A wealthy enclave in the United States, Bradbury, is hidden in plain sight in the San Gabriel Valley just east of Los Angeles. Apart from its financial clout, Bradbury remains largely unnoticed. The population of Bradbury hardly crosses 1,000, and these millionaires and billionaires have done everything in their power to keep the city out of view.
There are no shops or public gathering places, and the few sidewalks exist under meticulous maintenance but are hardly ever used. Security gates and hedgerows will block anyone seeking to move around the city. Even Google Street View offers little insight into what lies beyond Bradbury’s barriers. An ordinance prohibits outsiders from knocking on doors without prior permission, reinforcing the town’s strict commitment to privacy.
A Gated Community With a History of Exclusion
Bradbury was founded in 1957 as suburban development expanded across Southern California. Named after Mexican land grant holder Louis Leonard Bradbury, the city was formed as a defensive measure against encroaching urbanization. The founding residents were wealthy landowners and business magnates who created a city designed to keep outsiders away, a philosophy that persists today.
Visitors approaching Bradbury will be stopped by towering gates marked with names like “Royal Oaks” and “Bradbury Estates.” These barriers clearly convey the message: There is nothing to see here. Within these gated communities, sprawling estates with vast acreage, equestrian facilities, and palatial mansions cater to the ultra-wealthy.
The Billionaires Behind the Gates
Bradbury’s 91008 ZIP code has California’s 11th-highest average income and even tops the legendary Beverly Hills 90210. Among the estate’s notable properties is the 35,000-square-foot mansion at 172 Bliss Canyon Road, formerly on the market for $78.8 million. Built by real estate tycoon Don Abbey, this estate features a cross-shaped swimming pool and a private shooting range once used by actress Lucy Liu.
Nearby, a mansion on Long Canyon Road is linked to Hieu Tai Tran, the Shun Fat Supermarket chain owner. At the same time, another estate on Deodar Lane has ties to Rao R. Anne, a former Pasadena anesthesiologist and primary vineyard owner. Democratic mega-donors also reside here, hosting political fundraisers that attract high-profile candidates seeking their support.
The Former Home of an In-N-Out Heiress
One of Bradbury’s most famous former residents is Lynsi Snyder, owner of the In-N-Out burger chain. She lived in a 19,000-square-foot mansion for years before selling it in 2022. While the reason for her departure remains unknown, it may have had something to do with Bradbury’s stringent local ordinances.
A City of Rules and Restrictions
Bradbury’s municipal code ensures that life within its borders remains undisturbed. Among its many regulations are:
No soliciting: No one is allowed to enter any private premises within the city to sell goods, wares, merchandise, services, or other things of value.
Public intoxication prohibited: No person shall be in any private house or private premises in the City in a state of drunkenness or intoxication to the annoyance of any other person.
Profanity banned: No person shall use vulgar, profane, or indecent language on any public street, place, or business open to public patronage.
Additionally, teenagers under 18 are prohibited from being in public during school hours unless they have a certified note or are headed to work.
The Ultimate Private Enclave
Bradbury proudly markets itself as a city dedicated to “Preserving Rural Tranquility.” However, its true mission is evident: to maintain exclusivity. By limiting access and enforcing strict local laws, Bradbury has perfected the art of keeping a city hidden in plain sight.
