Is City Terrace, Monterey Park a Good Place to Live?
A walkable, family-oriented East L.A. neighborhood with moderate prices and strong community roots.
About City Terrace in Monterey Park
City Terrace delivers a balanced mix of affordability, community stability, and family-friendly amenities in the heart of East Los Angeles. With a median home price of approximately $585k, the neighborhood sits well below countywide averages, making it accessible to first-time buyers and growing families. Additionally, the area supports a median household income of $74k, 34% households with children, and solid schools including City Terrace Elementary (rated 53.5) and nearby Collegiate Charter High School (45). Daily life centers on local parks, grocery markets like Superior Grocers and El Super, and a dense network of taquerias and casual dining.
Real Estate Market in City Terrace
| Median home price | $585k |
|---|---|
| Year over year change | Data not specified; buyer activity typical for East L.A. suburban market |
| Price per sq ft | Estimated $250-290 depending on lot size and condition |
| Median rent | $1,515 |
| Typical days on market | Typical 20-25 days for standard listings |
| Buyer competition | Moderate |
| Walk Score | 56 |
| Transit Score | 49 |
| Bike Score | 23 |
Additionally, city Terrace represents a lower-priced segment within the broader Monterey Park market, where median home values reach $770k citywide. The neighborhood attracts price-conscious buyers and investors seeking sub-$600k entry points.
Homes in City Terrace often attract multiple offers but rarely spark bidding wars seen in pricier Monterey Park neighborhoods. Clean inspection and proof of funds strengthen offers; expect to be within 2-5% of asking on competitive listings.
Who Thrives in City Terrace
Additionally, city Terrace's median price of $585k and high owner-occupancy (44.3%) make it an ideal entry point for Los Angeles newcomers seeking established neighborhoods with schools and transit access.
Additionally, the neighborhood supports 34.3% households with kids, strong schools like City Terrace Elementary, and family amenities including City Terrace Park and Wabash Recreation Center.
Additionally, rental demand remains steady with median rents at $1,515; the gap between purchase price and rental income supports modest positive cash flow in this demographic-stable area.
Additionally, walk scores of 56 and transit scores of 49 offer moderate walkability; remote workers prioritizing commute-free living will find reliable internet but limited walkable amenities compared to denser urban neighborhoods.
Additionally, affordable housing and family density appeal to some retirees; proximity to medical services and community centers like Wabash Recreation Center offset lower walkability scores.
Property Types in City Terrace
Majority stock; typically 3-bed/1.5-bath bungalows built 1960-1980s with modest yards and potential for value-add improvements.
Smaller footprint, lower maintenance appeal; common in multi-unit buildings scattered throughout the neighborhood.
Duplex and triplex conversions attract landlords and portfolio builders seeking rental income stability.
Living in City Terrace, Monterey Park
Daily life in City Terrace unfolds around neighborhood institutions: Superior Grocers and El Super anchor grocery shopping; La Terraza Cafe and Starbucks provide casual gathering spots. Families lean on City Terrace Park and Wabash Recreation Center for weekend outings, while the corridor of taquerias (Taqueria La Que Si Llena, Thai Daily BBQ) and local markets (La Mexicana Bakery, Meatland Carniceria) reflect the neighborhood's rich multicultural character. A walk score of 56 means some errands require short car trips, but local commercial strips along Fourth and Pomeroy Avenue offer enough walkable retail for weekly basics.
- Little China Express · 17 min walk
- The Liquor Store · 18 min walk
- Taqueria La Que Si Llena · 18 min walk
- Thai Daily BBQ · 19 min walk
- Pizza Hut · 20 min walk
- La Terraza Cafe · 12 min walk
- Starbucks · 29 min walk
- Starbucks · 34 min walk
- City Terrace Park · 7 min walk
- Morin Memorial Square · 22 min walk
- Wabash Recreation Center · 22 min walk
- Morin Memorial Square · 23 min walk
- Ramona Gardens Park · 23 min walk
- La Mexicana Bakery · 18 min walk
- Superior Grocers · 19 min walk
- El Super · 20 min walk
- Meatland Carniceria · 24 min walk
- Meatland Bakery · 25 min walk
- Recreation Fitness Center · 38 min walk
- Boyle Heights Senior Citizen Center · 39 min walk
- Coyolxauhqui Plaza · 13 min walk
- Jesse Owens Stadium · 34 min walk
- State Playhouse · 39 min walk
- Arena Theatre · 40 min walk
Annual events: Coyolxauhqui Plaza hosts community gatherings; local schools organize annual fairs and cultural celebrations reflecting East L.A. traditions
Schools Near City Terrace, Monterey Park
Additionally, city Terrace benefits from several solid-performing public schools and nearby charter options. City Terrace Elementary (score 53.5, KG-5) ranks highest locally and feeds into Belvedere Middle (27.5, grades 6-8), creating a clear pathway for families.
Elementary Schools
School Score 53.5 with 52% math and 55% reading proficiency
Proximitii 2026School Score 35.5 with 32% math and 39% reading proficiency
Proximitii 2026School Score 29.5 with 27% math and 32% reading proficiency
Proximitii 2026School Score 29 with 26% math and 32% reading proficiency
Proximitii 2026Middle Schools
School Score 27.5 with 21% math and 34% reading proficiency
Proximitii 2026School Score 26 with 15% math and 37% reading proficiency
Proximitii 2026High Schools
School Score 45 with 25% math and 65% reading proficiency
Proximitii 2026School Score 42 with 22% math and 62% reading proficiency
Proximitii 2026School Score 32 with 22% math and 42% reading proficiency
Proximitii 2026School Score 32 with 17% math and 47% reading proficiency
Proximitii 2026Private Schools Nearby
- Our Lady Of Guadalupe School – La (KG-8) — 16-minute walk
- Assumption School (KG-8) — 23-minute walk
- Santa Teresita Elementary School (KG-8) — 26-minute walk
Feeder pattern: City Terrace Elementary to Belvedere Middle to Collegiate Charter High School (#4 charter option, 45 score) or Esteban E. Torres High School variants form a recognizable progression for neighborhood families.
Source: Proximitii 2026
Commute from City Terrace
Additionally, city Terrace sits in the heart of East Los Angeles, positioning commuters roughly 15-25 minutes from Downtown Los Angeles and 20-35 minutes to major job centers in Pasadena or Burbank. Transit access is limited but improving, with bus routes on Gage and Pomeroy serving regional connections.
Additionally, bus routes at Gage & Harris and Pomeroy & Eastman provide regional connectivity; 49 transit score reflects moderate but not robust public transit for daily commuting.
Neighborhoods Near City Terrace
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Frequently Asked Questions about City Terrace
What is the average home price in City Terrace, Monterey Park?
The median home price in City Terrace is approximately $585,000, which is notably below Monterey Park's citywide median of $770k. This price advantage makes the neighborhood attractive to first-time buyers and families entering the Los Angeles market. Price per square foot typically ranges from $250 to $290 depending on property condition, lot size, and recent improvements. Competition remains moderate, so buyers can often negotiate within 2-5% of listing price on well-maintained homes.
Is City Terrace a good place to live?
Yes, City Terrace offers a strong value proposition for families and first-time buyers seeking established East L.A. living. The neighborhood supports solid schools (City Terrace Elementary scores 53.5), family-oriented parks, multicultural dining and retail, and reasonable commute times to downtown and regional job centers. Trade-offs include a walk score of 56 (some car trips needed) and a transit score of 49 (limited bus options). If affordability, community roots, and family stability matter more than urban walkability, City Terrace delivers.
What are the best schools in City Terrace?
City Terrace Elementary (score 53.5) is the neighborhood's top-rated public school for grades KG-5 and feeds into Belvedere Middle (27.5, grades 6-8). For high school, students typically attend Collegiate Charter High School (score 45) or one of the Esteban E. Additionally, torres High School academy options (scores 32-42). Several private options, including Our Lady of Guadalupe School and Assumption School, serve families seeking alternative K-8 pathways. Average class sizes and per-pupil funding reflect Los Angeles Unified School District norms, with strong parental involvement in the community.
Is City Terrace safe?
City Terrace is served by the City Terrace Sheriff's Office and Los Angeles County Fire Department Station #1, providing standard law enforcement and emergency response. Additionally, like much of East Los Angeles, the neighborhood experiences typical urban crime rates; violent crime is not endemic but property theft and gang activity occur periodically. Moreover, families are advised to check Los Angeles Police Department crime maps and speak with neighbors. Community Watch programs and local youth centers (Wabash Recreation Center, Jesse Owens Stadium) support neighborhood cohesion and youth engagement.
Who is the right fit for living in City Terrace?
City Terrace suits first-time buyers, growing families, and investors seeking affordability and stability over walkability. Additionally, the median household income of $74,272 and 41% married-couple households reflect a family-centered demographic. Remote workers and retirees fare less well due to moderate walk and transit scores. If your priorities are school access, home ownership entry, and community diversity over urban convenience, City Terrace is an excellent fit.
What amenities and services are nearby in City Terrace?
Day-to-day shopping centers on Superior Grocers, El Super, and La Mexicana Bakery for groceries and prepared foods. Additionally, dining ranges from taquerias like Taqueria La Que Si Llena and Thai Daily BBQ to casual chains. Moreover, la Terraza Cafe and Starbucks provide coffee and informal meeting spaces. Parks include City Terrace Park and Wabash Recreation Center for recreation. Healthcare is served by local pharmacies (Sunrise Pharmacy, Kid's Dental Place) and nearby Los Angeles County facilities. A short drive accesses mall shopping in Monterey Park proper.
Where this City Terrace data comes from
Numbers throughout this guide come from public, authoritative sources. Additionally, 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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