If you’re looking for a quiet corner of the Los Angeles area to buy a home, consider the San Gabriel Valley — specifically the communities of Arcadia, San Marino, and Temple City.
The San Gabriel Valley spreads out east-northeast of downtown Los Angeles, from Pasadena all the way out to Pomona. It’s big, covering almost 400 square miles and including roughly 1.8 million residents.
Some people jokingly refer to the San Gabriel Valley as “The Other Valley” because the San Fernando Valley, to the west, is known simply as “The Valley.”
That said, portions of the San Gabriel Valley are known for their wealth and culture. Arcadia, San Marino, and Temple City fit that bill and are wonderful places to live. They are located just east of the charming city of Pasadena and are known for large, luxurious houses on tree-lined streets, as well as great schools and parks. Oh, and that wonderful view of the San Gabriel Mountains.
To get started shopping for Arcadia real estate, San Marino real estate, and Temple City real estate, hire a knowledgeable real estate agent who is familiar with the three communities. Pick a pro who has had recent success in helping clients buy and sell homes. Seasoned real estate agents know the ins and outs of the area and will help you narrow down your choice and submit a winning offer.
The real estate markets in these communities aren’t quite as tilted in favor of sellers as they had been but are still considered competitive.
Here is a look at what it’s like to live in Arcadia, San Marino, and Temple City, each of which has its own flavor and charm:
Arcadia
Arcadia is an upper-middle-class city of 58,000 located just east of Pasadena. It straddles the busy 210 freeway, which runs east-to-west.
According to Realtor.com, the median listing price of Arcadia homes for sale was $1.4 million in July, an increase of 7.6% year-over-year. Arcadia is still considered to be a seller’s market, meaning there are more buyers than there are homes available.
Arcadia is perhaps best known for being home to the Los Angeles County Arboretum and Santa Anita Park, which are located next to each other and help form a giant oasis in the middle of the urban area.
Here are some specifics:
Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Garden
The Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Garden is one of the country’s best-known arboretums. Its 127 acres are a wonderland of nature, full of flowers, trees, and water features that are popular with visitors of all ages. It occupies what had been the historic Rancho Santa Anita.
There are many activities for children, and there are occasional musical presentations on the grounds.
Santa Anita Park
Santa Anita Park is one of the nation’s leading thoroughbred horse racing tracks. It hosts racing in the fall, winter, and spring. When the ponies aren’t running, there are still plenty of activities on the grounds, including the Fair at Santa Anita from late July to mid-August and various music festivals.
Santa Anita Park also hosts the hugely popular 626 Night Market on select three-day weekends from early July to early September. Named for the 626 area code in the San Gabriel Valley, it is a large food festival inspired by the open-air nighttime bazaars in Asia. There are more than 250 vendors selling food, crafts, and merchandise, as well as concerts and other entertainment.
San Marino
San Marino is a wealthy enclave south of Pasadena with a population of just 13,000. With an average annual household income of more than $200,000, it has been listed on Bloomberg’s America’s 100 Richest Places. That status is reflected in the number of elegant homes found on the community’s wide, curving streets.
According to Realtor.com, the median listing price of San Marino homes for sale was $3.1 million in July, an increase of 29% year-over-year. San Marino mansions and estates often sell for much more, all the way up to $21 million.
Realtor.com says San Marino is now a balanced market, meaning supply and demand for homes are about the same, and that homes sold for 2.61% below asking price on average in July.
San Marino is best known for the world-famous Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens. Known simply as The Huntington, this remarkable 207-acre complex features one of the world’s greatest libraries, an art museum with more than 42,000 items on display, and a 130-acre botanical garden that includes more than a dozen individual gardens. There is something for everyone, and visitors can spend hours on the grounds.
Temple City
Temple City is a community of 36,000 just southeast of San Marino. It is largely residential, with a few business districts and parks. It is known as the “Home of Camellias” and hosts the annual Camellia Festival in February.
While still pricey, Temple City CA homes for sale are generally cheaper than in Arcadia and San Marino. Realtor.com reports that the median listing price in July was $968,000, an increase of 11.1% year-over-year, and the median sales price was $900,000. Because prices are somewhat lower, Temple City is still considered to be in a seller’s market. Homes typically sell for 2.19% over listing price.
Temple City is located south of the 210 freeway, north of the 10 freeway, and west of the 605 freeway, giving residents relatively easy access to the rest of the region.
If you plan to buy Arcadia real estate, San Marino real estate, or Temple City real estate in 2021, contact Gordon Wang for guidance and advice on which area is best for you and how to find the home of your dreams.
