Avalon is situated on the easterly portion of Catalina Island, 22 miles south/southwest of the Los Angeles Harborbreakwater. Avalon is a little over 2 2/3 square miles in size. The island itself is 76 square miles in area, 85% of which is in a conservancy area to be maintained in its natural state in perpetuity. The picturesque and leisurely seaport village of Avalon has a permanent population of around 3,500, with an annual visitor count of close to one million. Catalina Island is part of Los Angeles County. Avalon schools however, are part of the Long Beach Unified School District. The Island's primary industry is tourism.
The climate is mild and seldom gets above 85 degrees in the summer. Usually, the temperature gets no lower than the 50's in the winter. Because the city hugs the water, evenings can be cool during the summer, and very cold in the winter. Avalon has no smog and the waters of the bay, as well as surrounding the island, are crystal clear.
Housing is premium in Avalon. Rents are comparable to those in the Southern California beach areas for year round units. Avalon is noted for its quality of life, ease of getting around, casual lifestyle and the friendly people. There are two grocery stores. There is also a hospital, medical and dental facilities, five churches, a Christian School, post office box mail service, regular and cable television, Pacific Bell Telephone service, Southern California Edison utility service and several small shops for clothing, gifts, jewelry, artwork, etc. Recreational opportunities abound from camping to hiking, from golf to SCUBA diving to fishing, etc.
The popular form of transportation around Avalon is by gas golf cart, bicycle, moped, motorcycle or just plain old walking. Avalon controls the size and number of vehicles by requiring a permit for all from of transportation (excluding walking of course). The number of cars is limited. Tram and taxi services are available.
Avalon is considered a very safe city to live in. Violent crime is practically non-existent.
The City's annual budget is approximately $15,000,000. Avalon has a Community Improvement Agency whose annual budget is an average of approximately $7,000,000. Avalon has a Council/Manager form of government. The Mayor is elected separately from the rest of Council. Avalon is a general law city operating its own fire department, and contracts with Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department for law enforcement. Other departments within the city structure include the Community Services and the Wastewater Treatment Plant (contracted service). The City Clerk and the City Treasurer are elected officers. There are approximately 48 full time employees with the City of Avalon , and an additional 30 employees for the summer season.
Learn more about this city.
City of Avalon, CA official site
City of Avalon, CA Chamber of Commerce
City of Avalon, CA newspaper
County of Avalon, CA official site
State of California official site