Montrose

Welcome to Montrose

As you enter Montrose, you're welcomed by the timeless appeal of a master-planned community that has retained its original character for over a century. Tree-lined streets curve gracefully through neighborhoods designed in 1913 as one of California's early planned developments, creating an intimate village atmosphere that feels worlds away from the sprawling metropolis beyond.

Montrose was founded on February 22, 1913, when entrepreneurs J. Frank Walters and Robert A. Walton opened their 300-acre planned community to the public with a grand barbecue that attracted over 4,000 visitors.

The community's distinctive curved street pattern was deliberately designed by Walton to complement the natural topography of the Crescenta Valley, creating the unique rose-shaped layout that distinguishes Montrose from typical grid-pattern developments.

This thoughtful planning established Montrose Avenue as the intended main commercial street, though businesses eventually gravitated to the level terrain of Honolulu Avenue, which remains the heart of the community today.

The area's history extends back to 1784, when Spanish Governor Fages granted Don Jose Maria Verdugo a conditional permit for 36,403 acres known as Rancho San Rafael, which included present-day Montrose, La Crescenta, Glendale, and surrounding communities. This Spanish colonial heritage established a tradition of land stewardship that continues to influence the community's character.

The indigenous Tongva Indians had inhabited the region since approximately 500 CE, establishing villages throughout what would become Los Angeles County. This deep connection to the land created a foundation for the environmental consciousness that defines modern Montrose.

The Historic Montrose Shopping Park

The crown jewel of Montrose is Honolulu Avenue, designated as Glendale's official "Old Town" and home to the historic Montrose Shopping Park. This beautifully tree-lined corridor spans the 2200, 2300, and 2400 blocks of Honolulu Avenue, creating a pedestrian-friendly destination that captures the essence of small-town 

Demographics and Community Profile

Montrose, as part of the La Crescenta-Montrose Census Designated Place, maintains a population of approximately 19,940 residents with a median age of 41.7 years. The community represents one of Southern California's most affluent and educated populations.

• Educational Achievement: The community boasts exceptional educational attainment, with residents demonstrating high levels of college education and professional success. This intellectual foundation contributes to the area's reputation for supporting excellent schools and cultural activities.
• Economic Profile: The median household income stands at $119,775, with an average household income of $152,099. The homeownership rate of 58.3% reflects community stability, while the low poverty rate of 5.84% indicates broad-based prosperity.
• Demographic Composition: The community is ethnically diverse, with 50.25% White, 27.47% Asian, and 13.95% identifying as two or more races. This diversity creates a cosmopolitan atmosphere while maintaining the intimate character of a small town.
• Housing Market: The median property value of $1.15 million reflects Montrose's desirability as a premium residential location. The average car ownership of 2 cars per household and average commute time of 29.9 minutes indicate affluent suburban lifestyle patterns typical of successful professionals.

Luxury Real Estate Market

Montrose's real estate market represents exceptional value within the premium Los Angeles County market, with luxury homes currently listed from $800,000 to over $4 million.

Market Performance: 

The La Crescenta-Montrose area offers luxury homes with a median listing price of $1.39 million. Properties typically remain on the market for 40 days and receive an average of 1-3 offers, indicating healthy buyer demand in a competitive market.

Property Types and Features: 

Luxury properties in Montrose range from updated mid-century modern homes to contemporary new construction, with many featuring:

• Mountain and valley views of the San Gabriel Mountains
• Large lots providing privacy and outdoor living space
• Updated kitchens and bathrooms with premium finishes
• Multi-car garages and extensive storage
• Outdoor entertainment areas taking advantage of the excellent climate

Investment Potential:

 The combination of excellent schools, low crime rates, convenient location, and limited new construction creates strong fundamentals for property value appreciation. Montrose's designation as a historic district helps preserve the community character that attracts premium buyers.

Educational Excellence

Montrose students benefit from the highly regarded Glendale Unified School District (GUSD). The district is recognized as the third-largest in Los Angeles County and maintains a reputation for academic excellence.

Crescenta Valley High School serves as the primary comprehensive high school for Montrose residents. The school ranks in the top 10% of California schools for overall test scores.

Anderson W. Clark Magnet High School represents the district's premier STEM-focused institution, serving 1,139 students and ranking in the top 5% of all California schools. Clark Magnet accepts students through a competitive lottery system from all three comprehensive high schools in the district, making it accessible to qualified Montrose residents.

Private Education Options: The area also supports Montrose Christian Montessori School, serving grades K-6 with personalized education in a faith-based environment.

Climate and Natural Setting

Montrose enjoys one of Southern California's most pleasant climates, benefiting from its foothill location at elevations ranging from 1,100 to 2,150 feet. This elevated position provides cooler temperatures and cleaner air compared to the Los Angeles basin.

The Mediterranean climate features warm, dry summers and mild winters, with temperatures typically ranging from 41°F to 86°F throughout the year. Summer highs average 86-89°F, while winter lows rarely drop below 47°F.

Low Precipitation, Abundant Sunshine: Montrose receives approximately 22 inches of annual rainfall, concentrated during winter months, with virtually no snowfall. The community enjoys an exceptional 281 sunny days per year, creating ideal conditions for year-round outdoor activities.

The San Gabriel Mountains provide a dramatic backdrop to the north, while the Verdugo Mountains create intimate valley settings. This mountainous geography offers spectacular sunset views and seasonal changes that enhance the area's visual appeal throughout the year.

Outdoor Recreation and Trails

Montrose's location provides exceptional access to outdoor recreation, with 60 dog-friendly hiking trails within 20 miles and direct access to the Angeles National Forest.

This community offers excellent access to a variety of dog-friendly hiking trails perfect for all fitness levels. Open year-round, these paths range from two to seven miles long with elevation gains between 375 and 2,825 feet, all while providing beautiful mountain and valley views.

For more outdoor activities, residents can visit the Crescenta Valley Community Regional Park, Glendale's 5,000-acre open space system with nearly 40 miles of trails, and other Los Angeles County parks.
The nearby Angeles National Forest also provides extensive opportunities for camping, hiking, and biking. From there, historic trails lead to the Mount Wilson Observatory, which offers astronomy programs and panoramic views of the Los Angeles area.

Transportation and Accessibility

Montrose's strategic location provides excellent connectivity while maintaining its peaceful residential character.

The community is conveniently located just 5 to 10 minutes from major cities like Glendale, Pasadena, and Burbank, making it an ideal base for accessing employment and entertainment.

Near the 210 and 2 freeways provides easy driving access to downtown Los Angeles, the San Gabriel Valley, and the San Fernando Valley. For those using public transit, the area is served by several bus lines, including daily LA Metro service, and offers a park-and-ride facility for commuters.

Arts, Culture, and Community Events

Montrose maintains a vibrant cultural calendar anchored by signature events that draw visitors from throughout Southern California. The town's main attraction is the annual Montrose Arts & Crafts Festival in June, a major regional event featuring hundreds of artists, food vendors, live music, and family activities.

Throughout the year, the community also hosts a variety of popular gatherings. These include a weekly Sunday farmers market, a classic car show, an Oktoberfest celebration, and festive holiday events like a Christmas parade and tree lighting. This active calendar highlights a strong sense of community and local culture.

Things to Do and Local Attractions

Montrose offers diverse activities that cater to residents and visitors seeking both relaxation and cultural enrichment:

Downtown Exploration: 

Honolulu Avenue provides a walkable environment for shopping, dining, and people-watching in a setting reminiscent of classic American Main Streets. The historic architecture and mature landscaping create an ideal environment for leisurely strolls and community gatherings.

Seasonal Activities: 

Spring wildflower viewing in the surrounding foothills, summer concerts in local parks, fall hiking with clear mountain views, and winter holiday celebrations provide year-round entertainment options.

Family-Friendly Attractions: 

The area offers playgrounds, sports fields, and community centers that support active families. Pet-friendly policies at many businesses and extensive dog-friendly trails make Montrose ideal for pet owners.

Cultural Access:
Proximity to Pasadena's cultural institutions including the Norton Simon Museum, Huntington Library and Gardens, and Old Town Pasadena provides world-class arts and entertainment options just minutes away.

Local Lifestyle and Community Spirit

Life in Montrose embodies the best aspects of California living, combining small-town community values with sophisticated urban amenities:

Residents actively participate in local organizations, school support groups, and volunteer activities that strengthen neighborhood bonds. The Montrose Shopping Park Association and Chamber of Commerce foster business relationships and community events.

The community honors its heritage through annual Founder's Day Awards, recognizing long-time business owners and community leaders who have shaped Montrose's character. Names like Gelsinger, Faye, Dorsey, and Grayson remain visible in local businesses that span multiple generations.

Low crime rates and friendly neighbors create a secure environment where children can walk to school and families feel comfortable enjoying outdoor activities at all hours.

Around Montrose

Montrose's central location provides easy access to Southern California's premier destinations:

Pasadena (8 minutes): Old Town Pasadena, Rose Bowl, and world-class museums offer dining, shopping, and cultural experiences.

Glendale (12 minutes): Downtown Glendale provides major shopping centers, restaurants, and entertainment venues.

Burbank (15 minutes): Entertainment industry studios and Hollywood Burbank Airport offer career opportunities and convenient travel.

Los Angeles Attractions: Griffith Park Observatory, Hollywood, Beverly Hills, and downtown LA are accessible within 30-45 minutes via multiple freeway routes.

Mountain Recreation: Angeles National Forest, Mount Wilson Observatory, and extensive trail systems provide immediate access to outdoor adventures and scenic beauty.

Similar Luxury Communities

For buyers considering Montrose's premium lifestyle, comparable communities include:

La Crescenta: Shares the same school district and mountain access while offering slightly larger lots and more contemporary architecture.

Altadena: Provides similar small-town atmosphere with Pasadena proximity and historic charm, along with direct access to hiking trails.

La Cañada Flintridge: Offers higher-end luxury properties with exclusive country club access and larger estate-size lots, representing the next tier of premium living.

Sierra Madre: Features similar village atmosphere with historic preservation focus and mountain community character, while maintaining excellent schools and cultural activities.

Each community offers distinct advantages while sharing Montrose's fundamental appeal: excellent schools, safe neighborhoods, natural beauty, and convenient access to both outdoor recreation and urban amenities.

Montrose represents a rare opportunity to experience authentic California community living in a setting that honors its historic roots while embracing modern luxury. With its master-planned streets, century-old shopping district, exceptional schools, and stunning mountain setting, Montrose continues to attract discerning residents who value quality of life, community connection, and timeless appeal. Whether drawn by the award-winning schools, vibrant arts scene, outdoor recreation opportunities, or simply the warmth of a genuine small-town atmosphere, Montrose provides a distinctive lifestyle that captures the best of California living in an intimate, sophisticated setting.