Why Buyers Love Near Santa Fe Dam Recreation Area, Irwindale

A quiet San Gabriel Valley neighborhood anchored by recreation, strong homeownership, and suburban family appeal.

About Near Santa Fe Dam Recreation Area in Irwindale

Near Santa Fe Dam Recreation Area in Irwindale is a tucked-away suburban pocket defined by access to outdoor recreation, strong household stability, and above-average incomes. The neighborhood sits adjacent to the sprawling Santa Fe Dam Recreation Area, offering year-round waterfront activities and regional trails. With a median home price of $603k, 81 percent owner occupancy, and a median household income of $101,181, this area attracts established families and buyers seeking a quieter alternative to denser San Gabriel Valley neighborhoods.

Boundary note: The neighborhood clusters around the immediate vicinity of Santa Fe Dam, with access to regional parks, light industrial parcels, and residential enclaves throughout the Irwindale footprint.

Real Estate Market in Near Santa Fe Dam Recreation Area

Near Santa Fe Dam Recreation Area at a glance
Median home price$603k
Year over year change+2.3%
Price per sq ft$298
Median rent$1,600
Typical days on market18 days
Buyer competitionModerate
Walk Score
Bike Score25

The market near Santa Fe Dam Recreation Area reflects San Gabriel Valley stability with modest appreciation and strong local demand from owner-occupants. Inventory is typically lean, favoring sellers who price competitively.

$603k
+2.3% YoY
Median Price
$298
Price / Sq Ft
$1,600
Median Rent
18 days
Days on Market
Moderate buyer competition
Offer Strategy

Homes near Santa Fe Dam Recreation Area move steadily but not frantically. Clean inspection reports and proof of funds accelerate offers; bidding wars are rare unless a property sits on the dam perimeter or includes significant acreage.

Who Thrives in Near Santa Fe Dam Recreation Area

S
First-time Buyers
Strong fit

The $603k median and high owner occupancy signal a stable entry point; FHA financing is accessible and local lenders familiar with the area.

E
Families
Excellent fit

21.2 percent of residents have children; schools like Ernest R. Geddes Elementary and proximity to Santa Fe Dam Recreation Area for weekend outings make this neighborhood purpose-built for families.

G
Investors
Good fit

Rental demand is steady at $1,600 median, and the 81 percent owner-occupancy rate leaves room for small-scale investor activity.

F
Remote Workers
Fair fit

High car dependency (78.8 percent drive to work) and limited walkability mean remote workers gain quietness and space but lose neighborhood amenities.

G
Retirees
Good fit

Outdoor recreation at the dam, low density, and proximity to medical facilities like City of Hope make this area appealing for active retirees.

Property Types in Near Santa Fe Dam Recreation Area

Single-Family Homes
78%
$520k to $750k

Dominant housing stock; most have yards and garage parking, typical of suburban Irwindale.

Vacant Land & Acreage
15%
$400k to $1.2m

Regional buyers pursue larger lots near the dam for development or residential expansion.

Multi-Unit & Mixed-Use
7%
$650k to $1.5m

Lighter presence; mostly smaller duplexes or light commercial conversions.

Living in Near Santa Fe Dam Recreation Area, Irwindale

Daily life near Santa Fe Dam Recreation Area revolves around outdoor access and suburban quietness. Residents enjoy jogging and cycling paths around the dam, family picnics at the sprawling recreation area, and proximity to regional shopping at nearby centers. <h3>Community Character</h3> The neighborhood feels isolated by design: car-dependent (78.8 percent commute by vehicle), low walkability, and sparse foot traffic keep it peaceful. Coffee runs to Starbucks or Sugarbloom Bakery are quick drives; dinner might be at Jimmy John's or Farmer Boys rather than table-service restaurants. Weekend recreation centers on Santa Fe Dam, Gordon Sports Park, and Pioneer Park, making this a haven for families and active outdoor enthusiasts.

0/100
Walk Score
Car-Required
25/100
Bike Score
Somewhat Bikeable
🍽 Restaurants & Dining
  • Jimmy John's · 31 min walk
  • Farmer Boys · 31 min walk
  • Carl's Jr. · 32 min walk
  • Wendy's · 33 min walk
  • Linda's Burger · 34 min walk
☕ Coffee Shops
  • Starbucks · 32 min walk
  • Sugarbloom Bakery · 32 min walk
🌳 Parks & Green Space
  • Santa Fe Dam Recreation Area · 2 min walk
  • KARE Youth League · 29 min walk
  • Gordon Sports Park · 34 min walk
  • Pioneer Park · 36 min walk
  • Jardin de Roca Park · 37 min walk
🏋 Fitness
  • Hidden Strength Gym · 29 min walk

Annual events: Santa Fe Dam Swim Meet Series (summer), Irwindale Outdoor Recreation Days (spring/fall), KARE Youth League seasonal tournaments

Schools Near Near Santa Fe Dam Recreation Area, Irwindale

Schools near Santa Fe Dam Recreation Area are served by the Irwindale Unified and neighboring Duarte and Baldwin Park districts. Ernest R. Geddes Elementary (score 34) anchors primary education; Jerry D. Holland Middle (score 31) feeds to California School of the Arts – San Gabriel Valley (score 57), one of the region's top-rated high schools.

Elementary Schools

3.4/10
Ernest R. Geddes Elementary
Elementary · KG–5
38-minute walk

School Score 34 with 32% math and 36% reading proficiency

Proximitii 2026
3.1/10
Margaret Heath Elementary
Elementary · KG–6
31-minute walk

School Score 31.5 with 25% math and 38% reading proficiency

Proximitii 2026
1.9/10
Pleasant View Elementary
Elementary · KG–6
27-minute walk

School Score 19.5 with 17% math and 22% reading proficiency

Proximitii 2026

Middle Schools

3.1/10
Jerry D. Holland Middle
Middle School · 6–8
37-minute walk

School Score 31 with 25% math and 37% reading proficiency

Proximitii 2026
2.8/10
Andres Duarte Arts Academy (Tk-7)
Middle School · KG–7
33-minute walk

School Score 28 with 21% math and 35% reading proficiency

Proximitii 2026
n/a
Northview Village (8Th Grade)
Middle School · 8–8
39-minute walk Proximitii 2026

High Schools

5.7/10
California School Of The Arts – San Gabriel Valley
High School · 9–12
40-minute walk

School Score 57 with 32% math and 82% reading proficiency

Proximitii 2026
2.0/10
Mt. Olive Innovation And Technology High
High School · 9–12
34-minute walk

School Score 20 with 20% math and 20% reading proficiency

Proximitii 2026
0.7/10
North Park Continuation High
High School · 9–12
40-minute walk

School Score 6.5 with 5% math and 8% reading proficiency

Proximitii 2026
n/a
California School Of The Arts – San Gabriel Valley
High School · 9–12
39-minute walk Proximitii 2026

Feeder pattern: Students typically progress from Pleasant View or Margaret Heath Elementary into Jerry D. Holland Middle, then to specialized high schools or Mt. Olive Innovation and Technology High.

Source: Proximitii 2026

Commute from Near Santa Fe Dam Recreation Area

The neighborhood's car-dependent character (78.8 percent drive) reflects limited public transit and distance from major job centers. Most commuters target the San Gabriel Valley industrial belt, Downtown LA, or Pasadena via I-210 and I-10.

Downtown Pasadena
Drive: 25 to 35 minTransit: 45 to 60 min (Foothill Transit 492 + connections)
Downtown Los Angeles
Drive: 35 to 50 minTransit: 60 to 90 min (limited service)
LAX Airport
Drive: 40 to 55 minTransit: 120+ min (not practical)

Foothill Transit Route 492 provides limited regional connectivity; most residents rely on personal vehicles, and 7.3 percent work from home.

Frequently Asked Questions about Near Santa Fe Dam Recreation Area

What is the average home price in Near Santa Fe Dam Recreation Area, Irwindale?

The median home price is approximately $603,000, with most single-family homes ranging from $520k to $750k. Price per square foot averages $298, reflecting the suburban character and outdoor amenities. Vacant land and multi-unit properties command higher totals but lower per-unit pricing. The market has appreciated 2.3 percent year-over-year, signaling steady but not aggressive growth.

Is Near Santa Fe Dam Recreation Area a good place to live?

Yes, for families and outdoor enthusiasts seeking suburban stability. The neighborhood offers 81 percent owner occupancy, above-average household income ($101,181), and direct access to recreational facilities. Trade-offs include high car dependency, low walkability (score 0), and limited pedestrian amenities. It suits quieter lifestyles over urban convenience.

Which schools serve Near Santa Fe Dam Recreation Area?

Ernest R. Geddes Elementary (score 34, KG-5) and Margaret Heath Elementary (score 31.5, KG-6) serve the area. Jerry D. Holland Middle (score 31, grades 6-8) and California School of the Arts – San Gabriel Valley (score 57, grades 9-12) are strong regional options. Specialized programs like Andres Duarte Arts Academy provide alternatives for enrichment-focused families.

Is Near Santa Fe Dam Recreation Area safe?

Yes. The area's low density, established community, and proximity to Los Angeles County Fire Department Station #48 and Irwindale City Police Station contribute to a stable safety profile. Poverty rate is just 6.7 percent, and the neighborhood skews toward long-term residents and families.

Who is Near Santa Fe Dam Recreation Area best suited for?

Families with children, first-time homebuyers seeking stability, active retirees, and established professionals are ideal fits. The neighborhood is less suited to remote workers or transit-dependent commuters due to car reliance and limited walkability.

What recreational activities are available near homes in Near Santa Fe Dam Recreation Area?

Santa Fe Dam Recreation Area itself anchors outdoor life: jogging trails, fishing, picnicking, and water sports dominate weekends. Gordon Sports Park, Pioneer Park, and KARE Youth League facilities round out athletic and family-oriented options. Hidden Strength Gym serves fitness needs locally.

Where this Near Santa Fe Dam Recreation Area data comes from

Numbers throughout this guide come from public, authoritative sources. Walk and transit scores come from Walk Score, neighborhood boundaries and POI data from OpenStreetMap and Proximitii, and parent-city demographics from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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