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Downey

Downey

$791,985 Average Value
$613 Average Price per Sq Ft
4 Homes For Sale

Why buyers choose Downey

Downey is a small city located between Los Angeles and Orange County. Its convenient position, combined with a mix of history and everyday livability, continues to attract new residents. From its Apollo-era aerospace legacy showcased at the Columbia Memorial Space Center to a walkable downtown filled with local restaurants and community events, there’s plenty to enjoy. A highly rated school system and relatively low housing costs also make it an appealing place to settle.

Cost of living in Downey

Housing options here provide a look into the city's history. Farmers first settled the area in the late 1800s, and a handful of 19th-century houses remain. You'll see a much larger number of midcentury ranch-style homes, due to the aviation and aerospace boom that took place during that time. Today, its commuter-friendly location continues to spur growth, especially in multifamily developments.

The median sale price is around $850,000, well below the LA median. “You have a broad range of homes here,” says Jordan Partida, a Realtor with e-Homes. He explains that North Downey is known for its high-end houses. Orange Estates attracts buyers for its walkability, and southern Downey homes tend to have lower price points. In general, single-family sales typically range from the mid-$500,000s to about $2.5 million, while townhomes and condos usually sell between the low $300,000s and the low $900,000s.

You'll see lots of midcentury homes here.
You'll see lots of midcentury homes here.
There are also larger Spanish Colonial Revival-style houses.
There are also larger Spanish Colonial Revival-style houses.
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School options for Downey families

The Downey Unified School District gets an overall A-minus rating from Niche. Downey High School, also rated an A-minus, offers Advanced Placement courses. "Downey High is also known to provide a lot of resources for theater arts,” Partida says. Private options include St. Pius X-St. Matthias Academy, which serves high school students and gets an A-minus Niche rating.

Doty Middle School was named a California Distinguished School in 2026.
Doty Middle School was named a California Distinguished School in 2026.
Downey High School is known for its strong performing arts program.
Downey High School is known for its strong performing arts program.
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Commuting to LA and other job centers

Getting around is straightforward thanks to several major freeways, including interstates 5 and 105. “Proximity to the 5 is a huge draw for this area,” Partida says. “On any given day, you can be at Disneyland in Orange County or downtown LA in 30 minutes or less, depending on traffic.” During rush hour, however, the 15-mile drive to Downtown LA usually takes between 40 minutes and nearly two hours, while the roughly 20-mile trip to Anaheim often stretches to almost an hour in peak traffic.

Partida says that most residents rely on cars for daily travel, but there’s also Downey LINK and Metro bus service, as well as a Metro C Line station. “A lot of people will take the bus to get to the more walkable areas on Downey Avenue,” Partida says.

Things to do in Downey

Downey hosts community events throughout the year, from summer concert series to holiday celebrations. Here are some popular ones:

  • Summer Concerts Under the Stars, a weekly music series at Furman Park featuring everything from tribute bands to classical performances
  • I Love Downey Festival, a celebration in downtown with live music, vendors and a craft beer and wine garden
  • Downey Día de los Muertos Art Festival, a festival at the Downey Theatre and Civic Center with live performances and community altars
In addition to the many celebrations, the Columbia Memorial Space Center holds regular astronomy nights, and you can also catch plays and performances at the Downey Theatre.

Come see the spectacular costumes at the Día de los Muertos Art Festival.
Come see the spectacular costumes at the Día de los Muertos Art Festival.
The Columbia Space Center hosts educational events throughout the year.
The Columbia Space Center hosts educational events throughout the year.
Come to the Downey Theatre for plays and performances.
Come to the Downey Theatre for plays and performances.
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Where to eat and shop in Downey

The city has a growing dining scene with a mix of longtime local spots and newer restaurants, many of which are along Downey Avenue. “A lot of people love stopping at Porto's, which is a Cuban bakery and cafe that is busy at all hours. You can eat in and have a Cuban sandwich or pick up something from the bakery and be on your way,” Partida says. “Lock and Key is another great place. They do burgers, steaks and craft cocktails.”

Most people do their shopping on the eastern edge of the city, where you’ll find Stonewood Center, an indoor mall anchored by Macy's and Kohl's. The side-by-side Promenade at Downey and Downey Landing shopping centers, also in eastern Downey, are home to big-box chains and additional dining spots.

Porto's is a popular lunch spot.
Porto's is a popular lunch spot.
You can still find a classic Bob's Big Boy diner in Downey.
You can still find a classic Bob's Big Boy diner in Downey.
Stonewood Center is a great place to bring the family for a day of shopping and fun.
Stonewood Center is a great place to bring the family for a day of shopping and fun.
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Golf, fishing and green space in Downey

Downey has about a dozen parks, as well as the Rio Hondo Golf Club, an 18-hole course that is open to the public. Apollo Park has basketball and sand volleyball courts, baseball diamonds and a gymnasium. Locals often host parties at Dennis the Menace Park, which has a large playground and picnic area. For a quieter experience, Wilderness Park features two lakes where fishing is permitted, and walking trails wind through lush green space.

A mother leads her son on a balance beam at Hollydale Regional Park.
A mother leads her son on a balance beam at Hollydale Regional Park.
Rio Hondo Golf Club is a great place to enjoy a game of golf with friends.
Rio Hondo Golf Club is a great place to enjoy a game of golf with friends.
A skater practices his tricks at Independence Park, also a popular park for tennis and soccer.
A skater practices his tricks at Independence Park, also a popular park for tennis and soccer.
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Ginny West
Written By
Ginny West
Samuel Evans
Photography Contributed By
Samuel Evans
Jeffrey Knight
Video By
Jeffrey Knight

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Maria De Jesus De Santiago, an experienced agent in this area.

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Schools

Source:
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. View GreatSchools Rating Methodology

Parks in this Area

Area Facts

Number of Homes
2,324
Number of Homes for Sale
4
Median Year Built
1951
Months of Supply
1.50
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,340
Significantly below the national average
1,933
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
2,238
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
5,662

Open Houses

Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Average Home Value





Source: Public Records

Neighborhoods in Downey

Property Mix - Square Feet

Downey Has Equal Renters and Owners

Rental Home Trends

Number of Homes for Rent
2
Median Rent
$2,850
Median Single Family Home Rent
$2,900
Median 3 Bedroom Single Family Home Rent
$3,725
Median Townhouse Rent
$3,250
Median 3 Bedroom Townhouse Rent
$3,600
Median Condo Rent
$2,100
Median 2 Bedroom Condo Rent
$2,100

Demographics

Total Population
108,280
Median Age
38
Population under 18
24.2%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
15.2%
On par with the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$81,913
On par with the national average
$79,597
Average Household Income
$103,521

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
81.2%
Below the national average
89%
College Graduates
25.1%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
7.4%
% Population in Labor Force
66.7%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
14''
Average Winter Low Temperature
48°F
Average Summer High Temperature
83°F
Annual Snowfall
0''

Area Factors

Moderately bikeable

Bikeability®

60 / 100

Moderately walkable

Walkability®

70 / 100

Some public transit

Transit®

40 / 100
Source: Local Logic
Sources: Local Logic

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.
Downey