A quiet San Gabriel Valley neighborhood anchored by recreation, strong homeownership, and suburban family appeal.
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.
| Median home price | $603k |
|---|---|
| Year over year change | +2.3% |
| Price per sq ft | $298 |
| Median rent | $1,600 |
| Typical days on market | 18 days |
| Buyer competition | Moderate |
| Walk Score | |
| Bike Score | 25 |
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.
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.
The $603k median and high owner occupancy signal a stable entry point; FHA financing is accessible and local lenders familiar with the area.
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.
Rental demand is steady at $1,600 median, and the 81 percent owner-occupancy rate leaves room for small-scale investor activity.
High car dependency (78.8 percent drive to work) and limited walkability mean remote workers gain quietness and space but lose neighborhood amenities.
Outdoor recreation at the dam, low density, and proximity to medical facilities like City of Hope make this area appealing for active retirees.
Dominant housing stock; most have yards and garage parking, typical of suburban Irwindale.
Regional buyers pursue larger lots near the dam for development or residential expansion.
Lighter presence; mostly smaller duplexes or light commercial conversions.
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.
Annual events: Santa Fe Dam Swim Meet Series (summer), Irwindale Outdoor Recreation Days (spring/fall), KARE Youth League seasonal tournaments
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.
School Score 34 with 32% math and 36% reading proficiency
Proximitii 2026School Score 31.5 with 25% math and 38% reading proficiency
Proximitii 2026School Score 19.5 with 17% math and 22% reading proficiency
Proximitii 2026School Score 31 with 25% math and 37% reading proficiency
Proximitii 2026School Score 28 with 21% math and 35% reading proficiency
Proximitii 2026School Score 57 with 32% math and 82% reading proficiency
Proximitii 2026School Score 20 with 20% math and 20% reading proficiency
Proximitii 2026School Score 6.5 with 5% math and 8% reading proficiency
Proximitii 2026Feeder 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
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.
Foothill Transit Route 492 provides limited regional connectivity; most residents rely on personal vehicles, and 7.3 percent work from home.
Not sure Near Santa Fe Dam Recreation Area is the right fit? Compare these nearby neighborhoods.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Explore current listings and connect with local agents who know the neighborhood's market dynamics, schools, and recreation.
Search homes in Near Santa Fe Dam Recreation Area →