$911,502Average Value$289Average Price per Sq Ft14Homes For Sale
Northeast Los Angeles oasis in the Monterey Hills
The natural grandeur of Montecito Heights, just south of trendy Highland Park, is known for attracting creatives to its lush, woodsy tranquility. In the late 1800s, famed journalist Charles Lummis built an all-stone castle-like home here by hand that still stands. Painter William Lees Judson found inspiration in Montecito Heights to establish Southern California's first college for fine arts. Judson is also notable for jumpstarting the American Arts and Crafts movement that popularized the Craftsman architecture prevalent throughout the neighborhood.
From homes built into the Monterey Hills, residents savor views of the Los Angeles skyline to the east and San Gabriel Mountains to the west. "It's a piece of northeast Los Angeles that's very secluded while still very close to downtown," says Realtor David De Anda of Las Casas Realty, who frequently works in the neighborhood. "It's really sought after, and it's been that way for decades." Bordered by Interstate 110, which connects to the 5 and 10, residents are also within less than 10 miles of the Rose Bowl Stadium, California State University LA and Hollywood Burbank Airport.
Glenn Shelhamer, a real estate broker licensed in California since 2014 and Team Lead for the Shelhamer Group of agents specializing in northeast LA, says, "Montecito Heights checks a lot of boxes. You get this peaceful sense of exclusivity in the hills, but in less than 5 miles, you can reach the nightlife along Figueroa in Highland Park, public parks in South Pasadena, wine and craft beer taphouses in Eagle Rock and all of downtown LA. Plus, you're at the beach in 35 minutes one way and skiing in the mountains an hour the other way." Whether returning home, escaping into nature, or heading to town, Montecito residents are wrapped in a sweep of northeast LA delights.
Hillside homes with views of downtown Los Angeles in Montecito Heights.
Montecito Heights very secluded, but it's still very close to Highland Park
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Ernest Debs Park, Arroyo Secco bike path
Outdoor enthusiasts and birdwatchers hike the chaparral-covered slopes of Ernest Debs Regional Park, a 300-acre greenspace with a 5-mile walking loop. Adds Shelhamer, "You feel like you're lost in a forest, but you're in the middle of the city. There's a viewing stop with benches and a lake with lots of different turtle species. And all the pathways into the hills are paved and well-maintained."
Just down the road, Montecito Heights Community Center offers sports courts, athletic fields, and entry to the Arroyo Seco Bike Path — a two-mile trail following the river under the shade of towering sycamore and oak trees. Kids enjoy the playground at Hermon Park, equipped with 11 lighted tennis courts.
History buffs bone up on LA history at the outdoor Heritage Square Museum, where locals stroll a historic street with immaculately preserved Victorian homes to experience the city as it was in the late 1800s.
Playground at Rose Hill Park in Montecito Heights are safe and modern.
Rose Hill Park in Montecito Heights is a quiet place to relax.
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Neighborhood eateries and hip spots in Highland Park
Close to home, a small plaza gathers a Fresco Community Market, coffeehouse and Monterey Donut. To the south, El Arco is the go-to for authentic Mexican. Across the river in Highland Park, highly rated restaurants line Figueroa Street and York Boulevard. It's also home to the retro Highland Park Bowl, the Lodge Room concert venue and the vintage-vinyl On Maritime Records. Shelhamer says, "Houston's is a great restaurant to take the family out to dinner in Pasadena, and there's also some great mom-and-pops here like Sushi Roku."
El Arco Mexican Restaurant is a neighborhood staple in Montecito Heights.
Various businesses and shops are along Lincoln Blvd in Montecito Heights.
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Historic Craftsman and Mission Revival homes
Iconic Craftsman homes steal the show in Montecito Heights, mixed with Victorian, Tudor and Spanish-influence styles lining narrow, winding roads. Lots may be small, but stands of trees lend privacy. Pricing ranges from around $700,000 for small bungalows to more than a million for renovated homes. New homes have sold for over $2 million. "That's still more affordable than some sought-after hillside communities nearby," De Anda says, "and it's a slightly cheaper alternative to Mount Washington." Shelhamer explains that it's a growing spot on the radar for affordability because it's a place where he says, "You can find homes on the historic registry and restore them to their original glory."
Mediterranean style home are commonly found in Montecito Heights.
Victorian style house on display in Montecito Heights.
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B-grade Franklin High and innovative CalCreative
Public schools are within the Los Angeles Unified School District, given a B-plus on Niche, and kids can start at one of several elementary schools, including Glen Alta, also given a Niche B-minus. Sixth through eighth graders may attend Luther Burbank Middle, which holds a B grade on Niche, and advance to Benjamin Franklin Senior High School, which gets a Niche B-plus. In 2022, Benjamin Franklin's girl's basketball team earned the CIP LA City Section Champion title. Students can also apply to attend the charter public CalCreative from second through eighth grade. CalCreative's residency program provides studio space to area artists and culture makers, which helps expose students to a multitude of creative processes.
Hillside Elementary serves students in grades K-5 in Montecito Heights.
Benjamin Franklin High School is a dual language and STEM magnet school in Montecito Heights.
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GoMetro on main corridors
Montecito Heights is bordered by the Arroyo Seco Parkway, for easy access to downtown Los Angeles attractions, Elysian Park, Echo Park and Silver Lake. Multiple GoMetro bus stops line main corridors such as Griffin and Mercury Avenues. Says Shelhamer, "We have a good transit metro system. There's light rail train all over the city, a subway and buses. People take public transit to the beach and to work on the Yellow Line."
Public transportation are options for residents in Montecito Heights.
Montecito Heights has excellent public transportation options.
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Heritage Square events and the Lotus Festival
In Montecito Heights, the Heritage Square Museum hosts a calendar of events such as movie nights, haunted ghost tours and a metaphysical Magic Market popup. Just four miles south, more than 100,000 locals and visitors gather every summer for the Lotus Festival at Echo Park Lake, celebrating Philippine culture with dragon boats, artisans, food and entertainment.
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
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Eli Strickland,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
Greayers Oak Mini Park
Trails
Ela Park
Picnic Area
Trails
Playground
Tierra de la Culebra Park
Picnic Area
Playground
Events
Hermon Park/Arroyo Seco Park
Grills
Picnic Area
Tennis
Sycamore Grove Park
Grills
Picnic Area
Tennis
Ernest E. Debs Regional Park
Bike Trails
Grills
Picnic Area
Rose Hill Park
Montecito Heights Community Center and Park
Transit
Airport
Bob Hope
29 min drive
Bus
Mercury & Galena
Bus
Huntington & Monterey
Bus
Griffin & Avenue 41
Bus
Sierra & Mercury
Bus
Avenue 43 & Mosher
Bus
Lincoln Park & Flora
Bus
Mercury & Huntington
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Montecito Heights
US
Homicide
3
4
Sexual Assault
3
4
Assault with Weapon
3
4
Robbery
4
4
Burglary
3
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
4
4
Larceny
3
4
Crime Score
3
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Montecito Heights Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Montecito Heights, Los Angeles sell after 82 days on the market compared to the national average of 70 days. The median sale price for homes in Montecito Heights, Los Angeles over the last 12 months is $465,000, down 5% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Spacious and well-maintained 2-story home in peaceful Monterey Hills, offering a flexible layout with 3 bedrooms, a den, and a bonus room - ideal for working from home, hosting guests, or creating separate spaces for relaxation and creativity. The open floor plan features modern finishes and a comfortable flow throughout. The den on the main floor is perfect for a home office or library space,
This is the perfect Artist Retreat! Set on an expansive 13,530 sq ft lot with sweeping views of Highland Park, this secluded and charming retreat offers the perfect blend of original character and thoughtful upgrades. Surrounded by mature fruit trees including avocado, lemon, and orange and lush landscaping, the property feels like a peaceful garden escape in the heart of the city. The main home
RATE BUYDOWN NEGOTIABLE - POTENTIAL $900+ MONTHLY SAVINGS (SUBJECT TO TERMS AND LENDER APPROVAL) Experience the best of modern living in this stunning 2021 construction hillside home, perched on the crest of Montecito Heights and El Sereno. Conveniently located near South Pasadena, Alhambra, Highland Park, Downtown LA, Keck Medicine of USC, Debs Park & 93-acre Ascot Hills Park. This 3 bedroom, 4
An absolute rare find, a completely remodeled home, which retained its mid-century modern architectural significance. Custom built in 1959 by the Daniells Company of San Marino, the home displays case-study simplicity, combined with modern amenities, such as Miele appliances, custom cabinetry, built in speakers, car charging and whole home water filtration system. 6305 Lomitas Dr was taken
Quiet building, great neighbors, peaceful neighborhood. Very easy access to 110 freeway, minutes away from DTLA and Old Town Pasadena. Walking distance to various hiking and biking trails, to Metro Golden line stations, to Grocery Stores, to Farmers Market, to a Golf Course and Stables.
Perfect & Remodeled 3 Bedroom + 1 Bathroom Home in Monterey Hills near Highland Park! This is a back house that feels extremely private, secluded, and quiet. The home has been completely remodeled inside and out, with all stainless steel appliances in the kitchen (including a dishwasher), stone counters, farmhouse sink, lots of light, a custom pantry, and an enclosed area for a stackable washer &
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Eli Strickland,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Owners
Demographics
Total Population
15,443
Median Age
42
Population Density
11 ppl/acre
Population under 18
19.5%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
18.5%
On par with the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$101,446
Significantly above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$121,121
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
77.3%
Below the national average
89.1%
College Graduates
41.4%
Above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
16.1%
% Population in Labor Force
64.4%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
20''
Average Winter Low Temperature
45°F
Average Summer High Temperature
90°F
Annual Snowfall
0''
Area Factors
Somewhat Bikeable
Bike Score®
32/ 100
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®
8/ 100
Some Transit
Transit Score®
48/ 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score
Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
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.
