Los Angeles neighborhood guide
Arcadia
Vertical tick marks the LA neighborhood median.
Rent in Arcadia
Rent control: Arcadiahas no local rent-stabilization ordinance we track, so California's statewide cap (AB 1482) is the main protection. It limits annual increases on most buildings at least 15 years old, with exemptions. Verify a building's status before signing.
General information, not legal advice.
How Arcadia scores for you
Checking your quiz profile…
Score Arcadia your way
Drag a slider to say how much each thing matters to you. The score updates live.
Want the real thing? Take the full quiz to factor in your budget and commute and rank Arcadia against every neighborhood.
Arcadia is a suburban city of about 56,700 people located roughly 13 miles northeast of downtown Los Angeles in the San Gabriel Valley, nestled at the base of the San Gabriel Mountains. The city is known for its parks and open spaces, anchored by the Santa Anita Park racetrack, the Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Garden, and Arcadia County Park. These destinations draw residents and visitors alike and give the city a more spacious, park-oriented character than many nearby communities.
The city itself is quieter and more residential than dense urban Los Angeles. You will need a car for most errands and commuting, as public transit options are limited. Air quality here ranks below the California median for diesel PM exposure, and traffic exposure is above average, factors worth weighing if you are sensitive to either.
Living here
Daily life in Arcadia centers on driving. Walkability is modest, you can handle some errands on foot, but a car is essential for groceries, work, and most outings. The city ranks 225th of 319 neighborhoods in walkability and has minimal public transit access, with no Metro rail stations nearby. Traffic is a real presence, especially during commute hours, though congestion ranks slightly above the regional median at the 57th percentile.
The upside is a quieter, family-oriented setting with good access to parks and local dining. Within a short walk you will find about 9 restaurants, 3 coffee shops, 1 grocery store, and 1 gym. The neighborhoods are calm and residential, making this appealing to renters who prioritize space and quiet over urban convenience.
Who it's for
Arcadia suits renters who work in the San Gabriel Valley, want a quiet suburban home base, and do not mind driving for most needs. It is a good fit for families, professionals with flexible commute requirements, and anyone drawn to outdoor recreation. If you depend on public transit, work near downtown Los Angeles, or prefer walkable urban neighborhoods, Arcadia is likely not the right fit.
Comparable quiet, amenity-rich suburbs include San Gabriel, San Fernando, Rolling Hills Estates, and Ladera Heights.
Environment & livability
Air quality: below the California median for diesel PM exposure.
Air quality here is better than average for the state. Worth noting if you have respiratory sensitivities.
Traffic exposure: above-average traffic corridor exposure.
Higher traffic proximity correlates with elevated noise, diesel emissions, and reduced pedestrian comfort on nearby streets.
Tree cover: limited tree cover, mostly open streetscape.
Less canopy means more heat exposure and less visual greenery on daily walks. LA County median is around 14% canopy coverage.
Walkability: walkable for some errands, car useful for others.
A mixed walkability area. Good for quick trips on foot, but some destinations will require driving or transit.
Transit: minimal transit access, car strongly recommended.
Very infrequent or no meaningful transit nearby. Car dependency is high in this area.
Environmental data from CalEnviroScreen 4.0 and the EPA Smart Location Database. Informational only, not professional advice for a housing decision.
Who lives in Arcadia
Population
51,152
Renters
41%
of households rent
Median age
44
Median income
$116k
per household
Census ACS 5-year estimates.
Around Arcadia
Albertsons · H Mart · 99 Ranch Market · Vons
Starbucks · Tous les Jours · Cha Redefine · 85°C Bakery Cafe
Taisho · Tasty Spot Cafe · Pieology Pizzeria · Mo-Mo Paradise
Santa Anita Depot · Baldwin Stocker Park · Eisenhower Memorial Park · Tripolis Park
U+Fit · LA Fitness · EōS Fitness · 24 Hour Fitness
Check your commute from Arcadia
Enter your work (or any) address for real travel times from this neighborhood.
Similar neighborhoods
Next to Arcadia
Finding a place in Arcadia
Found a place you like? Score it against your priorities to see how well any address fits your budget and commute.
Frequently asked questions
Is Arcadia walkable?+
Arcadia is walkable for some errands but a car is useful for others. It ranks 225th of 319 neighborhoods in walkability, below the regional average. You can find restaurants and coffee shops nearby, but grocery shopping and many other trips require a vehicle.
What is public transit like in Arcadia?+
Public transit access is minimal. There are no Metro rail stations in or near the city, and bus service is limited. A car is strongly recommended for getting around.
How is the air quality and traffic?+
Air quality ranks 123rd of 318 neighborhoods and falls below the California median for diesel PM exposure. Traffic exposure is above average, ranking at the 57th percentile. These factors matter if you are sensitive to either.
What parks and attractions are nearby?+
Arcadia is home to the Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Garden, Santa Anita Park racetrack, and Arcadia County Park. The city also has several smaller parks like Baldwin Stocker Park and Eisenhower Memorial Park within a short drive.
What is the average rent in Arcadia?+
Current residents of Arcadia pay a median rent of about $2,014 per month (Census ACS). Asking rents for new leases typically run higher.
How is the air quality in Arcadia?+
Arcadia has below the California median for diesel PM exposure, based on CalEnviroScreen 4.0 diesel particulate data (percentile 47 of 100, lower is cleaner).
Which LA neighborhoods are similar to Arcadia?+
Based on walkability, rent levels, amenities, and environment, the most similar neighborhoods to Arcadia are South Pasadena, Burbank, Studio City and Silver Lake.