Lying to the south-west of Derby city centre, California is an inner-city area of Derby in Derbyshire, England, sitting between the A516 (Uttoxeter New Road) and the A5250 (Burton Road). It falls within the Abbey ward and is well connected by public transport, with two regular bus routes running through it: the Arriva Derby 5A, which links Derby city centre with Rose Hill, Littleover, Sunnyhill, and the Royal Derby Hospital, and the Notts and Derby Link 2, which connects the Royal Derby Hospital with Mickleover and the Mackworth Estate.
A Name with Gold Rush Origins
The name California first appeared on local maps during the 1880s. It is thought to be a reference to the California Gold Rush of 1849, though the precise reason for the connection to this corner of Derby remains unclear. The neighbourhood is largely made up of red brick terraced housing, and several pubs are close by, including the Junction Tavern, the Rowditch, and the Bedford Arms. While nearby inner suburbs such as the West End and Morley Estate have seen recent gentrification, California has largely held on to its traditional character.
Schools, Green Spaces, and Student Life
Bemrose Community School is located within the area, and California also contains some of the halls of residence for the University of Derby. Two playing fields sit nearby: Stockbrook Park and Rykneld Recreation Ground, known locally as The Rec. To the south, the neighbouring Rowditch district has a sizeable student population, reflecting the influence of the university on this part of the city.