A Gateway City about 10 miles east of downtown Los Angeles
Set 10 miles east of downtown Los Angeles, Montebello is one of the Gateway Cities between LA and Orange counties. The population of 60,000 enjoys a quiet, suburban existence just miles from other job centers like Pasadena and Long Beach. "Montebello has a hometown feel that coexists with the vibrancy of one of the largest metropolitan areas in the world,” says city Public Affairs Manager Alex Gillman. The city has much to offer prospective homebuyers, including a robust park system and below-average housing costs, at least by LA standards. “Montebello is one of the most affordable up-and-coming suburbs near downtown Los Angeles,” says e-Homes Realtor Jordan Partida, who grew up in the city. “They are building new homes, and a lot of new shops and eateries have been coming in. Something I expect to continue.”
The gazebo at Taylor Ranch Park is surrounded by ponds, grassy hills, and running water
The Commerce Casino is a popular point of interest among residents and visitors alike.
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Midcentury homes and contemporary infill development
In early 2025, the median home price in Montebello was around $850,000, more than double the national number but under the broader California median of $900,000. The earliest homes were built in the 1920s, but most were developed between the 1950s and ‘70s. There has also been contemporary infill development since the 2000s, including the high-end Metro Heights subdivision and some newer condo and townhome communities. “You have a good mix of homes here, including Spanish-inspired, traditional, midcentury, ranch-style and a handful of classic California bungalows,” Partida says. “The city is mostly single-family, but the farther south you go, you will see more multifamily units. Properties to the north are more desirable and more expensive.” Homes south of Whittier Boulevard are priced lower, while a contemporary home to the north can sell for as much as $3 million.
Mediterranean-style homes in Montebello’s residential area.
New housing developments expand across Montebello.
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Walkable elementary schools in Montebello Unified
Niche grades the Montebello Unified School District C-plus. The district serves around 20,000 students and includes 17 walkable community elementary schools.
La Merced Intermediate is a walkable school in Montebello.
Montebello Intermediate School is an excellent option for students in Montebello, Montebello CA.
Montebello High School has a mission to prepare students for college and abroad.
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Browsing the Shops at Montebello and dining downtown
The city’s commercial activity is anchored by the Shops at Montebello, a large regional shopping mall, and the pedestrian-friendly downtown corridor. The shops offer various retail options and a food court with chain dining. The downtown area on and around West Whittier Boulevard is home to many businesses, including drug stores, banks, retail outlets and many mom-and-pop dining establishments. “Montebello is also home to one of the newest Topgolf facilities in the country and the recently renovated and beautiful Bella Vista Golf Course,” Gillman says. The only thing the city is lacking is nightlife. “Residents have to leave for a little entertainment because there isn’t much nightlife. You can stay local and go to Uptown Whittier, but the majority of people are probably going to LA,” Partida says.
The Hat in Montebello is known for its popular pastrami burgers.
You can taste the passion that goes into creating a great burger at Arry's Super Burgers.
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Live music from the band shell at Montebello City Park
Montebello has over a dozen parks and recreation sites, including the golf course, aquatic center, youth center and senior center. The heart of the community is City Park, which includes amenities like a band shell for live performances, a skate park, pickleball courts and playgrounds, to name just a few. The park is also a hot spot for vintage car clubs, which have been meeting for decades. "Classic car culture and cruising is big here. You can find a lineup of cars on any given weekend at the park, often accompanied by music and food trucks," Partida says. Kids will enjoy playing at the Montebello Barnyard Zoo inside Grant Rea Park, which also has concessions and a splash pad in the summer. Taylor Ranch Park is an urban oasis with a serene pond, gazebo and abundant green space. "If you're going hiking, you're probably going to Eaton Canyon, Pasadena or Whittier," Partida says.
After work and school, the local parks in Montebello really come to life with activity.
Residents start a pickup game at Montebello City Park.
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The Downtown Street Fest is an annual calendar highlight
The city also puts on regular events, including movies at Bicknell Park and the annual Downtown Street Fest, featuring street food, live music and a beer garden.
Safety is a priority, and moderate wildfire risk in some areas
Montebello has its own police department and does not contract with LA County. Crime rates were not available for the city.
The climate in Montebello is Mediterranean, categorized by warm, arid summers with temperatures in the 80s and cool, wet winters with temperatures in the upper 60s. "You don't get the coastal breeze or anything, but you're not so far inland that temperatures soar in the summer," Partida says. There is a moderate wildfire risk in the northeast and northwest sections of the city.
Direct freeway access and a Metrolink train station in town
Montebello is a commuter-friendly city with direct access to Interstate 5 and state Route 60, and multiple other interstates a short drive away. Access to the 5 is in the southern industrial portion of town, meaning the negative impact of the highway is minimal. “Whittier Boulevard can get a bit congested during rush hour, but you don’t get a ton of through traffic because there are so many freeway options,” Partida says. According to Gillman, in recent years, the city has undertaken traffic mitigation efforts to calm spillover from adjacent freeways. It has also approved a bicycle master plan to expand bike and pedestrian-friendly infrastructure. For those relying on public transit, Montebello Bus Lines operates bus routes and there's a Metrolink train station on Flotilla Street. Metro's light rail E Line will eventually be extended to Montebello. To catch a flight, Los Angeles International and John Wayne airports are about 30 miles away.
Montebello’s Metrolink station offers frequent service for commuters.
It's easy to get around in Montebello, whether by foot or public transit.
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Written By
Amber Steinmetz-Cole
Photography Contributed By
Justin Bradley
Video By
Jacob McAllister
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Jason Paukovits,
an experienced agent in this area.
On average, homes in Montebello, CA sell after 30 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Montebello, CA over the last 12 months is $850,000, up 2% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
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