A gateway city that blends bustling retail and a suburban lifestyle
With a name like Commerce, it’s no surprise that the LA County suburb is best known for a massive mall called Citadel Outlets. Commerce borders East LA and is often mistaken for being part of the City of Angels, giving residents convenience to big city attractions. “It's close to the freeways, super close to LA and the University of Southern California. I like how you can find really delicious food there — hole-in-the-wall kind of places,” says Realtor Alma Aguilar, who works with Coldwell Banker George Realty and has about two decades of experience in the region. Diverse local restaurants are scattered throughout the City of Commerce, not just in the mall food court. With a population of approximately 12,000 people, it’s a close-knit community with bustling public libraries and plenty of municipal recreation, including an aquatic center. Amenities like these allow locals to feel connected to the city. “Commerce has a lot of good longtime residents who love it,” Aguilar says.
Citadel Outlets and more retail areas
Commerce is a hub for business, home to dozens of warehouses and industrial buildings along its borders. On the site of a former tire factory, the city’s centerpiece is Citadel Outlets, one of the biggest outlet malls in LA. It houses name-brand clothing shops, accessory stores and a food court with chain restaurants. The mall’s architecture is notable, its elaborate façade inspired by the palace of an Assyrian king. Some of Commerce’s local restaurants are on Washington Boulevard, a centrally located street with cuisines ranging from Salvadoran to Italian. For grocery shopping, there’s El Super, located on the city’s northside.
The Citadel shopping center is a one-stop shop for lodging, shopping, and groceries.
Many residents enjoy spending their time in the local outlets, visiting a variety of stores.
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Ranch-style homes and split-levels in Commerce
Residential neighborhoods are in the center of Commerce, including Bandini, Rosewood and Bristow. Homes here include primarily midcentury ranch-style houses and split-levels, with some larger four and five-bedroom homes from the 1980s throughout. In Commerce, the median sales price is $700,000. Homes in the area stay on the market for 30 days on average, compared to the national average of 45 days. They don't go on the market often, so prospective buyers should watch the market closely. "Neighbors there mostly own their own homes and have lived there a long time,” Aguilar says. The community is served by the East Los Angeles Sheriff's Station, but crime statistics aren’t currently available.
Ranch style homes are very popular in Commerce, California.
There are an abundance of homes just off the sides of the roads in Commerce.
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Rosewood Park, Bandini Park and Bristow Park
The city prides itself on its public amenities, including parks and recreation centers. Central in Commerce is the popular Rosewood Park with an indoor gym, a playground and basketball courts. The park features the Brenda Villa Aquatic Center, which has two indoor heated swimming pools. It’s also next to the Rosewood Neighborhood Library, with study rooms, plus book clubs for teens and adults. On the western side of Commerce, Bandini Park has picnic shelters and walking paths, while Bristow Park offers volleyball and handball courts. Business owners and professionals can take advantage of Camp Commerce, a city-owned and operated camp, with hiking and canoeing. The area has major heat risk because of high temperatures in summer, and major flood risk during periods of heavy rain.
Locals take advantage of the basketball courts in Rosewood Park.
Bandini Park has picnic shelters and walking paths.
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The Commerce Casino and Regency Commerce
The Commerce Casino, located in the heart of the city, features the world’s largest cardroom. The casino also hosts regular events, including UFC, boxing and live music. On the northern edge of the community, the Regency Commerce is another spot for entertainment, where the newest movies play in a renovated theater.
The Commerce Casino is a popular point of interest among residents and visitors alike.
The Commerce Casino is a popular location in the neighborhood, especially among visitors.
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Montebello Unified public schools and the University of Southern California
The Montebello Unified School District has a C-plus rating on Niche. With approximately 21,000 students, the district has a student-teacher ratio of 19-to-1. The University of Southern California is only 10 miles away.
Bell Gardens High School is one of the best schools for students living in Commerce.
Rosewood Park School provides education in the neighborhood of Commerce.
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A 10-mile drive to downtown LA and more logistics
Commerce is only about 10 miles away from downtown LA and seems to blend into the adjacent city. “There’s confusion between Commerce and East LA. I thought Commerce was a very hidden city. It’s not super well known,” Aguilar says. U.S. Route 101 and Interstate 5 can both take residents to downtown LA, although I-5 often has heavy traffic. For public transportation, there’s the City of Commerce Transit bus system. The closest medical center is the Los Angeles Community Hospital, located about 3 miles from Commerce. Long Beach Airport, the closest major airport, is about 15 miles away.
Crime
The community is served by the East Los Angeles Sheriff's Station, but crime statistics aren’t currently available.The area has major heat risk because of high temperatures in the summertime and major flood risk from periods of heavy rain.
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