Los Angeles neighborhood guide
San Dimas
Vertical tick marks the LA neighborhood median.
Rent in San Dimas
Rent control: San Dimashas 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 San Dimas scores for you
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San Dimas is a city of about 35,000 people in the San Gabriel Valley, nestled between the foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains and the suburban sprawl of greater Los Angeles County. Named for San Dimas Canyon in the mountains to its north, the city occupies a transitional zone between denser valley communities and more rural foothill terrain. It is primarily residential, with a mix of single-family homes, some apartments, and local commercial corridors.
Life here centers on the car. Most errands and activities require driving, and public transit is limited and infrequent. The area ranks 287th for walkability among 319 Southern California neighborhoods, well below the regional average. However, San Dimas offers a quieter, more suburban pace than many closer-in communities, with access to parks and canyon recreation nearby.
Living here
Day-to-day living in San Dimas is suburban and car-dependent. You will find chain groceries like Albertsons, Stater Bros., and Walmart, along with casual dining options scattered throughout the city. Parks such as Frank G. Bonelli Regional Park and Loma Vista Park provide outdoor space, though car access is necessary to reach most of them. Traffic exposure is above average for the region, and air quality is below the California median, particularly for diesel particulates.
Shopping, dining, and services are dispersed across the city rather than concentrated in walkable districts. A car is essential for most daily tasks. The city has some local character from its small downtown areas, but you should expect a typical suburban environment with strip malls, chain stores, and residential neighborhoods connected by wider roads designed for vehicles.
Who it's for
San Dimas suits renters who prioritize suburban quiet and space over walkability, and who are comfortable driving for most needs. It works for families seeking a more affordable location in the San Gabriel Valley, commuters with jobs in multiple directions (since no single transit corridor dominates), and anyone who values proximity to foothill recreation and the relative calm of a smaller city. It is less suitable for those without a car or those who want to walk to restaurants, shops, and entertainment.
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: limited tree cover, mostly open streetscape.
Less canopy means more heat exposure and less visual greenery on daily walks. LA County median is around 14% canopy coverage.
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 San Dimas
Population
33,424
Renters
29%
of households rent
Median age
43
Median income
$108k
per household
Census ACS 5-year estimates.
Schools in San Dimas
8 public schools sit inside this area · 6 with published results. Figures are the share of students who met or exceeded state standards.
| School | Grades | English | Math |
|---|---|---|---|
| Allen Avenue Elementary Elementary | K-5 | 56% | 56% |
| Arma J. Shull Elementary Elementary | K-5 | 79% | 80% |
| Fred Ekstrand Elementary Elementary | K-5 | 60% | 61% |
| Sutherland Elementary Elementary | K-5 | 65% | 59% |
| Lone Hill Middle Intermediate/Middle/Junior High | 6-8 | 71% | 54% |
| Adult Transition Program High School | 12 | — | — |
| Rockey, Glenn Camp High School | 9-12 | 0% | 0% |
| Vista (Alternative) High School | 10 | — | — |
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 San Dimas
Albertsons · Smart & Final Extra! · Stater Bros. Markets · Trader Joe's
Butter Bakery and Cafe · Inhouse Coffee · Klatch Coffee · Starbucks
Applebee's · Boston Market · Carl's Jr. · Casa Del Rey
Civic Center Park · Frank G. Bonelli Regional Park · Freedom Park · Horsethief Canyon Park
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What the census says about San Dimas
Facts about the neighborhood from the American Community Survey. These describe San Dimas; none of them feed the scores above.
- Typical commute
- 35 min
- one way, residents who work
- Settled households
- 79%
- moved in before 2018
- Housing built
- ~1973
- average year of construction
- Above 1 per room
- 4%
- a measure of housing pressure
- Vacant units
- 2%
- of all housing units
- Broadband
- 90%
- of households subscribe
- Detached houses
- 68%
- the rest are attached or apartments
- Typical size
- 3 bed
- median across all homes here
- Homes here
- 16,863
- total housing units
Averaged across 26 areas of about a kilometre each. ACS 5-year estimates.
San Dimas in the regional index
How San Dimas places when every neighborhood in LA and Orange County is scored the same way.
- The areas with no affordable escape from pollution
Ranks #85 of 262 neighborhoods on this weighting.
Finding a place in San Dimas
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Frequently asked questions
Do I need a car in San Dimas?+
Yes. Most errands and activities require a car, and public transit is limited and infrequent. The city ranks 287th out of 319 neighborhoods for walkability, so driving is essential for daily life.
What is transit like in San Dimas?+
Transit is limited. There are no Metro rail stations in the city. Bus service exists but is infrequent, making it unreliable for regular commuting. You should plan on owning and using a car.
How is air quality in San Dimas?+
Air quality is below the California median, particularly for diesel particulate matter. This is a consideration if you are sensitive to pollution or have respiratory concerns.
What parks and outdoor recreation are nearby?+
Frank G. Bonelli Regional Park is a major recreation area, along with smaller parks like Loma Vista Park and Ladera Serra Park. The San Gabriel Mountains to the north also offer hiking and canyon access, though you will need a car to reach most trails.
Is San Dimas walkable?+
San Dimas ranks #275 of 346 LA neighborhoods for walkability. In practice, walkable for some errands, car useful for others.
What is the average rent in San Dimas?+
Current residents of San Dimas pay a median rent of about $2,353 per month (Census ACS). Asking rents for new leases typically run higher.
How is the air quality in San Dimas?+
San Dimas has moderate diesel PM exposure for California, based on CalEnviroScreen 4.0 diesel particulate data (percentile 60 of 100, lower is cleaner).
Which LA neighborhoods are similar to San Dimas?+
Based on walkability, rent levels, amenities, and environment, the most similar neighborhoods to San Dimas are Laguna Altura, Shadow Hills, Bel-Air and North Anaheim Foothills.