Azusa

When you come across Mountain Cove, a small community notched into the northeast corner of Azusa in rural Los Angeles County, you will come away impressed. “I call it an unknown gem in the San Gabriel Valley,” says Baldwin Lopez, a Realtor with Keller Williams Movement Real Estate and former resident. “When you drive into the canyon, you cross a bridge and you are just surrounded by mountains. It’s very secluded and it’s spectacular. The feeling you get right when you make the turn and see the mountains around you, it’s just such a sense of ease and peacefulness.” Mountain Cove is a 21st-century community that recently celebrated its 20th anniversary. It comprises a little more than 300 homes and is divided into three distinct neighborhoods. Wildwoods offers homes between 2,160 and 2,580 square feet. In Sagewoods, the homes are between 2,650 and 3,175 square feet. The largest homes, between 3,230 and 3,690 square feet, can be found in Copperwoods. “They are all two-story homes – fairly large modern homes,” says Lopez, who adds that they are fortified to protect against the elements. “You’re in a fire area, so all the homes come with sprinkler systems. There are strict codes out here, so the homes are well-designed.” The typical home features a private driveway, ample garage space and a large, well-manicured yard on quiet, picturesque streets ringed by mountains rising up around them. Spanish-style architecture is prominent, with decorative facades and terra cotta roofs common sights throughout the community. The Craftsman influence also is noticeable, as many homes incorporate natural materials into their designs. “Prices run anywhere from $850,000 to $1.2 million,” says Lopez. Students can attend Hodge Elementary, Gladstone Middle School, which opened for the 2023-2024 schoolyear, and Azusa High, which offers co-ed automotive technology courses among its electives. The Mountain Cove Community Association’s social committee works hard to keep its residents active and engaged. “The social committee is separate from the HOA and creates events that help the entire community,” says Lopez. “They are very active, very social. Just great people.” Seasonal and holiday events take place year-round. Highlights include the annual Easter Egg hunt and a Christmas celebration complete with artificial snow for the kids. The summer luau even features traditional hula dancers. Regular events include movie nights at the community center. Just outside the community is the San Gabriel Canyon Gateway Center, a pocket park and interpretive facility serves as the entrance to the San Gabriel Mountains. The San Gabriel River Trial, a popular paved bike path that runs through much of North Azusa, runs past the center into Mountain Cove and forms its southern border. Nearby Azusa Wilderness Park is a hilly canyon preserve with trails. “Without a doubt, my favorite part of the city is the mountains,” says Andrew Mendez, a Realtor with Century 21 Citrus Realty. “The community loves them. More people go into our Azusa canyons than go into Yosemite – over 4 million a year.” San Gabriel Canyon Road, which eventually becomes Azusa Avenue, provides quick and easy access to an array of modern conveniences. A Target is less than 2 miles away, and adjacent is a Metro Station that provides easy train commutes to and from Pasadena and Los Angeles. Downtown Azusa is less than 3 miles away. Dog Haus is a popular eatery and beer garden at The Orchard, the city’s newest mixed-use development in the heart of downtown at the intersection of Azusa Avenue and historic Route 66. Nearby Smart & Final Extra! is a warehouse-style grocery store that allows residents to stock up on essentials before making the short drive home. Life in Mountain Cove will give you a peaceful, easy feeling. It won’t let you down.

In the city of Azusa east of Los Angeles, you will find Rosedale, a 21st century master-planned community of eclectic homes and picturesque parks. Rosedale’s many neighborhoods are filled with large, multilevel homes ranging between 2,000 and 4,000 square feet. The typical home features a private driveway, garage and a small yard on secluded, neatly landscaped streets. Several architectural styles are represented among the homes. Spanish-style arched entryways and terra cotta roofs stand out, while the expanded porches of the bungalow style and the Craftsman-inspired use of natural materials such as stone and wood add to the residential diversity. Natural materials often are incorporated into the community’s smart homes, which are designed with sustainability and environmental impact in mind. Single-family homes typically list from the high $800,000s to $1.8 million. Multifamily housing includes town houses starting in the low $600,000s to condominiums starting in the high $600,000s. Monthly HOA fees are typically between $300 to $400 for single-family homes, and that includes the neighborhood fee and the overall community fee. Singular fees for town houses and condos are slightly higher – typically between $400 and $500 per month. Students can attend Dalton Elementary School, conveniently located in the community, Foothill Middle School and Azusa High School, which features co-ed automotive technology courses. Rosedale is a community highlighted by parks and open space. More than 200 acres of the community is protected land, and it features an array of neighborhood parks that offers easy access to year-round recreation. Several parks are built around playgrounds and outdoor gathering spaces, while other parks feature a network of walking trails. Sierra Madre Park is a unique space anchored by a full-sized basketball court and offering stunning views of the surrounding landscape. Rosedale is a very walkable community in which all of the parks can be accessed from any of the neighborhoods. The community also includes The Promenade, a paved walkway dotted with benches and meticulous landscaping that turns a short walk into a serene journey. All residents also have access to The Resort, a centrally located, amenities-filled community center. The 4,500-square-foot Mediterranean-style clubhouse features a pool, fitness center, outdoor cooking areas complete with gas grills and a private room that is used for communitywide events and can be booked for private parties. While there is no shortage of fun to be had, Rosedale also offers more utilitarian attractions. Residents who need to commute to nearby Pasadena and Los Angeles have access to a Metro Station where they can catch the bus or hop on the train. The community also has its own fire station. Rosedale is surrounded by North Azusa, which means residents are close to several recreational options unique to the area, which sits among the canyons and foothills at the base of the San Gabriel Mountains. The San Gabriel River Trail, a popular cycling route that runs through much of North Azusa, intersects with the Azusa Trail, a popular hiking route, near the San Gabriel Canyon Gateway Center. The pocket park and interpretive facility serves as the entrance to the San Gabriel Mountains. “Without a doubt, my favorite part of the city is the mountains,” says Andrew Mendez, a Realtor with Century 21 Citrus Realty and member of the city council. “More people go into our Azusa canyons than go into Yosemite – over 4 million a year.” Dining, retail and entertainment options can be found nearby in the relatively buzzy downtown area of Azusa. Dog Haus is a popular eatery and beer garden at The Orchard, the city’s newest mixed-use development in the heart of downtown at Azusa Avenue and historic Route 66. “Downtown has experienced exponential growth,” says Andrew Mendez. “We used to just have a few businesses, but we added 12 in just the last three years. Developers are really looking at us as the last untapped little city.” Nearby is Smart & Final Extra!, a warehouse-style grocery store. Off Route 66 just south of Rosedale is the Felix Events Center. The 3,500-seat venue hosts concerts and sporting events for the Azusa Pacific basketball and volleyball teams. Get a good look at Rosedale, a contemporary community nestled into the San Gabriel Valley.