Monrovia, California · Community guide
The Gem City of the Foothills
A resident's-eye look at what it costs to live here, where to live, and what the market is actually doing right now.
By the numbers
Market snapshot
Frequently Asked Questions About Monrovia Real Estate
What is Monrovia like, and is it a good place to live?
Monrovia is a foothill city known for its walkable Old Town on Myrtle Avenue — home to a weekly Friday night street fair — direct Metro A Line rail access, and Monrovia Canyon Park's seasonal waterfall trail. It draws consistent praise for community culture and sits in a genuine sweet spot: meaningfully below Pasadena and Arcadia in price, while still delivering strong schools and foothill living.
How much does a home cost in Monrovia?
Figures cluster around $920,000–$960,000 citywide (see Fig. 1), with per-square-foot pricing around $570–$600. Prices range from roughly $700,000 in South Monrovia up to $2 million-plus in the foothill neighborhoods (see Fig. 2).
What are the best neighborhoods in Monrovia?
Gold Hills — established foothill neighborhood, larger lots, mountain views. Canyon / Hillcrest — premium pricing, near Monrovia Canyon Park. Old Town Monrovia — walkable to Myrtle Avenue's shops and the Friday night street fair. South Monrovia — the city's most accessible entry point.
What is the Monrovia housing market like, and how long do homes take to sell?
The market has cooled somewhat from its 2022 peak but remains competitive, with inventory running roughly 2.5–3 months of supply (see Fig. 3) and days-on-market typically 30–45 days. Homes priced correctly in sought-after pockets still move quickly.
Is Monrovia good for families, and what schools serve the area?
Yes — Monrovia Unified School District earns an A grade from Niche with a 96% graduation rate and has had seven schools named U.S. News Best Schools. The city also offers 17 parks covering 186 acres, including the Monrovia Canyon Park waterfall trail.
What should buyers and sellers know before making a move in Monrovia?
Buyers: Monrovia still trades at a discount to Pasadena and Arcadia despite comparable school quality; inventory is tight (often only 40–60 active listings citywide). Sellers: walkability, Metro access, and Old Town culture are genuine differentiators — lead with them in marketing.
Is now a good time to buy in Monrovia?
Monrovia's market has softened somewhat from its 2022 peak, which is good news for buyers, though inventory remains tight enough that well-priced homes in top pockets still move quickly.
What is the property tax rate in Monrovia?
Like the rest of Los Angeles County, Monrovia properties are generally subject to California's base 1% property tax rate plus local voter-approved assessments, which can push the effective rate somewhat higher depending on the specific parcel.
Is Monrovia near public transit?
Yes — Monrovia has its own Metro A Line station, providing direct light rail access to Pasadena and Downtown Los Angeles.
What is the commute like from Monrovia to Los Angeles?
Monrovia sits along the I-210 Foothill Freeway with its own Metro A Line station, putting Downtown LA roughly 20 miles and typically 30–45 minutes away by car outside peak traffic, or a direct rail option via the A Line.
Who should I contact to buy or sell a home in Monrovia?
Randy at Seven Gables Real Estate specializes in Monrovia and the surrounding San Gabriel Valley communities. Get in touch for a no-obligation conversation about your goals.
