Los Angeles neighborhood guide
Monterey Park
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Rent in Monterey Park
Rent control: Monterey Parkhas 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 Monterey Park scores for you
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Monterey Park is a city in the western San Gabriel Valley, roughly seven miles east of Downtown Los Angeles, nestled between Alhambra, East Los Angeles, Montebello, and Rosemeld. The city has built its identity around residential stability and community pride, reflected in its motto: "Pride in the past, Faith in the future." It's a established, primarily residential area that serves as a quieter alternative to the denser neighborhoods closer to central Los Angeles.
The city offers a moderate level of walkability for running errands, though you'll find a car necessary for many trips. Monterey Park ranks 118th of 319 Southern California neighborhoods for walkability, slightly above the regional average. Transit options are limited and infrequent, ranking 48th of 319 areas, so public transportation is more of a supplement than a primary way to get around. Air quality is moderate, and traffic exposure sits below the state median, making it a reasonably calm place to live despite its proximity to the greater Los Angeles metropolitan area.
Living here
Day-to-day life in Monterey Park centers around car-dependent routines. You'll find groceries at places like 99 Ranch Market, Hong Kong Supermarket, and Ralphs, and dining options ranging from casual chains to local spots like Sham Tseng BBQ Shop within short drives. Coffee shops such as Heytea and Ground Up Coffee, gyms including LA Fitness, and parks like Sequoia Park, La Loma Park, and Barnes Memorial Park are within a short walk or quick drive of most residential areas. For entertainment or services not available locally, Downtown Los Angeles is accessible in 15-20 minutes by car during lighter traffic.
The neighborhood character is quiet and residential. You won't experience the urban bustle of closer-in areas, but you also won't have easy access to transit-oriented conveniences. Most residents rely on personal vehicles for work commutes and errands, which is a realistic tradeoff if you're seeking a more suburban feel while remaining within the Los Angeles metropolitan area.
Who it's for
Monterey Park works best for renters who prioritize a calm, residential setting and have reliable access to a car. It suits families, professionals working in the San Gabriel Valley or willing to commute by car, and anyone seeking to balance proximity to Los Angeles amenities with quieter, more suburban living. If you depend on public transit or want a highly walkable neighborhood where most errands can be done on foot, you'd be better served by areas closer to Downtown or along metro corridors.
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: moderate traffic exposure, below the state median.
Traffic proximity here is better than average for California.
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 Monterey Park
Population
56,317
Renters
52%
of households rent
Median age
45
Median income
$78k
per household
Census ACS 5-year estimates.
Schools in Monterey Park
8 public schools sit inside this area · 8 with published results. Figures are the share of students who met or exceeded state standards.
| School | Grades | English | Math |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bella Vista Elementary Elementary | K-5 | 50% | 43% |
| Brightwood Elementary Elementary | K-8 | 74% | 65% |
| Hillcrest Elementary Elementary | K-6 | 57% | 51% |
| Monterey Highlands Elementary Elementary | K-8 | 76% | 72% |
| Repetto Elementary Elementary | K-8 | 62% | 53% |
| Robert Hill Lane Elementary Elementary | K-6 | 48% | 46% |
| Ynez Elementary Elementary | K-8 | 60% | 52% |
| Macy Intermediate Intermediate/Middle/Junior High | 6-8 | 55% | 37% |
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 Monterey Park
99 Ranch Market · Alta Dena Dairy · GW Supermarket · Hong Kong Supermarket
Asayoru Maid Cafe · Gram Cafe & Pancakes · Ground Up Coffee · Half and Half Tea Express
1919 Noodle Express · ABC Cafe · Ah-La Noodles 食面埋福 · Beijing Pie House
Barnes Memorial Park · Bella Vista Park · Garvey Ranch Park · George E Elder Park
LA Fitness · Men's Gym
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What the census says about Monterey Park
Facts about the neighborhood from the American Community Survey. These describe Monterey Park; none of them feed the scores above.
- Typical commute
- 33 min
- one way, residents who work
- Settled households
- 79%
- moved in before 2018
- Housing built
- ~1963
- average year of construction
- Above 1 per room
- 8%
- a measure of housing pressure
- Vacant units
- 6%
- of all housing units
- Broadband
- 91%
- of households subscribe
- Detached houses
- 66%
- the rest are attached or apartments
- Typical size
- 3 bed
- median across all homes here
- Homes here
- 12,032
- total housing units
Averaged across 22 areas of about a kilometre each. ACS 5-year estimates.
Monterey Park in the regional index
How Monterey Park places when every neighborhood in LA and Orange County is scored the same way.
- Low rent and clean air together
Ranks #33 of 263 neighborhoods on this weighting.
- Where growing up led to higher adult earnings
Ranks #46 of 263 neighborhoods on this weighting.
- Cheap rent without needing a car
Ranks #49 of 263 neighborhoods on this weighting.
Finding a place in Monterey Park
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Frequently asked questions
Do I need a car in Monterey Park?+
Yes, a car is essential. While some errands are walkable, the city ranks below average for transit access and most destinations require driving. Public transportation is limited and infrequent, making it unsuitable as your primary way to get around.
What's the air quality like?+
Air quality is moderate for California, with the city ranking 188th of 318 areas for air quality. You'll have moderate diesel PM exposure, which is above some nearby neighborhoods but not at the worst levels in the region.
Is there public transit to get to other parts of LA?+
Monterey Park has limited transit options with infrequent service. There are no nearby rail stations, so you'll rely on buses or driving. For regular commutes to areas like Downtown Los Angeles, a car is the most practical choice.
What parks and recreational spaces are available?+
The city has parks like Sequoia Park, La Loma Park, Barnes Memorial Park, and Garvey Ranch Park within short reach. Gyms and various dining options are accessible by car, though the area isn't densely packed with entertainment venues compared to more urban neighborhoods.
Is Monterey Park walkable?+
Monterey Park ranks #64 of 346 LA neighborhoods for walkability. In practice, walkable for some errands, car useful for others.
What is the average rent in Monterey Park?+
Current residents of Monterey Park pay a median rent of about $1,860 per month (Census ACS). Asking rents for new leases typically run higher.
How is the air quality in Monterey Park?+
Monterey Park has moderate diesel PM exposure for California, based on CalEnviroScreen 4.0 diesel particulate data (percentile 55 of 100, lower is cleaner).
Which LA neighborhoods are similar to Monterey Park?+
Based on walkability, rent levels, amenities, and environment, the most similar neighborhoods to Monterey Park are Downtown LA, Duarte, Chinatown and Azusa.