Charming San Gabriel Valley city with lively downtown
Long ago blanketed with vineyards and citrus groves, Covina has grown into an accessible, welcoming blend of suburban conveniences and city delights since its founding in 1882. Today, the town is known for retaining a small-town feel despite an increasingly competitive real estate market. The city is filled with thriving residential developments, commercial areas and a historic downtown brimming with vintage architecture, boutiques and walkable events. It's also home to the new Laugh Factory, a powerhouse launching pad for celebrated comedians, and it's been a backdrop in movies such as "Back to the Future" and "Wayne's World."
“Downtown is definitely a major draw, there’s a lot of stuff to do. But the rest of the city has a nice, suburban feel,” says Realtor and Covina native Chris Cervantez of eHomes. “It’s relatively close to LA, Orange County and Riverside, but it feels like a small town." An active Downtown Merchants Association promotes and preserves the city's attractions, and in cozy neighborhoods, multiple high schools share a district stadium that draws families to Friday night games. Parks and rec centers offer year-round programming, and the city broke ground on a brand-new skate park in late 2023. Residents also enjoy proximity to Emanate Health Inter-Community – the only hospital in the East San Gabriel Valley offering open-heart surgery.
Downtown Covina features vibrant art pieces that bring life to the area.
If you're looking for a game of hoops, Covina Park features several basketball courts.
Discover the Laugh Factory in downtown Covina for top comedic entertainment.
Covina was once a major producer of oranges, but now has become a vibrant community.
1/4
Condos to horse properties for less, east of the 605
Covina's residential neighborhoods were mostly developed between the 1940s and 1980s, and midcentury ranch-style homes — many of which have been heavily renovated — dominate the housing market. However, contemporary two-story homes and condos are increasingly easy to find. Housing options across Covina include new condos for around $700,000; condos near the freeway for $900,000; remodeled 1960s ranch-style homes in city center for $1.1 million; and equestrian estates asking more than $2 million. Storybook bungalows pepper downtown Covina and most homes sport Mediterranean and Spanish-style flair. Brand new developments include Zest, a community of flats and townhouses starting at $450,000 on the site of a former citrus factory.
Homes in Covina are primarily single-story homes and feature a variety of styles.
There are several communities in Covina that have two-story homes for those wanting space.
For affordable, yet luxurious housing options, there are newer condo complexes in Covina.
Most Covina homes are on tracts that can offer large front yards and a pool in the backyard.
1/4
Bustling Downtown Covina and farmers market
"I live downtown," says Realtor Javier Montiel of Coldwell Banker Town and Country, who has lived in the area for over a decade, "and we have a slogan here: 'One Mile Square and All There,' because everything is so easily accessible. The freeways, shopping, parks, schools, you can reach all of it within five or 10 minutes." Downtown Covina is not only the hub for shopping, salons and dining, it's also where locals gather for car shows, wine walks and holiday celebrations.
Date nights can include dancing at 3 Vinos — the top floor of the building holds the iconic clock from "Back to the Future." Montiel adds that Campsite Brewing is really popular. "They renovated an old building to feel like you're at a cabin with a firepit, and you can lounge by the campfire with friends enjoying great craft beer and food."
Unique food and fun is also found every Friday evening at the downtown farmers market, which features a mix of produce, crafts and prepared food, along with live music. Shoppers can peruse national brand stores at Plaza West Covina or head to Eastland Center for big box retailers, including Target, Dick's, Ikea and a two-story Walmart.
Downtown Covina features restaurants and businesses in historic buildings and architecture.
Downtown Covina is a bustling area that also hosts various events throughout the year.
Downtown Covina has several dining options, including Domestic for tasty barbecue.
Plaza West Covina is a large mall that carries brand names and has a food hall.
1/4
Central Covina Park and new skate park
Covina has a strong skate culture, and skate stores such as Pawnshop host skate jams with demos from pro skaters. In 2023, the city broke ground on a 10,000-square-foot skate park, designed by local skaters that will take shape in the 17-acre Kahler Russell Park. The city is also planning to add bike lanes at main intersections around the park.
Many residents can walk to parks to play sports or swim at the aquatics center. Several teen- and senior-focused community centers offer classes and field trips. Hockey players head to the rink at Covina Park, featuring event spaces and a popular playground. Jalapa Park is not only home to the tourist-worthy 7-ton Olmec head, it's also where residents in southeast Covina meet for picnics or playdates. In eastern Covina, residents are only around 4 miles from the former Raging Waters theme park, slated to become the new Calibunga waterpark and Cal Soleil restaurant.
Covina Park features a well-maintained playground and swings that children will love.
Covina Skatepark is a newly built park that is popular within the community.
Covina Park has several basketball courts for those wanting to shoot some hoops.
Jalapa Park features statues from the ancient Olmec civilization, including a 7-ton head.
1/4
A-grade Covina-Valley Unified schools
Public schools are within the Covina-Valley Unified School District, which earns an A on Niche. Several high schools in the city get an A-minus grade, including Covina High and South Hills High, both California Distinguished Schools based on academic excellence and positive school climate. Athletes from several high schools compete at the recently renovated Covina District Stadium, home of the San Gabriel Valley's longest-running track invitational.
Metrolink trains and Foothill Transit bus stops
Most Covina residents rely on cars to get around, but locals can also hop on a MetroLink train from the Covina train station for commuting to Los Angeles. "Metrolink also takes you east past Pamona and Claremont," says Montiel. "It wakes me up early because I live downtown, but it's so convenient for getting anywhere in minutes." Foothill Transit also offers public transit from bus stops along major throughways such as Grand and Azusa avenues. Centrally situated between San Bernardino and Los Angeles and the 10 and 210 interstates, Covina is about 25 miles to downtown LA by car.
Comparatively low crime, high fire risk
FBI data show that violent crime rates in Covina have varied up and down over the last decade, though they are consistently lower than the national average. Property crimes in Covina have declined from 1,651 instances in 2012 to 1,390 in 2022. And while the crime rate is comparatively low, dry valley living comes with a high fire risk, so homebuyers should purchase any required fire insurance and stay familiar with the city's disaster evacuation routes.
Thunderfest, wine walks, St. Paddys on the rooftop
Every fall, the Thunderfest Car Show and Music Festival buzzes with hundreds of classic cars, live music and a gourmet garden. The Covina Charities Wine Walk provides a dozen different tastings for one $20 ticket, and the St. Paddy's Day Rooftop Festival fills a parking structure with three levels of bands, games and green beer.
Thunderfest is held in Downtown Covina and features a variety of new and vintage cars.
Covina's annual wine walk is a great time to get together with locals and their businesses.
The Covina Farmers Markets features a variety of vendors, including ones with fresh produce.
Kids love the mini kart racing at Summer Family Nights at the Park in Covina.
The more I think about it I know my success as a realtor is because I love connecting with people.
I have been 20 years in the business which has allowed me to cover multiple facets of the industry, including the listing and selling of residential homes, residential income, rental income properties such are medical offices. I ask a lot of questions, listen carefully, pay attention to my clients’ needs, and make every effort to negotiate the best possible terms for my clients.
When I am not working, I enjoy hiking, nice views, visiting iconic places, and traveling with friends and family.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
