Home to California State University, Fullerton College, and a popular nightlife district, the city mixes leafy residential areas with industrial corridors and Metrolink access. Parks and the Fullerton Loop trails attract cyclists and hikers.

Founded in 1887 along the Santa Fe Railway and incorporated in 1904, Fullerton prospered on citrus, oil, and later aerospace and education. Preservation efforts have kept much of its early architecture intact.