Sandwiched between the Los Angeles River and the Rio Hondo is the quaint community of Bell Gardens. And despite its name and proximity to water, this Southeastern LA County community is mostly urban and is loved for its historic charm, its variety of attractions and short commute to downtown LA.
Once a farming community, Bell Gardens is now a thriving metropolis. Its economy and jobs are dominated by leisure and hospitality, education and health, retail, and manufacturing. The biggest employer is the Parkwest Casino, a big source of tourism revenue and one of the largest poker casinos in the world. “It’s very community-based, and everyone knows each other,” says Betty Lopez, a broker and owner with Better Homes Whittier, Inc. “The area is going through an economic revitalization with several new retail centers opening, which will bring in businesses and employment opportunities.”
In Bell Gardens there is a rich Mexican influenced vibe and a proud, tight knit community.
Bell Gardens is unique in that the community is tight and it is a city with a small town vibe.
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No gardens but recreation abounds
Stroll under the tree canopy and admire the lake at John Anson Ford Park. The lake is also a popular spot for fishing and paddle boating, and after boating around, hop on the park’s winding hiking trail. Its outdoor amphitheater holds regular concerts during the summer, but its biggest attraction is the Sports Center. The extensive outdoor facility has three turf fields, baseball and softball fields and several other multi-purpose fields. Bell Gardens Veterans Park offers walking trails, baseball and soccer fields and a memorial at the center honoring fallen service members. Golf enthusiasts can work on their game at either the Bell Gardens Golf Course or the neighboring Rio Hondo Golf Club. Cyclists, hikers and equestrians can hop on the 16-mile Rio Hondo River Trail for picturesque views of the San Gabriel Valley.
Bell Gardens hosts a few different parks with a variety of amenities, like Veterans Park.
Tee times are available right now at Bell Gardens favorite public course, Rio Hondo Golf Course.
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Authentic Mexican fare and table games
The area is known for authentic Latin American fare. A local favorite is Tamales Elena Y Antojitos, a no-frills joint known for its banana-leaf wrapped tamales and soulful pozoles. Another community staple is Rocio’s Mexican Kitchen, which offers a diverse array of flautas, enchiladas and custom mole plates, which have been praised by the MICHELIN Guide. Owner and Chef Rocio Camacho is referred to as “The Goddess of Mole.” And Los Cinco Puntos has been satisfying hungry patrons for over 30 years with its authentic burritos, fresh ingredients and homemade tortillas. Find groceries at Food For Less and more shopping, Bell Gardens Marketplace is a 170,000-square-foot mall with high-end boutiques to discount stores.
Parkwest Bicycle Casino, or “The Bike,” as it's known, is packed every night with gamers trying their luck at Baccarat, Pai Gow Tiles, poker and other table games. The casino hosts world poker championships and has an upscale cocktail bar, a sushi restaurant, a brewery and an authentic Chinese restaurant on site. History buffs can delve into the community's storied past at three historic residences and also official landmarks, including the Gage Mansion, the Woodworth House and the Perry House.
Bell Gardens is like a little piece of Mexico. Authentic culture and cuisine is everywhere.
Bicycle Casino draws in visitors to Bell Gardens, CA.
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Spanish-inspired homes with river views
The community is very walkable and offers Spanish-inspired two-story homes, ranch-style houses, condos and townhouses. “The area is beautiful,” says Lopez. “Homes are sought after here, and residents take pride in their lawns.” Most homes were built in the late 1940s and range from $500,000 for one- to two-bedroom homes to $800,000 for a three-bedroom home. Bigger homes with modern upgrades or ones closer to the river tend to be on the higher end. Most homes have multi-car garages and beautifully landscaped yards with towering palms and fruit trees. Vinas La Campana is a gated community within Bell Gardens that offers two- to four-bedroom townhouses starting at $480,000. While the subdivision does have homeowners’ association fees, it provides access to a basketball court and fitness center.
A home in Bell Gardens
From the Rio Hondo River in Bell Gardens it is a quick drive to downtown Los Angeles.
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Excellent extracurriculars in Bell Gardens schools
Montebello Unified School District serves the area, and local students attend Suva Elementary, Bell Gardens Intermediate and Bell Gardens High School. The elementary school received a C-minus on Niche, and the middle school received a C. Suva offers an after-school program, a spring extravaganza and parent workshops. Earning a C-plus on Niche, the high school offers softball and baseball teams, a coding club and a robotics program.
Large schools and plenty of extra curricular activities keep Bell Gardens youth active all year.
With 18 advanced placement courses Bell Gardens High School is large and competitive.
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Cultural celebrations at the heart
Every February and March, Bell Gardens Veterans Park hosts Circus Caballero, a world-renowned circus showcasing acrobatics, clown acts and other performances. The park is also a central hub for other community events like a spring festival and many cultural celebrations, like El Grito and Dia de Los Muertos. The Miss Bell Gardens Pageant has been a beloved tradition in the community since 1947, which gives young women a chance at scholarships and professional development.
Enjoy traditional Mexican celebrations and music in Bell Gardens, California.
Bell Gardens Veterans Park honors service members in Bell Gardens, CA.
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A short drive to Downtown LA
Interstates 5, 105 and 719 and State Route 42 get residents around the region, including Downtown LA, an 11-mile drive and the LAX Airport, 20 miles away. Orange County Metrolink commuter line. Bell Gardens’ Town Trolley Bus provides easy access to amenities. “You’re close to South LA and downtown,” Lopez says. “There’s traffic, of course, but it’s pretty easy to get around.”
A short drive from downtown Los Angeles, Bell Gardens high is among the largest in California.
A city with rich history, culture, and a small town vibe is a short drive from downtown.
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Written By
Hannah Rainey
Photography Contributed By
Christopher Montagne-Waggoner
Video By
Mallory Nolte
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
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an experienced agent in this area.
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A very unique property to buy to live in one, and rent out the other three. Each unit is spacious with a 2-car attached garage. Each property has separate water, gas, and electricity meters. Rear units are 2-story with two baths and private backyards. Plenty of parking on the property also
Prime investment opportunity in the heart of Bell Gardens! This income-generating property sits on a large \~25,000 sq ft lot and features five freshly repainted buildings (as of July). With tenants covering their own utilities and the owner responsible only for trash, operating expenses remain low. The site offers plenty of on-site parking and is located near major retailers like Walmart,
A 5-unit multifamily asset located in Bell, CA, a centrally positioned, commuter-friendly city just southeast of Downtown Los Angeles. This property offers stable income with rental upside, strong tenant demand, and future flexibility for expansion or redevelopment.The property consists of five 1-bedroom / 1-bath units across two detached buildings, totaling ±2,775 SF of living space on a
A very unique property to buy to live in one, and rent out the other three. Each unit is spacious with a 2-car attached garage. Each property has separate water, gas, and electricity meters. Rear units are 2-story with two baths and private backyards. Plenty of parking on the property also
Prime investment opportunity in the heart of Bell Gardens! This income-generating property sits on a large \~25,000 sq ft lot and features five freshly repainted buildings (as of July). With tenants covering their own utilities and the owner responsible only for trash, operating expenses remain low. The site offers plenty of on-site parking and is located near major retailers like Walmart,
A 5-unit multifamily asset located in Bell, CA, a centrally positioned, commuter-friendly city just southeast of Downtown Los Angeles. This property offers stable income with rental upside, strong tenant demand, and future flexibility for expansion or redevelopment.The property consists of five 1-bedroom / 1-bath units across two detached buildings, totaling ±2,775 SF of living space on a
Charming Fully Remodeled 3-Bedroom Townhouse-Style Apartment in Bell GardensWelcome to your new home! This beautifully remodeled 3-bedroom, 1.5-bath apartment offers modern living with the charm of a townhouse-style layout. Located on a quiet street in the heart of Bell Gardens, this two-story unit features:Fully renovated interiors including new flooring, windows, kitchen, and
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