert in the park, walking your dog through one of its many green spaces, or grabbing a hot pizza from Pizza Guys after a Cypress High football game, this is a city where neighbors look out for each other, families thrive, and local pride runs deep.