Los Angeles neighborhood guide
La Crescenta-Montrose
Vertical tick marks the LA neighborhood median.
Rent in La Crescenta-Montrose
Rent control: La Crescenta-Montrosehas 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 La Crescenta-Montrose scores for you
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La Crescenta-Montrose is an unincorporated area in Los Angeles County nestled between Glendale to the south and the Angeles National Forest to the north. The community spans about 3.4 square miles and is home to roughly 20,000 residents who are drawn to its quieter, suburban character and proximity to outdoor recreation.
The area is known for its clean air, ranking in the 8th percentile for air quality among Southern California neighborhoods, and exceptionally low traffic exposure, ranking 2nd for minimal traffic corridors. This combination makes it attractive to those prioritizing a calm, low-stress environment away from the congestion of denser urban areas.
Living here
Life in La Crescenta-Montrose is distinctly car-dependent. With a walkability score far below the regional average, you will need a vehicle for most errands and activities. There is no nearby rail transit, and bus service is limited and infrequent. That said, the low traffic and clean air mean your drives are typically uncongested and pleasant, and you can reach Glendale and nearby areas relatively quickly.
The area has modest local amenities scattered throughout. You'll find a few coffee spots, Korean markets, and casual restaurants within a short drive, as well as access to parks like Pickens Canyon Park and Crescenta Commons for outdoor recreation. The proximity to Angeles National Forest is a major draw for hiking and nature activities, making this a good base for those who value mountain access over urban walkability.
Who it's for
La Crescenta-Montrose suits drivers who prioritize suburban calm, clean air, and access to nature over walkable urban convenience. It works well for families seeking schools and residential peace, outdoor enthusiasts who want Angeles National Forest nearby, and anyone willing to drive for errands and entertainment. It is not a good fit for those who rely on public transit or prefer to accomplish daily tasks on foot.
Environment & livability
Air quality: below the California median for diesel PM exposure.
Air quality here is better than average for the state. Worth noting if you have respiratory sensitivities.
Traffic exposure: moderate traffic exposure, below the state median.
Traffic proximity here is better than average for California.
Tree cover: moderate tree cover for the area.
Some shade and green presence on most blocks, above average for dense urban LA neighborhoods.
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 La Crescenta-Montrose
Population
15,029
Renters
25%
of households rent
Median age
44
Median income
$135k
per household
Census ACS 5-year estimates.
Schools in La Crescenta-Montrose
6 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| La Crescenta Elementary Elementary | K-6 | 61% | 61% |
| Monte Vista Elementary Elementary | K-6 | 87% | 86% |
| Mountain Avenue Elementary Elementary | K-6 | 75% | 70% |
| Rosemont Middle Intermediate/Middle/Junior High | 7-8 | 78% | 70% |
| Crescenta Valley High High School | 9-12 | 80% | 57% |
| Cloud Preschool Preschool | No Data | — | — |
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 La Crescenta-Montrose
Hankook Korean Market · Ralphs · Seoul Korean Market · Vons
Coffee Bean · Tazza Coffee · Tickle Tree Cafe
Baja Fresh · BYBLOS · Carl's Jr. · Chicken Day
Crescenta Commons · Pickens Canyon Park · Two Strike Park
Soom Pilates · Spiral Path Yoga Center
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What the census says about La Crescenta-Montrose
Facts about the neighborhood from the American Community Survey. These describe La Crescenta-Montrose; none of them feed the scores above.
- Typical commute
- 34 min
- one way, residents who work
- Settled households
- 77%
- moved in before 2018
- Housing built
- ~1954
- average year of construction
- Above 1 per room
- 3%
- a measure of housing pressure
- Vacant units
- 4%
- of all housing units
- Broadband
- 94%
- of households subscribe
- Detached houses
- 84%
- the rest are attached or apartments
- Typical size
- 3 bed
- median across all homes here
- Homes here
- 3,774
- total housing units
Averaged across 8 areas of about a kilometre each. ACS 5-year estimates.
La Crescenta-Montrose in the regional index
How La Crescenta-Montrose places when every neighborhood in LA and Orange County is scored the same way.
- Tree cover, clean air, little traffic
Ranks #5 of 263 neighborhoods on this weighting.
- Where police report the fewest incidents
Ranks #6 of 254 neighborhoods on this weighting.
- Where growing up led to higher adult earnings
Ranks #10 of 263 neighborhoods on this weighting.
Finding a place in La Crescenta-Montrose
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Frequently asked questions
Do I need a car in La Crescenta-Montrose?+
Yes, absolutely. The area is car-dependent with very limited walkable access to shops and services. There is no nearby rail transit and bus service is infrequent. A vehicle is essential for daily life.
What is the air quality like?+
La Crescenta-Montrose has notably clean air, ranking among the best in Southern California. The location north of denser urban areas and proximity to the forest contribute to this advantage.
Are there parks and outdoor activities nearby?+
Yes. Parks like Pickens Canyon Park and Crescenta Commons are accessible locally, and the Angeles National Forest is directly to the north, offering excellent hiking and nature access.
What grocery stores and restaurants are available?+
The area has several options including Vons and Ralphs for groceries, Korean markets like Seoul Korean Market, and restaurants ranging from sushi to K-BBQ. Most are a short drive away rather than walkable.
Is La Crescenta-Montrose walkable?+
La Crescenta-Montrose ranks #227 of 346 LA neighborhoods for walkability. In practice, walkable for some errands, car useful for others.
What is the average rent in La Crescenta-Montrose?+
Current residents of La Crescenta-Montrose pay a median rent of about $1,686 per month (Census ACS). Asking rents for new leases typically run higher.
How is the air quality in La Crescenta-Montrose?+
La Crescenta-Montrose has below the California median for diesel PM exposure, based on CalEnviroScreen 4.0 diesel particulate data (percentile 42 of 100, lower is cleaner).
Which LA neighborhoods are similar to La Crescenta-Montrose?+
Based on walkability, rent levels, amenities, and environment, the most similar neighborhoods to La Crescenta-Montrose are Hansen Dam, Whittier, Eagle Rock and Sierra Madre.