Balanced growth and great schools just east of Pasadena
Arcadia looks similar to many of the suburban cities around it, but its sense of community is like no other. “It balances being a small town and outside of a large metro. It feels more local since people know their neighbors, and we have a lot of small businesses,” says Justine Bruno, the deputy city manager since 2022. “People are also really invested in their community, whether that be families that have lived here for decades or new residents.” Its highly rated school district has attracted international buyers to the area, and many homes have been renovated in the 2010s and 2020s. Still, its population has stayed around 55,000 during this time. “The city has also done a really good job of balancing growth since our start in 1903, and we have a lot of new projects coming,” Bruno says. Downtown Arcadia is the main focus for development in the coming years, especially when it comes to multistory housing. The Derby is a mixed-use development that will add 215 apartments and 5,000 square feet of commercial space; it’s estimated for completion in 2025. Alexan Azalea is a similar development that will add 320 units and an outdoor plaza in 2026.
Arcadia Train Bridge is a really cool sight to see when cruising through the city.
Just a little north is the LA Arboretum a 127-acre botanical garden with lakes & exotic plants.
Chef Tony is an authentic Dim Sum restaurant located in Arcadia.
In Arcadia, residents have access to a wide range of personal services and food options.
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Arcadia Unified: one of America’s top school districts
Niche ranks Arcadia Unified School District in the top 1% nationally and gives it an A-plus. “People live here for the school district,” Bruno says. All 11 of its schools have been considered National Blue Ribbon or California Distinguished, and they serve about 9,500 students. One of these, Arcadia High, gets an A-plus from Niche and had a 99.9% graduation rate in 2024; over 80% of its students are enrolled in one or more advanced classes. This school and the district overall could climb the rankings in the future too. In November 2024, residents approved an increased property tax that will fund a $356 million bond to improve schools. This bond will improve drinking water, enhance security and repair facilities, among other upgrades.
Arcadia High School is a public high school in Arcadia with an A-plus from Niche.
Richard Henry Dana Middle School in Arcadia gets an A+ from niche, with 622 average students
Arcadia has no shortage of top rated schools, such as Rio Hondo School.
First Avenue Middle School is a public school in Arcadia for students 6-8.
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Santa Anita Park: horses, movies and events
Santa Anita Park is central in Arcadia, both literally and culturally. It’s one of the most popular horse racing tracks in the country, with about 40,000 attendees for opening day 2022. Its first race was on Christmas Day 1934, and since then, it’s hosted the 1984 Olympics and 11 Breeder’s Cups. On the big screen, the track has featured Judy Garland in “A Star Is Born” and Chevy Chase in “National Lampoon's Vacation.” The grounds also hosts major community events throughout the year. The most popular of these, the 626 Night Market, fills the parking lots with 250-plus vendors in summer. Held on three-day weekends, the market is inspired by open-air, nighttime bazaars of Asia, and it’s been around since 2012. Japan Family Day comes around in October, and it’s the largest Japanese family event in Southern California. It features cultural exhibitions, taiko drumming and, of course, Japanese food.
During the racetrack season you can go to Santa Anita Racetrack and enjoy the races.
Santa Anita Park horses in Arcadia thunders around the stadium.
Moon Festival at Arcadia offers live traditional performances and shows.
Concerts & Movies in the Park
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The Shops at Santa Anita, Downtown Arcadia
Just south of the racetrack, the Shops at Santa Anita is an indoor mall with over 180 restaurants and shops. It also has a kid-friendly theme park, movie theater and bowling alley. Downtown Arcadia is about a mile east of the mall. Centered around Historic Route 66, this district has drivable strip malls and mostly local businesses.
Enjoy food at the Santa Anita Mall in Arcadia, where the choices are plentiful.
Stop by the AMC movie theaters for the latest movies in Arcadia.
Westfield Mall in Arcadia is a focal point to the city, where you can eat and shop.
The Santa Anita Mall is a great place to eat, drink, and shop in Arcadia.
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Getting outside: Los Angeles Arboretum, San Gabriel Mountains
Arcadia has 14 parks, and many homes are within walking distance. The Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Garden is one of the oldest, started as farmland in the 1840s and converted to a park 100 years later. The 125-acre space is known for its tall trees, roaming peacocks and Queen Anne cottage. Wilderness Park has the highest elevation of these parks, and it leads into the San Gabriel Range. Nearby mountains have over 250 miles of trails, and some canyons have waterfalls.
Wildlife can be found all through out Arcadia's Arboretum.
Arcadia Park has it's own lawn bowling league on the weekends.
Families can enjoy Arcadia Park which also has a community pool and large green spaces.
Families enjoy walks at the arboretum in Arcadia.
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High-dollar homes in Arcadia Unified School District
Arcadia’s sought-after school district translates to elevated home values, and the median sale price here is about $1.45 million as of late 2024. That’s roughly $500,000 more than Monrovia and $200,000 more than Pasadena. Arcadia’s prices are up about 9% year-over-year, but that’s the case for most of the surrounding area. Homes on the outskirts of the city can go for less since they might not be in the Arcadia Unified School District. Just north of Interstate 210, mansions built in the 2010s and 2020s are at the top of the market. Homes toward the center of town are closest to Santa Anita Park and the arboretum. Peacocks can roam into neighborhoods, perching on rooftops and pecking across lawns. Their squawks can cause considerable noise.
You can find beautiful well maintained Mediterranean homes in Arcadia.
French Country Estates are located throughout the community of Arcadia.
A stunning mansion in the depths of the Arcadia neighborhood.
There are colorful multi-family complexes in Arcadia.
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Arcadia’s seasons, wildfires and crime rates
Los Angeles is known for its sunshine, and Arcadia gets about 290 sunny days per year. Summers are arid with temperatures in the 80s, while winters are mild in the 60s. The Santa Ana Winds are a dry weather pattern in the area, and they can incite wildfires in the San Gabriel Mountains. In September 2024, the Bridge Fire burned roughly 55,000 acres, and smoke carried into Arcadia.
In 2023, Arcadia had a monthly average of 48 violent offenses per 100,000 people. That’s less than half of both state and national rates. However, the city had a monthly average of 256 property offenses per 100,000 people in the same year. That’s higher than both the state and national rates. Overall crime rates have stayed the same between 2022 and 2023.
Interstate 210 and state Route 164
A part of the Los Angeles metro, Arcadia is a car-centric city. Traffic can back up during rush hour, especially on Interstate 210 and state Route 164. However, these freeways are usually closer to the house than they would be in neighboring San Marino or Alhambra. Downtown Los Angeles is about a 20-mile trip south via the 210 and the 5. Los Angeles International Airport is about 35 miles southwest, taking the 110 most of the way. Other than three bus lines, Arcadia doesn’t have much public transportation. The closest Metrolink station is in El Monte, about 5 miles south.
Written By
Matt Medl
Photography Contributed By
Bryant Lucero
Video By
Daniel Quattro
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GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
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On average, homes in Arcadia, CA sell after 42 days on the market compared to the national average of 56 days. The median sale price for homes in Arcadia, CA over the last 12 months is $1,300,000, down 12% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Private Mid-Century Ranch home in Highland Oaks community — Single-story, 3 br, 2 ba with large backyard with views to the valley and the city. Excellent Arcadia schools, Highland Oaks elementary, Foothill Middle school and Arcadia high school is best in the area.Surrounded by mature trees, this beautifully updated home has a gated front door. South-facing large open windows from living room
Located in the prestigious Upper Rancho area of Arcadia, this contemporary estate sits on a prime south-facing lot. A grand foyer with 35-foot ceilings and dual staircases leads to a stunning two-story library and expansive living areas. Spanning 12,436 sq. ft., the home features 7 bedroom suites, a gourmet kitchen, and solar power. The resort-style grounds offer a pool, spa, and putting green. A
Welcome to a rare opportunity in the heart of Arcadia—an inviting and versatile property designed for both comfortable living and future potential.The main residence offers 2 bedrooms and 1 bathroom, filled with natural light and enhanced by smart home features and a whole-home water purification system for modern convenience. The spacious layout flows seamlessly into a private backyard
Completely rebuilt and expanded in 2025 with over 1,300 square feet of new construction, this exceptional Arcadia estate has been meticulously reimagined, fully permitted, and thoughtfully designed to embody modern luxury. Offering approximately 5,185 square feet of living space on a generous 17,560-square-foot lot, the residence blends timeless architectural elements with refined contemporary
This desirable single-story, ground-level front unit presents an excellent opportunity for first-time buyers or investors. The well-maintained home features a functional and inviting floor plan highlighted by a bright, spacious living room. The unit offers three generously sized bedrooms, including a primary suite with direct access to the rear patio, along with two full bathrooms. Additional
WELCOME TO THIS EXQUISITE CUSTOM-BUILT ESTATE, CRAFTED BY THE HIGHLY SOUGHT-AFTER MURISOL CONSTRUCTION, RENOWNED FOR CREATING EXCEPTIONAL, LUXURY HOMES IN ARCADIA. SITUATED ON AN EXPANSIVE 16,692-SQUARE-FOOT LOT ALONG THE ICONIC, PALM-LINED LONGDEN AVENUE, THIS FRENCH NORMANDY-INSPIRED MASTERPIECE SEAMLESSLY BLENDS OLD-WORLD CHARM WITH MODERN ELEGANCE.6,186 SQUARE FEET OF LIGHT-FILLED LIVING
Arcadia Unified School District – Walking Distance to Longley Way Elementary. Located within the highly acclaimed Arcadia Unified School District, consistently ranked among the top in California and nationwide, this home offers access to award-winning schools known for academic excellence, outstanding test scores, and a 97% graduation rate. First time on the market in 25 years, this custom-built
Nestled in a prime peaceful pocket of Temple City, this charming 3 bedroom, 2.5 bath single family home offers a perfect blend of vintage character and spacious modern living. Spanning approximately 2076 square feet on an expansive 10,706 square foot lot, this residence is a true suburban retreat. Step into a welcoming living room anchored by a classic fireplace and seamless dining area, all
Introducing a rare Italian-crafted residence in the heart of Arcadia. An architectural gem that embodies timeless European elegance and charm, and modern sophistication. Designed in a vantage Italian villa style, this home showcases meticulous detailing, from custom wood cabinetry and hand-painted finishes to graceful archways and intricate moldings, every element reflecting superior
For those who believe in living large without giving up convenience, Plan 4 offers the ultimate solution. From the spacious flex space to the open-concept great room and kitchen to the private tech space, every detail is designed to enhance daily life. The thoughtfulness extends to the third-floor bedrooms and primary suite, the perfect spot for peaceful relaxation after a day of activity. And
Step into modern living at its finest with Plan 5, where convenience and style come together in all the right ways. Your flex space can become a place to work, play or let your imagination run wild. There’s room for gathering and entertaining with an open-concept kitchen and great room. And your dedicated tech space makes working from home as easy as it should be. Unwind in the third-floor
Move in Ready New Construction - Rate Buy Down + Closing Cost Credit offered by the Builder now. Welcome to Magnolia by Brookfield Residential - Stylish New Townhomes in Arcadia, CA. Discover a charming new gated community of thoughtfully designed townhomes. Located in the heart of Arcadia, CA, Magnolia offers the perfect blend of modern living and convenience. Home Features: Townhome with an
Caitlyn Lai-ValentiBrookfield Residential Sales Inc.
Embrace your best days ahead in Plan 3, where indoor-outdoor living takes center stage. Delight in the covered second-floor deck, made for soaking up sunshine or enjoying evening breezes. Inside, every space is as welcoming as the next, from the distinctive great room to the chef’s kitchen. Retreat to the third floor, where two exciting bedroom suites await, complete with walk-in closets and
Discover the epitome of style and ease in Plan 2, our only two-story townhome with a side yard included, designed for effortless living. Here, every detail emphasizes style and function. Enjoy cooking up something special in the chef-inspired kitchen and hosting memorable get togethers in the open-concept great room and dining room. Upstairs, three bedrooms, including in inviting primary suite,
For those who believe in living large without giving up convenience, Plan 4 offers the ultimate solution. From the spacious flex space to the open-concept great room and kitchen to the private tech space, every detail is designed to enhance daily life. The thoughtfulness extends to the third-floor bedrooms and primary suite, the perfect spot for peaceful relaxation after a day of activity. And
Charming three-bedroom, two-bath ranch-style residence nestled in the highly sought-after Santa Anita Oaks neighborhood. Boasting a spacious lot that allows for potential expansion, this property is surrounded by picturesque park-like grounds adorned with mature trees and delightful ornamental plants. The front entry introduces you to a luminous living room offering scenic mountain views. A
2 bedroom, 1 bathroom apartmentHardwood floorsStainless steel stove and refrigerator includedQuartz countertopsAir conditioningFireplaceCeiling fansCommunity laundry areaOne carport parking space provided. A second parking space available for only $45 per monthOne (1) year lease required NOTE: Photos are of a model unit, furniture not
Prestige West Arcadia Area, Very Comfortable Single Family Home with Nice Front Yard, Backyard for Summer BBQ, a two car detached garage and a storage yard behind garage, good size front porch, Living room with fireplace, dining room, breakfast area off kitchen, one bathroom with tub, one bathroom with shower, Enclosed patio (wall unit ac) with a separate Loft/ Den, good size kitchen with
Live Oak 521C – Fully Renovated UnitPricingEffective rent: $2,500/month for the first 12 months with 8 weeks freeStandard monthly rent: $3,000Completely renovated with modern finishes throughoutSplit system air conditioningIn-unit washer and dryerDishwasherBrand-new flooringQuartz countertopsStainless steel appliancesAll new modern
A beautifully maintained home nestled on a tranquil private lane in one of Arcadia’s most sought-after neighborhoods. This spacious residence features 5 generously sized bedrooms, including 3 en-suite bedrooms, offering both comfort and privacy. The home’s elongated layout allows for abundant natural light, creating a bright and airy atmosphere throughout. The expansive backyard is a true
Spacious Luxury 3 BR 2BA Unit, Pool, Garage Parking - ArcadiaUpstairs second levelWood flooringBuilt-in appliances (cooktop, oven, dishwasher)Gas burning fireplaceCentral air & heatPrivate patioPoolCommunity laundry areaGarage and carport parking included (total 2 spaces)Located within minutes to: Westfield Santa Anita, Santa Anita Race Track,
Discover luxury living in this brand-new, modern townhouse nestled in a peaceful Arcadia neighborhood. Boasting 4 spacious bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, and 2,320 sq ft of contemporary design, this home is perfect for families seeking comfort, style, and convenience. Property Highlights:-Bedrooms: 4 (3 on main level)-Bathrooms: 2 full, 1 half-Garage: 2-car with electric car
Our garden apartments offer carefree living for all. Indulge yourself in one of our secluded, architect-designed units with more than enough space to enhance your comfort and relaxation. Our apartments are house sized with our one bedroom units being over 900 square feet (the same size as many other two bedroom apartments). With custom features like granite and marble countertops, hardwood
Newly renovated 1-bedroom, 1-bath townhouse-style unit offering approximately 800 sq ft in a highly desirable Arcadia neighborhood within the award-winning Arcadia Unified School District. This move-in ready home showcases modern upgrades throughout, including brand new luxury vinyl plank flooring in the main living areas, staircase, and upstairs, complemented by tile flooring in bathroom. The
Newly renovated 2-bedroom, 1.5-bath townhouse-style unit offering approximately 1,200 sq ft in a highly desirable Arcadia neighborhood within the award-winning Arcadia Unified School District. This move-in ready home showcases modern upgrades throughout, including brand new luxury vinyl plank flooring in the main living areas, staircase, and upstairs, complemented by tile flooring in both
The Continental Arcadia is more than just a place to live - it is an oasis of beauty and serenity. Soothing fountains greet you as you enter the dramatic two story lobby. Majestic redwoods, exquisite gardens, and a lovely koi pond provide outstanding views and the perfect environment for relaxation and reflection. Refresh yourself in our large pool and socialize on our sun deck. Our house sized
Local Logic measures the walkability, access to public transit and 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.
