Mountain Cove

When you come across Mountain Cove, a small community notched into the northeast corner of Azusa in rural Los Angeles County, you will come away impressed. “I call it an unknown gem in the San Gabriel Valley,” says Baldwin Lopez, a Realtor with Keller Williams Movement Real Estate and former resident. “When you drive into the canyon, you cross a bridge and you are just surrounded by mountains. It’s very secluded and it’s spectacular. The feeling you get right when you make the turn and see the mountains around you, it’s just such a sense of ease and peacefulness.”

Mountain Cove is a 21st-century community that recently celebrated its 20th anniversary. It comprises a little more than 300 homes and is divided into three distinct neighborhoods. Wildwoods offers homes between 2,160 and 2,580 square feet. In Sagewoods, the homes are between 2,650 and 3,175 square feet. The largest homes, between 3,230 and 3,690 square feet, can be found in Copperwoods. “They are all two-story homes – fairly large modern homes,” says Lopez, who adds that they are fortified to protect against the elements. “You’re in a fire area, so all the homes come with sprinkler systems. There are strict codes out here, so the homes are well-designed.” The typical home features a private driveway, ample garage space and a large, well-manicured yard on quiet, picturesque streets ringed by mountains rising up around them. Spanish-style architecture is prominent, with decorative facades and terra cotta roofs common sights throughout the community. The Craftsman influence also is noticeable, as many homes incorporate natural materials into their designs. “Prices run anywhere from $850,000 to $1.2 million,” says Lopez.

Students can attend Hodge Elementary, Gladstone Middle School, which opened for the 2023-2024 schoolyear, and Azusa High, which offers co-ed automotive technology courses among its electives.

The Mountain Cove Community Association’s social committee works hard to keep its residents active and engaged. “The social committee is separate from the HOA and creates events that help the entire community,” says Lopez. “They are very active, very social. Just great people.” Seasonal and holiday events take place year-round. Highlights include the annual Easter Egg hunt and a Christmas celebration complete with artificial snow for the kids. The summer luau even features traditional hula dancers. Regular events include movie nights at the community center.

Just outside the community is the San Gabriel Canyon Gateway Center, a pocket park and interpretive facility serves as the entrance to the San Gabriel Mountains. The San Gabriel River Trial, a popular paved bike path that runs through much of North Azusa, runs past the center into Mountain Cove and forms its southern border. Nearby Azusa Wilderness Park is a hilly canyon preserve with trails. “Without a doubt, my favorite part of the city is the mountains,” says Andrew Mendez, a Realtor with Century 21 Citrus Realty. “The community loves them. More people go into our Azusa canyons than go into Yosemite – over 4 million a year.”

San Gabriel Canyon Road, which eventually becomes Azusa Avenue, provides quick and easy access to an array of modern conveniences. A Target is less than 2 miles away, and adjacent is a Metro Station that provides easy train commutes to and from Pasadena and Los Angeles. Downtown Azusa is less than 3 miles away. Dog Haus is a popular eatery and beer garden at The Orchard, the city’s newest mixed-use development in the heart of downtown at the intersection of Azusa Avenue and historic Route 66. Nearby Smart & Final Extra! is a warehouse-style grocery store that allows residents to stock up on essentials before making the short drive home.

Life in Mountain Cove will give you a peaceful, easy feeling. It won’t let you down.

Written By

Matt Pallister

Photography Contributed By

Bryant Lucero

Video By

Jacob McAllister