Named after the mountainous region in Greece, Arcadia is an affluent city in Los Angeles County, California known for its beautiful neighborhoods and warm character. The city is located northeast of downtown Los Angeles in the San Gabriel Valley and at the base of the San Gabriel Mountains.
This article enumerates the best neighborhoods in Arcadia, CA, as well as some of the things that make this city an excellent choice for your next home.
Why Arcadia is a Popular City in the San Gabriel Valley Region?
Arcadia, CA is known for preserving “green space” and its commitment to the environment. There is a series of adjacent parks in the area, which includes the Santa Anita Park horse racing track, the Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Garden, and Arcadia County Park.
Aside from being one of the richest neighborhoods in Southern California, Arcadia is also known for being the birthplace of McDonald’s. The world’s largest fast-food restaurant chain started as a hot dog stand near the Santa Anita racetrack in the late 1930s. It was only in 1948 that the original founders, Richard and Maurice McDonald, transformed a drive-in barbecue restaurant in San Bernardino, California that they opened in 1940 into burger joint.
The city has been voted “Best Place to Raise Your Kids” in 2010 by BusinessWeek, “Best Places to Live in 2014” by Money Magazine, and ranked “23rd Richest Neighborhood in Southern California” in 2014 by Business Insider.
The city is also known for its bustling food scene. Read on to know which restaurants to check out the next time you’re in this area!
5 Most Popular Restaurants in Arcadia, CA
Restaurants serving unique dishes from all over the world can be found right here in Arcadia, CA. There’s a lot of them in the city, but we have chosen the top 5 food places to make it easier for you to decide where to dine on your next visit.
The Derby
- The Derby has been a favorite of locals for a hearty meal since 1922.
- This sophisticated restaurant is popular for serving the best steak and seafood in town.
- Must-try: Cajun Shrimp, Bacon Wrapped Filet Mignon, George Woolf’s Prime Rib, and Derby Cobb Salad.
Myung Ga Haejangguk
- Myung Ga Haejangguk is a locally owned restaurant that serves generous portions of Korean and Chinese cuisine.
- It’s one of the best restaurants to go to if you’re craving authentic spicy food, the Korean Barbecue is the most popular option on their menu.
- Must-try: Spicy Galbitang, Yukgaejang, Glass Noodles, and Tukbaegi Bulgogi.
Omaniku
- Omaniku is a fine dining restaurant that offers a Japanese-inspired dining experience with a French twist.
- Must-try: Beef Tasting Course and Seafood Tasting Course with 13 scrumptious dishes that will take you through a gastronomic adventure.
The Barn
- The Barn is a locally owned Asian fusion restaurant that’s perfect for a casual dinner with a fellow foodie.
- There’s indoor and outdoor seating, music, great food, and excellent service.
- Must-try: Peppery Chicken, Spicy Black Fungus, and Fried Baby Squid with Salad.
Izakaya Tonchinkan
- Izakaya Tonchinkan is an authentic Japanese restaurant owned and managed by Chef Yamato Miura.
- The best place to satisfy your cravings for authentic ramen noodles and sushi.
- Must-try: Grilled Shiitake Mushrooms, Deep Fried Octopus, Japanese Horse Mackerel Sashimi
The Best Neighborhoods of Arcadia, CA
Arcadia, CA is known for its community-oriented neighborhoods, beautiful landscape, and warm vibes. The communities are close enough to the city of Los Angeles but residents enjoy the quiet and calm that this part of Southern California provides.
Top 7 Arcadia Neighborhoods to Live In
Here are the top Arcadia, CA communities to live in.
Santa Anita
Population: 832 residents
Homeowners: 86%
Named after the famous racetrack, Santa Anita Park, this Arcadia neighborhood offers the best of both worlds – green spaces such as the Arcadia Park and Santa Anita Golf Course and commercial establishments like the Westfield Santa Anita, exceptional restaurants, and coffee shops.
Vista Monte
Population: 3702 residents
Homeowners: 80%
Vista Monte is an ideal choice for families. It offers a lovely, peaceful neighborhood with spacious parks, good schools, and excellent restaurants. The Camino Grove Park and the Bicentennial Park are great playgrounds for kids and open spaces for adults to exercise.
Hope
Population: 6716 residents
Homeowners: 66%
Located less than 5 minutes from medical health facilities, including Arcadia Medical Center and Arcadia Healthcare Center, living in Hope is convenient for households with members who would benefit from this close proximity to these establishments.
Highland Oaks
Population: 1796 residents
Homeowners: 93%
Highland Oaks is the perfect home for those who love to spend time outdoors, specifically in green spaces. Residents enjoy having convenient access to several nature reserve sites, such as Nature Friends, Little Santa Anita Canyon, Mt. Wilson Trail Park, and Lannan Debris Basin.
Northview
Population: 1796 residents
Homeowners: 93%
Highland Oaks is the perfect home for those who love to spend time outdoors, specifically in green spaces. Residents enjoy having convenient access to several nature reserve sites, such as Nature Friends, Little Santa Anita Canyon, Mt. Wilson Trail Park, and Lannan Debris Basin.
Northview
Population: 1548 residents
Homeowners: 82%
Northview is a humble community with a classic suburb ambiance. The Sierra Vista Park provides families with an excellent outdoor venue to spend leisure time at. Numerous roadways provide convenient access to neighboring business establishments and educational institutes across the region.
Baldwin Stocker
Population: 6328 residents
Homeowners: 83%
This neighborhood is perfect for families with school-age children. Aside from the Baldwin Stocker Elementary School which is a top-rated school, other educational institutions in and around the neighborhood include the Longley Way Elementary School, Oak Avenue Intermediate School, Longden Elementary School, and Temple City High School, Arcadia High School, Dana Middle School, and Arcadia Christian School.
Lower Rancho
Population: 3352 residents
Homeowners: 86%
Residents of Lower Rancho, which is located a few miles away from the San Gabriel Mountains and Mount Wilson, get to enjoy the lovely views of these sites. Fur parents can play with their dogs at Alice’s Dog Park. Those who love to go hiking will surely have a blast at the Mt. Wilson Trail Park.
Live in a Gated Community
Living in a gated community offers security and privacy, as well as prestige and exclusivity. This is the primary reason why potential buyers who can afford the higher home sale price choose to purchase in this type of neighborhood.
Top Arcadia Gated Communities
Here are the top gated communities in Arcadia, CA:
- Baldwin Stocker
- Santa Anita
- Hope
Live in a Golf Course Community
There are a couple of golf courses in Arcadia, CA – Santa Anita Golf Course and Arcadia Golf Course. Arcadia Golf Course is an 18-hole par 3 course measuring 1,947 yards located at the base of the majestic San Gabriel Mountains. The course and the practice facility are open extended hours for late-night play.
Top Arcadia Golf Course Communities
Here are the top golf communities in Arcadia, CA:
- Santa Anita Park
- Lower Rancho
- Highland Oaks
Live in an Equestrian Community
If you love horses, you’d be glad to know that there are neighborhoods in Arcadia, CA that are near several horse-riding facilities in the San Gabriel Valley as well as the Santa Anita Park – a premier racetrack considered one of the best facilities in the country. Santa Anita Park is a popular destination that offers various recreational activities for all ages, including live horse racing with betting for the adults and family fun zones for children.
Top Arcadia Equestrian Communities
Here are the top equestrian communities in Arcadia, CA:
- Santa Anita Park
- Santa Anita Oaks
- Santa Anita Canyon
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best neighborhoods to live in Arcadia, CA?
Some of the best residential neighborhoods in Arcadia, CA are Baldwin Stocker, Hope, Highland Oaks, Northview, Lower Rancho, Santa Anita, and Vista Monte.
What do the best neighborhoods in Arcadia, CA have in common?
All the neighborhoods mentioned above are quiet, family-oriented communities. These are ideal places to live for those who want to be close to Los Angeles but prefer to stay away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
If you’d like to explore these neighborhoods further, I’d love to show you around! Feel free to contact me at 626-272-2365 or kevinkwan@century21.com to schedule an appointment. You may also send me a message via my Facebook page.
