Monrovia

About Monrovia

Monrovia is a city in California's Los Angeles County, nestled in the foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains. It's become a hub of commerce and industry, attracting entrepreneurs and professionals in the arts. The active community often participates in Civil War reenactments and special holiday events.

It's only about half an hour northeast of Los Angeles by car, which means you can always easily access big-city amenities. It's also close to Pasadena and other major California cities, making it an extremely convenient place to live.

The History of Monrovia

Monrovia began as a small settlement conceived by a group of businessmen who had achieved success in the railroad and financial industries. They chose a large plot of land that had previously belonged to the San Gabriel Mission. The men sold tracts of land for the affordable price of $150 or less, but required buyers to sign a contract stating that they would build on the land within six months of purchase.

This protected the community as one of residents rather than prospectors. The founders of the town, in exchange, installed electric street-lights, planted pepper trees and otherwise contributed to Monrovia's initial infrastructure. They later elected William Monroe as the Monrovia Land and Water Co.'s inaugural president. Later, the town was officially named for him.

Living in Monrovia

Monrovia offers an impressive array of amenities, including a variety of shopping and dining. There are several parks within the city limits, providing plenty of options for outdoor enthusiasts. There are also numerous gyms and several modes of public transportation. If you're interested in learning about the city's history, you can explore the Upton Sinclair House, the former home of famous author Upton Sinclair. You can also explore the Old Town area, lined with historic buildings that now house a number of local businesses.

Low crime rates combined with diverse educational opportunities among Monrovia schools make this city a prime destination for young couples and families. Monrovia is considered safer than over half of the cities in the United States, and crime rates continue to go down as time passes. The city boasts a low unemployment rate, which is a good sign if you're planning to join the Monrovia job market.

Monrovia Schools

The Monrovia Unified School District manages the city's public schools, including an adult school. There are a handful of private schools in the area, most of them faith-based.

If you're interested in higher education, Mt. Sierra College grants bachelor's degrees in a number of fields.

Resources for Moving to Monrovia

Here are a few helpful resources to organize your move to Monrovia:

• Utilities: Southern California Electric and Southern California Gas are the city's energy providers, while the City of Monrovia manages local water services.
• Garbage and Recycling: You can expect weekly collection of your trash, recyclables and green waste in Monrovia. Your pick-up schedule will depend on your specific neighborhood.
• Transportation: The Metro Gold Line and Foothill Transit facilitate a network of bus and light rail routes in Monrovia. There's also a Friday and Saturday-night shuttle service, providing convenient transportation to local events. Throughout the city, parking is always free.

Monrovia Housing

Monrovia is an extremely desirable place to live, and its popularity continues to grow. This has resulted in a median home price that is nearly double the California average and well above the national average.