Monrovia

 

Tucked in the foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains, Monrovia's stunning landscape, century-old craftsman bungalows, and historic Old Town teeming with cafes and boutiques make it a hotspot for vintage shopping, mid-morning hikes, and bougie brunch in classic California style. Serving as the backdrop for many Hollywood TV shows, movies, and commercials, this city boasts a family-friendly community known for celebrating its past while nurturing the bountiful nature that surrounds it. Locals are enamored with Monrovia's small-town charm in the midst of the Southern California bustle, offering up a peaceful haven where parks abound, wildlife roams, and prestigious schools sit a few minutes away from home.

As Los Angeles County's fourth oldest city, Monrovia boasts an abundance of vintage properties. With a predominant sprawl of Spanish Colonial Revival homes, single-story Queen Anne cottages, and artfully designed Craftsman bungalows, the city is a melting pot of gorgeous architectural styles evoking delight in residents and guests alike.

 

What to Love

• Gentle pace resembling a small town
• Vibrant street fairs and holiday parades
• Historic glamor of Old Town
• Fancy restaurants near cozy cafes
• Hiking trails in the wilderness

Local Lifestyle

Ethnically diverse, artistically vibrant, and historically enchanting, Monrovia's suburban feel and tranquil atmosphere are major attractions for families looking to reside in southern California. Here, restaurants aren't far from homes, and wildlife sometimes roams into your backyard. With a myriad of small businesses in Old Town, Friday night fairs, and parks to relax in after work, there's so much to enjoy about living in this precious neighborhood. Stroll over to the library and indulge in your favorite classic, or kick off a football game with friends at the local park. Whether you want to live, work, or play here, Monrovia's got a perfect way to suit your taste.

 

Dining, Entertainment & Shopping

Aside from its stunning, vintage buildings, Old Town is the shopping star of Monrovia — blending a unique downtown charm with classic American themes and modern convenience. Draped in a sophisticated, inviting atmosphere, the sprawl of locally owned cafes, antique shops, boutiques, and cozy restaurants nestled against spectacular mountain views makes for a one-of-a-kind shopping and dining experience.

Dive into The Peach Café for inventive comfort food at its best, from breakfast sandwiches to bourbon sweet potatoes and a refreshing glass of mimosa. Not only will you come back for the delectable taste of your meal, but also the beautiful setting it was served in. Craving Italian? Bella Sera Trattoria has the perfect menu to satiate your appetite, whether it’s cioppino or shrimp pasta and ravioli. Looking for scrumptious falafels or beef kebab wrap? The Diplomat is the place for you, with its rustic-chic Mediterranean atmosphere and fantastic food. If tasty BBQ beef ribs are your style, Jake’s Roadhouse has all the heartiest servings in a laid-back spot.

 

Things to Do

Home to over nine parks spanning 110+ acres, exciting street fairs, and a local museum, there’s a great number of fun activities to indulge in here!  Grab your sunscreen and head over to Monrovia Canyon Park for a scenic hike through the wilderness. Big Santa Anita Canyon is popular for its crashing waterfalls and abundant wildlife. With over 40 miles of trails, lush greenery, and plenty of campgrounds, everyone likes to take a hike here.

Considered by the community to be the heart of the city, Old Town Monrovia is where the vibrant Friday Night Farmers Market and Street Fair happens. Join neighbors and friends to shop fresh produce from local farmers and enjoy the entertainment of the fair. If you want to explore a little bit of Monrovia’s history with your family, an evening spent at the Monrovia Historical Museum is the way to go!

Community Events and Festivals

Monrovia hosts a variety of community events and festivals that cater to all ages and interests, highlighting the vibrant community spirit and cultural richness of the area. Key events include:

• Monrovia Festival: This flagship event, held after Labor Day in September, is the highlight of Monrovia's community calendar. It includes activities for both kids and adults, and the festival also supports the local youth by awarding scholarships to Monrovia High School seniors annually.
• Food Truck Thursdays: A weekly gathering that brings a variety of food options to the community, offering a casual and fun dining experience.
• Community Halloween Party: An annual event that provides a safe and festive environment for families to enjoy Halloween celebrations.
• Monrovia Hometown Christmas: A seasonal event that brings the holiday spirit to the community with decorations, activities, and celebrations suitable for all ages.

These events are organized by local associations like the Monrovia Festival & Community Association, Inc., which is dedicated to serving the community through various events throughout the year​ (Monrovia Fest & Assoc.)​.

Transportation and Accessibility

While specific details on transportation and accessibility in Monrovia require further lookup, typical information to consider for a neighborhood guide would include public transit options (like bus and rail services connecting to larger urban centers), the accessibility of major highways and roads, pedestrian and cycling infrastructure, and the availability of parking in key areas like downtown or near major attractions.

Parks and Recreation

Monrovia boasts several parks and recreational areas, catering to outdoor enthusiasts, families, and anyone looking to enjoy the natural beauty of the area. While specifics on each park were not directly accessed, you can expect to find a range of amenities including hiking trails, picnic areas, playgrounds, sports facilities, and natural preserves. Monrovia Canyon Park is among the well-known green spaces, offering trails and scenic views ideal for nature lovers and hikers. Additionally, the city's commitment to outdoor activities can be seen in community-organized events that take advantage of these beautiful outdoor spaces.

 

Schools

The Monrovia Unified School District is renowned for the quality education it provides its students. Some coveted educational institutions include:

 

• Mayflower Elementary School, K-5
• Bradoaks Elementary School, K-5
• Clifton Middle School, 6-8
• Santa Fe Middle School, 6-8
• Monrovia High School, 9-12

Learn about nearby neighborhoods

• Arcadia
• San Marino
• Temple City
• Pasadena

Explore properties

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• Arcadia real estate