Charming San Gabriel Valley city with lively downtown
Long ago blanketed with vineyards and citrus groves, Covina has grown into an accessible, welcoming blend of suburban conveniences and city delights since its founding in 1882. Today, the town is known for retaining a small-town feel despite an increasingly competitive real estate market. The city is filled with thriving residential developments, commercial areas and a historic downtown brimming with vintage architecture, boutiques and walkable events. It's also home to the new Laugh Factory, a powerhouse launching pad for celebrated comedians, and it's been a backdrop in movies such as "Back to the Future" and "Wayne's World."
“Downtown is definitely a major draw, there’s a lot of stuff to do. But the rest of the city has a nice, suburban feel,” says Realtor and Covina native Chris Cervantez of eHomes. “It’s relatively close to LA, Orange County and Riverside, but it feels like a small town." An active Downtown Merchants Association promotes and preserves the city's attractions, and in cozy neighborhoods, multiple high schools share a district stadium that draws families to Friday night games. Parks and rec centers offer year-round programming, and the city broke ground on a brand-new skate park in late 2023. Residents also enjoy proximity to Emanate Health Inter-Community – the only hospital in the East San Gabriel Valley offering open-heart surgery.
Downtown Covina features vibrant art pieces that bring life to the area.
If you're looking for a game of hoops, Covina Park features several basketball courts.
Discover the Laugh Factory in downtown Covina for top comedic entertainment.
Covina was once a major producer of oranges, but now has become a vibrant community.
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Condos to horse properties for less, east of the 605
Covina's residential neighborhoods were mostly developed between the 1940s and 1980s, and midcentury ranch-style homes — many of which have been heavily renovated — dominate the housing market. However, contemporary two-story homes and condos are increasingly easy to find. Housing options across Covina include new condos for around $700,000; condos near the freeway for $900,000; remodeled 1960s ranch-style homes in city center for $1.1 million; and equestrian estates asking more than $2 million. Storybook bungalows pepper downtown Covina and most homes sport Mediterranean and Spanish-style flair. Brand new developments include Zest, a community of flats and townhouses starting at $450,000 on the site of a former citrus factory.
Homes in Covina are primarily single-story homes and feature a variety of styles.
There are several communities in Covina that have two-story homes for those wanting space.
For affordable, yet luxurious housing options, there are newer condo complexes in Covina.
Most Covina homes are on tracts that can offer large front yards and a pool in the backyard.
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Bustling Downtown Covina and farmers market
"I live downtown," says Realtor Javier Montiel of Coldwell Banker Town and Country, who has lived in the area for over a decade, "and we have a slogan here: 'One Mile Square and All There,' because everything is so easily accessible. The freeways, shopping, parks, schools, you can reach all of it within five or 10 minutes." Downtown Covina is not only the hub for shopping, salons and dining, it's also where locals gather for car shows, wine walks and holiday celebrations.
Date nights can include dancing at 3 Vinos — the top floor of the building holds the iconic clock from "Back to the Future." Montiel adds that Campsite Brewing is really popular. "They renovated an old building to feel like you're at a cabin with a firepit, and you can lounge by the campfire with friends enjoying great craft beer and food."
Unique food and fun is also found every Friday evening at the downtown farmers market, which features a mix of produce, crafts and prepared food, along with live music. Shoppers can peruse national brand stores at Plaza West Covina or head to Eastland Center for big box retailers, including Target, Dick's, Ikea and a two-story Walmart.
Downtown Covina features restaurants and businesses in historic buildings and architecture.
Downtown Covina is a bustling area that also hosts various events throughout the year.
Downtown Covina has several dining options, including Domestic for tasty barbecue.
Plaza West Covina is a large mall that carries brand names and has a food hall.
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Central Covina Park and new skate park
Covina has a strong skate culture, and skate stores such as Pawnshop host skate jams with demos from pro skaters. In 2023, the city broke ground on a 10,000-square-foot skate park, designed by local skaters that will take shape in the 17-acre Kahler Russell Park. The city is also planning to add bike lanes at main intersections around the park.
Many residents can walk to parks to play sports or swim at the aquatics center. Several teen- and senior-focused community centers offer classes and field trips. Hockey players head to the rink at Covina Park, featuring event spaces and a popular playground. Jalapa Park is not only home to the tourist-worthy 7-ton Olmec head, it's also where residents in southeast Covina meet for picnics or playdates. In eastern Covina, residents are only around 4 miles from the former Raging Waters theme park, slated to become the new Calibunga waterpark and Cal Soleil restaurant.
Covina Park features a well-maintained playground and swings that children will love.
Covina Skatepark is a newly built park that is popular within the community.
Covina Park has several basketball courts for those wanting to shoot some hoops.
Jalapa Park features statues from the ancient Olmec civilization, including a 7-ton head.
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A-grade Covina-Valley Unified schools
Public schools are within the Covina-Valley Unified School District, which earns an A on Niche. Several high schools in the city get an A-minus grade, including Covina High and South Hills High, both California Distinguished Schools based on academic excellence and positive school climate. Athletes from several high schools compete at the recently renovated Covina District Stadium, home of the San Gabriel Valley's longest-running track invitational.
Metrolink trains and Foothill Transit bus stops
Most Covina residents rely on cars to get around, but locals can also hop on a MetroLink train from the Covina train station for commuting to Los Angeles. "Metrolink also takes you east past Pamona and Claremont," says Montiel. "It wakes me up early because I live downtown, but it's so convenient for getting anywhere in minutes." Foothill Transit also offers public transit from bus stops along major throughways such as Grand and Azusa avenues. Centrally situated between San Bernardino and Los Angeles and the 10 and 210 interstates, Covina is about 25 miles to downtown LA by car.
Comparatively low crime, high fire risk
FBI data show that violent crime rates in Covina have varied up and down over the last decade, though they are consistently lower than the national average. Property crimes in Covina have declined from 1,651 instances in 2012 to 1,390 in 2022. And while the crime rate is comparatively low, dry valley living comes with a high fire risk, so homebuyers should purchase any required fire insurance and stay familiar with the city's disaster evacuation routes.
Thunderfest, wine walks, St. Paddys on the rooftop
Every fall, the Thunderfest Car Show and Music Festival buzzes with hundreds of classic cars, live music and a gourmet garden. The Covina Charities Wine Walk provides a dozen different tastings for one $20 ticket, and the St. Paddy's Day Rooftop Festival fills a parking structure with three levels of bands, games and green beer.
Thunderfest is held in Downtown Covina and features a variety of new and vintage cars.
Covina's annual wine walk is a great time to get together with locals and their businesses.
The Covina Farmers Markets features a variety of vendors, including ones with fresh produce.
Kids love the mini kart racing at Summer Family Nights at the Park in Covina.
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Written By
Andrew Moreno
Photography Contributed By
Ling Ge
Video By
Bob Yukich
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Kevin Da Silva,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Covina, CA sell after 35 days on the market compared to the national average of 52 days. The median sale price for homes in Covina, CA over the last 12 months is $796,000, up 6% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
This property belongs to the City of Covina. Immaculate house that offer a unique floor plan with 3 bedrooms and 2 1/2 bathrooms. The home has been recently remodel that includes new paint, flooring, upgraded bathrooms, new windows, newer roof, new garage door with opener, new recess lights, newer ceiling fans and newer kitchen and kitchen appliances. Sprinkler system front and back yard, the
1127 W Brookport Street presents an exciting opportunity for buyers with a vision. This single-family residence on a quiet cul-de-sac, built in 1968, sits on a sizable 8,848 sq ft lot and features 4 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms within its 1,453 sq ft of living space. The 4th bedroom is used as an office. As you enter this home, you will find it features a nice floor plan that includes an entryway
Cute & Cozy Condo in the Heart of Covina! Welcome to your new home in the desirable Stonebridge Community of Covina! This charming and well-maintained 2-bedroom, 2-bath condo offers 1,270 sq ft of comfortable living space and is the perfect blend of style, function, and convenience. This home features a 1-car garage and an additional covered carport, ideally located nearby. Step inside to find a
HUD Home! Welcome to 4739 Conwell Avenue in the heart of Covina! This charming 4-bedroom, 2-bath home offers 1,196 square feet of comfortable living space, a beautiful fireplace, and sparkling pool—perfect for summer fun and weekend gatherings. The open layout features a bright living room, a functional kitchen, and well appointed bedrooms including a primary bedroom.Enjoy the convenience
This beautifully renovated one-bedroom, one-bathroom home offers a stylish blend of comfort and modern design. Located in the in the highly desirable all-ages Century community, this residence features stainless steel appliances, stunning Corian countertops, and Shaker-Style cabinets this kitchen is great for everyday living and entertaining. The interior boast durable vinyl plank flooring, a
Completely Renovated & Move-In Ready! This beautifully updated 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom home feels brand new from the floors up. Featuring stylish white shaker cabinets, sleek Corian countertops, and a deep single-basin sink with a high-arc faucet. All kitchen appliances are included. Enjoy the convenience of an in-unit washer and dryer.Comfort is covered year-round with a modern mini-split
1 MONTH FREE!.Experience luxury living at our Courtyard Suites. Our Courtyard suites features fully renovated 1 Bedroom + 1 Bathroom Apartments with floor-plan options. We offer highly upgraded unfurnished units to best meet your needs. The highly upgraded units includes new hardwood modern flooring, stone countertops, appliances, LED recessed lighting, A/C & Heat, upgraded finishes
Welcome to this charming single family home located in the highly desirable Charter Oak School District. This property offers 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, and 1,230 square feet of living space on a spacious 7,518 square foot lot in a quiet and peaceful neighborhood. The home features a bright and inviting layout that is perfect for comfortable everyday living. Each bedroom is well sized and filled
Welcome to your newly renovated apartment home at Covina Grand, located in Covina CA. Experience the best in upscale living in our spacious one, two or three-bedroom apartment homes that features vinyl plank flooring, new appliances, central air and heat, and other contemporary accents. Here at Covina Grand apartments, we offer the best pet-friendly community amenities and so much more. We'll
At the base of the San Gabriel mountains is Charter Oak, a Los Angeles bedroom community that grew into itself after World War II.
This suburban area, with its traditional houses, condominiums and sought-after public schools, is where people come home after battling the LA traffic during their evening commutes. It’s where you’ll enjoy milkshakes and boba tea at the public market, head over to the local Middle Eastern grocery store for lavash or Al Wazir olive oil and bring the kids to the park and supervise them from a circular picnic table. It’s quiet, suburban Los Angeles County, with easy access to the Foothill Freeway.
Legend has it that a Spanish nobleman named Don Antonio, who fled Los Angeles after some difficulty with the law, hid in a large, leafy oak tree when American militiamen attacked him and his fellow campers during his escape. While he was hiding, Antonio overheard the captain below him say, “Verily this oak tree is like the Charter Oak,” referring to a historical white oak tree in Connecticut. That’s how the neighborhood got its name.
Most of the houses you’ll see here were built during the second half of the 20th century as a result of the post-World War II housing boom. You’ll see 2,100-square-foot traditional-style houses from the 1950s for $1 million, townhouses for $560,000, ranch-style houses for $800,000, 1980s condominiums for $560,000 and mobile homes for $209,000.
When you live in Charter Oak, everything you need is just a few minutes away by car. Neighbors grocery shop at Trader Joe’s, Target, Walmart and Costco in nearby San Dimas, and at Amazon Fresh, the brick-and-mortar encapsulation of the retail behemoth.
There are also parks, like the Glendora Arboretum & Botanic Garden, where you can walk down a pathway or hop from one steppingstone to another while surrounded by flowers and trees. You can play tennis, go roller skating or walk over the wooden bridge at Kahler Russell Park. Or you can watch the kids play baseball at Charter Oak Park, and after the game you can flip some burgers on the barbecue. If you prefer waterside activities like kayaking, you can do that at the Santa Fe Dam Recreation Area, which is about 7 miles away by car.
Charter Oak is known for its school system, which has a B+ rating from Niche. The district has five elementary schools, one middle school and one high school, and serves parts of the cities of Covina, Glendora and San Dimas. All kids in the district attend Royal Oak Middle School for grades 7-8 and Charter Oak High School, which is known for athletics like swimming, its business academy and its choir, band and drama programs.
In addition to the Foothill Freeway, Charter Oak is also close to the San Bernadino Freeway, State Route 57 and State Route 39. For commuters, it’s centrally located and easy to get to from downtown Los Angeles, which is about 28 miles away. Charter Oak is a bedroom community where Angelinos can rest their heads at the end of a long day, where they can really, truly get some rest.
Property Mix - Square Feet
Weather
Annual Precipitation
16''
Average Winter Low Temperature
50°F
Average Summer High Temperature
85°F
Annual Snowfall
0''
Area Factors
Bikeable
Bike Score®®
51/ 100
Very Walkable
Walk Score®®
86/ 100
Some Transit
Transit Score®®
42/ 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score
Walk Score® measures the walkability of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
