Los Angeles neighborhood guide
Cudahy
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Rent in Cudahy
Rent control: Cudahyhas no local rent-stabilization ordinance we track, so California's statewide cap (AB 1482) is the main protection. It limits annual increases on most buildings at least 15 years old, with exemptions. Verify a building's status before signing.
General information, not legal advice.
How Cudahy scores for you
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Cudahy is a small, densely populated city in southeastern Los Angeles County, part of the Gateway Cities region. With a population of around 22,800, it ranks among the most densely populated incorporated cities in the United States, creating a tight-knit urban environment where most daily errands happen within walking distance.
The city is fundamentally a place where people live and work in close quarters, with a strong residential character and a mix of local businesses serving the community. While it lacks major landmarks or tourist attractions, Cudahy offers affordable urban living in a location that connects easily to the broader Los Angeles area.
Living here
Day-to-day life in Cudahy centers on neighborhood essentials. You will find coffee shops, grocers like Sprouts Farmers Market and Northgate González Market, and casual restaurants within a short walk. Parks including Julia Russ Asmus Park, Clara Street Sports Complex, and Cudahy Park provide outdoor space, though green canopy is limited compared to other parts of the region. The city has no rail transit, so you will need a car to reach employment centers or travel beyond the immediate area.
The pace is quiet and residential. Traffic and air quality are typical for southeastern Los Angeles County. The very high population density means the neighborhood can feel crowded, but it also supports walkable access to food, fitness, and basic services without leaving the city.
Who it's for
Cudahy suits renters looking for an affordable, walkable urban neighborhood close to family or employment in southeastern LA County. It works well for people who prioritize short commutes and everyday convenience over amenities or nightlife, and who are comfortable in a dense, heavily residential setting. It is less suited to those seeking car-free living or who need frequent access to transit hubs or major commercial districts.
Environment & livability
Air quality: moderate diesel PM exposure for California.
Above the state median, linked to mild long-term respiratory risk in some studies. Worth considering for sensitive households.
Traffic exposure: above-average traffic corridor exposure.
Higher traffic proximity correlates with elevated noise, diesel emissions, and reduced pedestrian comfort on nearby streets.
Tree cover: very limited tree cover, predominantly concrete.
Low canopy areas tend to run hotter and feel more exposed. Research links tree cover to lower ambient temperatures and improved pedestrian comfort.
Walkability: walkable for some errands, car useful for others.
A mixed walkability area. Good for quick trips on foot, but some destinations will require driving or transit.
Transit: minimal transit access, car strongly recommended.
Very infrequent or no meaningful transit nearby. Car dependency is high in this area.
Environmental data from CalEnviroScreen 4.0 and the EPA Smart Location Database. Informational only, not professional advice for a housing decision.
Who lives in Cudahy
Population
21,225
Renters
90%
of households rent
Median age
30
Median income
$50k
per household
Census ACS 5-year estimates.
Schools in Cudahy
5 public schools sit inside this area · 5 with published results. Figures are the share of students who met or exceeded state standards.
| School | Grades | English | Math |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ellen Ochoa Learning Center Elementary | K-8 | 38% | 29% |
| Jaime Escalante Elementary Elementary | K-6 | 46% | 45% |
| Park Avenue Elementary Elementary | K-6 | 31% | 22% |
| Teresa Hughes Elementary Elementary | K-6 | 42% | 40% |
| Elizabeth Learning Center Elementary-High Combination | K-12 | 35% | 19% |
Source: California Dept. of Education (directory) and CAASPP Smarter Balanced, 2025. We publish these figures as the state reports them and show the same table for every neighborhood. Saktoo does not rate schools, and school data is never part of a neighborhood match score. Attendance boundaries change — confirm the assigned school with the district before relying on it.
Around Cudahy
Northgate González Market · Sprouts Farmers Market · Superior Grocers
Malcriada · Starbucks
Chris's Hamburgers · Domino's · Jack in the Box · Jamba
Clara Park · Clara Street Sports Complex · Cudahy Park · Julia Russ Asmus Park
Chuze Fitness
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Similar neighborhoods
Next to Cudahy
What the census says about Cudahy
Facts about the neighborhood from the American Community Survey. These describe Cudahy; none of them feed the scores above.
- Typical commute
- 34 min
- one way, residents who work
- Settled households
- 78%
- moved in before 2018
- Housing built
- ~1965
- average year of construction
- Above 1 per room
- 24%
- a measure of housing pressure
- Vacant units
- 2%
- of all housing units
- Broadband
- 91%
- of households subscribe
- Detached houses
- 48%
- the rest are attached or apartments
- Typical size
- 2 bed
- median across all homes here
- Homes here
- 3,138
- total housing units
Averaged across 6 areas of about a kilometre each. ACS 5-year estimates.
Cudahy in the regional index
How Cudahy places when every neighborhood in LA and Orange County is scored the same way.
- The areas with no affordable escape from pollution
Ranks #4 of 262 neighborhoods on this weighting.
- Where home prices go furthest
Ranks #18 of 263 neighborhoods on this weighting.
- Where rent goes furthest
Ranks #31 of 263 neighborhoods on this weighting.
Finding a place in Cudahy
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Frequently asked questions
Do I need a car in Cudahy?+
Yes. The city has no rail or major bus corridors and is designed around automobile use. Most residents drive to work and for trips outside the immediate neighborhood. You can walk to groceries and some restaurants, but a car is essential for most people.
What is the population density like?+
Cudahy is one of the most densely populated incorporated cities in the United States. The tight layout means neighbors are close together and the neighborhood can feel crowded, but it also keeps everyday errands walkable and affordable.
Are there parks and recreation?+
Yes, the city has several parks including Cudahy Park, Julia Russ Asmus Park, and Clara Street Sports Complex within short walks. There is also a Chuze Fitness gym in the area, though overall green space and tree canopy are limited compared to other parts of the county.
How walkable is Cudahy for everyday errands?+
You can reach groceries, coffee shops, and casual dining on foot. Within a short walk you will find about 3 restaurants, 1-2 grocery stores, and a coffee shop, making basic errands accessible without driving. However, for shopping, services, or employment beyond the immediate area, you will need a vehicle.
Is Cudahy walkable?+
Cudahy ranks #250 of 346 LA neighborhoods for walkability. In practice, walkable for some errands, car useful for others.
What is the average rent in Cudahy?+
Current residents of Cudahy pay a median rent of about $1,550 per month (Census ACS). Asking rents for new leases typically run higher.
How is the air quality in Cudahy?+
Cudahy has moderate diesel PM exposure for California, based on CalEnviroScreen 4.0 diesel particulate data (percentile 68 of 100, lower is cleaner).
Which LA neighborhoods are similar to Cudahy?+
Based on walkability, rent levels, amenities, and environment, the most similar neighborhoods to Cudahy are Hawthorne, Bell Gardens, Florence and Bell.