Neighborhood Spotlight: Arcadia, CA

Arcadia, California, is widely known as one of the best places in California to raise a family because of its exceptional public school system. But it’s also a wonderful place to live for myriad other reasons, including its diversity, its close proximity to Los Angeles, and its world-class attractions including the Santa Anita Park racetrack and the Los Angeles County Arboretum.

Arcadia at a glance

Named after the city in Greece, Arcadia, California, is located about 13 miles northeast of downtown Los Angeles in Los Angeles County. It is nestled at the base of the San Gabriel Mountains and has a current population of approximately 58,000.

Arcadia real estate and neighborhoods

In 2016, Business Insider ranked Arcadia in the top five most expensive housing markets in the United States. The median home price in Arcadia is approximately $1.1 million. In addition, the median price per square foot is about 50 percent higher than it is in nearby Los Angeles. Those looking for upscale homes and one-of-a-kind estates will not be disappointed in Arcadia, and the town has become synonymous with luxury real estate.

Arcadia history

First inhabited by the Tongva people for thousands of years, the area that is now Arcadia was part of the Rancho Santa Anita Mexican land grant that was eventually sold to Gold Rush immigrant Elias Jackson “Lucky” Baldwin in 1875. Baldwin thought the area was a paradise and began cultivating land for orchards, farming, and ranches. In 1885, the railroad came and a hotel was built. By the early 1900s, Arcadia was a popular destination for entertainment and hospitality, including gambling. The city was incorporated in 1903 and the population grew after World War I. By the 1930s, Arcadia transitioned to a residential community. Santa Anita Park opened in 1934, and the city experienced a housing boom in the 1950s and 1960s. Today it is one of the most desirable residential communities in the Los Angeles area.

Arcadia amenities

There is never a shortage of interesting things to do in Arcadia! Santa Anita Park is one of the area’s biggest draws. The world-class horse-racing facility is touted as one of the most beautiful in the world and is a popular filming location for Hollywood movies. Another big draw to the city is the Los Angeles County Arboretum & Botanic Garden. This 127-acre garden is located in the heart of the historic Rancho Santa Anita and features a dazzling array of gardens, programs, and events.

The Westfield Santa Anita Mall is another popular destination for locals. It’s one of the premier shopping malls in the San Gabriel Valley and features more than 225 stores, restaurants, and entertainment options. For a different kind of shopping experience, head to the Downtown Arcadia Commerical District. This historic area is home to independent boutiques, gastropubs, breweries, live music venues, and more. It is conveniently connected to Pasadena and Downtown Los Angeles by the Metro Light Rail Station.

Art and culture lovers will find much to be excited about in Arcadia. The Arcadia Performing Arts Center is a state-of-the-art venue that hosts world-class performances from a wide variety of artists. The Gilb Museum of Arcadia Heritage is the place to go to learn all about the rich and fascinating history of the city.

Of course, nature lovers will also appreciate all that Arcadia has to offer. Arcadia Regional Park has a wide variety of amenities to enjoy including tennis courts, a swimming pool, playgrounds, and more. For those who’d like to go on a hiking adventure, the nearby San Gabriel Mountains & Angeles National Forest are close by.

Arcadia schools

Students in Arcadia are served by the highly-rated Arcadia Unified School District. Many of the schools in Arcadia have received A+ ratings on Niche, and Arcadia High School is one of the few public high schools in the state to receive a 10 out of 10 rating by GreatSchools. In addition, Arcadia High School is the highest performing large high school in California according to the Academic Performance Index. It also boasts a rare 100 percent graduation rate.

Explore Arcadia today!

Who’s ready to find out why Arcadia is one of the best cities in Los Angeles County? Then view available properties in Arcadia and schedule your private showing today!