A Gateway City about 10 miles east of downtown Los Angeles
Set 10 miles east of downtown Los Angeles, Montebello is one of the Gateway Cities between LA and Orange counties. The population of 60,000 enjoys a quiet, suburban existence just miles from other job centers like Pasadena and Long Beach. "Montebello has a hometown feel that coexists with the vibrancy of one of the largest metropolitan areas in the world,” says city Public Affairs Manager Alex Gillman. The city has much to offer prospective homebuyers, including a robust park system and below-average housing costs, at least by LA standards. “Montebello is one of the most affordable up-and-coming suburbs near downtown Los Angeles,” says e-Homes Realtor Jordan Partida, who grew up in the city. “They are building new homes, and a lot of new shops and eateries have been coming in. Something I expect to continue.”
Juan Matias Sanchez Adobe museum in Montebello is a historical site, built in 1844.
Montebello is a Gateway City leading you to all the great spots of Metro Los Angeles.
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Midcentury homes and contemporary infill development
In early 2025, the median home price in Montebello was around $850,000, more than double the national number but under the broader California median of $900,000. The earliest homes were built in the 1920s, but most were developed between the 1950s and ‘70s. There has also been contemporary infill development since the 2000s, including the high-end Metro Heights subdivision and some newer condo and townhome communities. “You have a good mix of homes here, including Spanish-inspired, traditional, midcentury, ranch-style and a handful of classic California bungalows,” Partida says. “The city is mostly single-family, but the farther south you go, you will see more multifamily units. Properties to the north are more desirable and more expensive.” Homes south of Whittier Boulevard are priced lower, while a contemporary home to the north can sell for as much as $3 million.
Ranch homes over rolling hills are common in Montebello.
Ariel view of new developments in Montebello.
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Walkable elementary schools in Montebello Unified
Niche grades the Montebello Unified School District C-plus. The district serves around 20,000 students and includes 17 walkable community elementary schools.
La Merced Intermediate is one of the many walkable schools in Montebello.
Greenwood Elementary School is a great option for students in Montebello, CA.
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Browsing the Shops at Montebello and dining downtown
The city’s commercial activity is anchored by the Shops at Montebello, a large regional shopping mall, and the pedestrian-friendly downtown corridor. The shops offer various retail options and a food court with chain dining. The downtown area on and around West Whittier Boulevard is home to many businesses, including drug stores, banks, retail outlets and many mom-and-pop dining establishments. “Montebello is also home to one of the newest Topgolf facilities in the country and the recently renovated and beautiful Bella Vista Golf Course,” Gillman says. The only thing the city is lacking is nightlife. “Residents have to leave for a little entertainment because there isn’t much nightlife. You can stay local and go to Uptown Whittier, but the majority of people are probably going to LA,” Partida says.
Find a great sandwich at Tony's Arry's or Golden Ox in Montebello.
You can taste the passion that goes into creating a great burger at Arry's Super Burgers.
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Live music from the band shell at Montebello City Park
Montebello has over a dozen parks and recreation sites, including the golf course, aquatic center, youth center and senior center. The heart of the community is City Park, which includes amenities like a band shell for live performances, a skate park, pickleball courts and playgrounds, to name just a few. The park is also a hot spot for vintage car clubs, which have been meeting for decades. "Classic car culture and cruising is big here. You can find a lineup of cars on any given weekend at the park, often accompanied by music and food trucks," Partida says. Kids will enjoy playing at the Montebello Barnyard Zoo inside Grant Rea Park, which also has concessions and a splash pad in the summer. Taylor Ranch Park is an urban oasis with a serene pond, gazebo and abundant green space. "If you're going hiking, you're probably going to Eaton Canyon, Pasadena or Whittier," Partida says.
The skatepark at Montebello City Park is a great place to sharpen your riding skills or observe.
Two people playing one on one basketball at Montebello City Park in Montebello.
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The Downtown Street Fest is an annual calendar highlight
The city also puts on regular events, including movies at Bicknell Park and the annual Downtown Street Fest, featuring street food, live music and a beer garden.
You can grab local fruits from the Montebello night market.
Montebello's night market has a DJ to get the mood going all evening for attendees to enjoy.
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Safety is a priority, and moderate wildfire risk in some areas
Montebello has its own police department and does not contract with LA County. Crime rates were not available for the city.
The climate in Montebello is Mediterranean, categorized by warm, arid summers with temperatures in the 80s and cool, wet winters with temperatures in the upper 60s. "You don't get the coastal breeze or anything, but you're not so far inland that temperatures soar in the summer," Partida says. There is a moderate wildfire risk in the northeast and northwest sections of the city.
Direct freeway access and a Metrolink train station in town
Montebello is a commuter-friendly city with direct access to Interstate 5 and state Route 60, and multiple other interstates a short drive away. Access to the 5 is in the southern industrial portion of town, meaning the negative impact of the highway is minimal. “Whittier Boulevard can get a bit congested during rush hour, but you don’t get a ton of through traffic because there are so many freeway options,” Partida says. According to Gillman, in recent years, the city has undertaken traffic mitigation efforts to calm spillover from adjacent freeways. It has also approved a bicycle master plan to expand bike and pedestrian-friendly infrastructure. For those relying on public transit, Montebello Bus Lines operates bus routes and there's a Metrolink train station on Flotilla Street. Metro's light rail E Line will eventually be extended to Montebello. To catch a flight, Los Angeles International and John Wayne airports are about 30 miles away.
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.
