Los Angeles neighborhood guide
Commerce
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Rent in Commerce
Rent control: Commercehas 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 Commerce scores for you
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Commerce is a small city in southeast Los Angeles County, bordered by Vernon, East Los Angeles, Montebello, Downey, Bell Gardens, and Maywood. With a population of about 12,400, it sits at a crossroads of major regional infrastructure, including the Long Beach and Santa Ana freeways that shape daily life here.
The city occupies industrial and residential pockets in a densely built part of the county. Its position between freeways and neighboring industrial zones means air quality and traffic are significant factors in deciding whether to live here.
Living here
Day-to-day life in Commerce centers on a car-dependent routine. You can handle some errands on foot, but you will need a vehicle for most trips. The city ranks 170th of 319 places in walkability and 172nd in transit access, with no Metro rail stations nearby. Getting around by public transit is difficult; the regional average for transit access is notably higher.
Air quality is a real concern. Commerce ranks 314th of 318 places in the region for air quality, with high diesel particulate matter exposure tied to nearby freeways and industrial operations. Traffic is also heavy, ranking 244th of 317 places. Parks like Rosewood Park, Veterans Memorial Park, and Bristow Park offer occasional green space, though canopy coverage is limited.
Who it's for
Commerce works best for renters on a tight budget who commute by car and are willing to trade walkability and air quality for lower costs. It appeals to people with jobs in the nearby industrial or commercial corridors, or those making longer commutes via freeway. If clean air, walkable errands, or short car-free trips matter to you, this city will disappoint.
Environment & livability
Air quality: high diesel PM exposure, top quartile in California.
Linked to elevated respiratory and cardiovascular risk in long-term residents. See the air quality flag for more detail.
Traffic exposure: high traffic corridor exposure.
This area is near major traffic corridors, linked to higher noise levels, diesel PM, and reduced street-level comfort.
Tree cover: very limited tree cover, predominantly concrete.
Low canopy areas tend to run hotter and feel more exposed. Research links tree cover to lower ambient temperatures and improved pedestrian comfort.
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 Commerce
Population
13,106
Renters
44%
of households rent
Median age
40
Median income
$67k
per household
Census ACS 5-year estimates.
Around Commerce
Starbucks · The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf
Panda Express · Costco Food Court · Quiznos · Ruby's Diner
Rosewood Park · Veterans Memorial Park · Bristow Park · Bandini Park
City of Commerce Gym
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Finding a place in Commerce
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Frequently asked questions
Do I need a car in Commerce?+
Yes, strongly. Commerce ranks very low for transit access and does not have Metro rail service. Most errands require a car.
What is the air quality like?+
Air quality is poor. Commerce ranks in the bottom tier of the region for air quality due to freeway proximity and industrial operations. Diesel particulate matter exposure is high.
What parks and recreation are nearby?+
Rosewood Park, Veterans Memorial Park, Bristow Park, and Bandini Park offer outdoor space. The city ranks low for overall amenities, with limited walkable dining and shopping nearby.
How is traffic?+
Traffic is heavy, especially near the Long Beach and Santa Ana freeways. The city ranks 244th of 317 places regionally for traffic conditions.
Is Commerce walkable?+
Commerce ranks #150 of 346 LA neighborhoods for walkability. In practice, walkable for some errands, car useful for others.
What is the average rent in Commerce?+
Current residents of Commerce pay a median rent of about $1,268 per month (Census ACS). Asking rents for new leases typically run higher.
How is the air quality in Commerce?+
Commerce has high diesel PM exposure, top quartile in California, based on CalEnviroScreen 4.0 diesel particulate data (percentile 95 of 100, lower is cleaner).
Which LA neighborhoods are similar to Commerce?+
Based on walkability, rent levels, amenities, and environment, the most similar neighborhoods to Commerce are West Athens, West Carson, Lynwood and West Rancho Dominguez.