What to Know Before Moving to El Monte

Delivering a more suburban vibe, El Monte is a great pick for those looking to raise a family, buy a home, or be within convenient distance of major cities like Los Angeles.

City History

Nestled between the Rio Hondo River and the San Gabriel River, El Monte has a rich history. Throughout the late 18th and early 19th century, many Spanish missionaries (as well as soldiers) would come to the area to rest and enjoy the surroundings. Though El Monte means ‘The Mountain’ in Spanish, there are actually no mountains in the immediate area. Prior to the Spanish coming to the valley, this was the home of the Tongva people for thousands of years. Later, it became home of Mission San Gabriel (as well as the terminus for the Old Spanish Trail). Jump to the present day, El Monte is a dense suburban community.

Attractions And Amenities

Looking for fun stuff to do in and around El Monte? Nature lovers will definitely want to check out Whittier Narrows Nature Center, which offers 400 acres of pristine land. History buff? You’ll want to head over to the Santa Fe Trail, which was heavily used by those moving here from the East Coast and Midwest seeking a better life in the 19th century. There’s also the American Military Museum, home of tanks, vintage photographs, and other military memorabilia. If grassy leisure is more the move, enjoy a few rounds at Whittier Narrows Golf Course. And with Los Angeles so close, it’s super simple to enjoy all the world-famous attractions of that metro area!

Walkscore Info

SoCal is not exactly known for its walkability (or its great traffic, either). That being said, El Monte actually offers pretty decent walkability, especially compared to other cities in the surrounding area of similar size and density. With a walk score of 62, most errands are fairly easy to do by foot, and so you won’t have to rely on a car as much. However, if you need to get around the city and adjacent communities (including LA), a vehicle is a virtual requirement. Public transit definitely has room for improvement – there are a handful of decent options including a trolley system and commuter shuttle, as well as car-sharing – but it’s not the greatest. As for bikeability, the city is also decently rated, scoring a 58.

Economy and Jobs

Home to a sturdy workforce, El Monte offers a variety of jobs and careers, from manufacturing to education to healthcare. Looking for the top employers in the area? Teachers may want to explore career opportunities in the Mountain View School District. El Monte Comprehensive Health Center is a great pick for medical professionals, while Penske Motor Group is a heavy hitter in the automotive industry and has nearly 1,200 employees. Lith-O-Roll specializes in the manufacturing of rubber and metal precision rollers, while All-New Stamping Co. is in the business of high-quality metal stamping. Of course, Los Angeles is a quick commute to the west for an amazing number of opportunities in many different fields and industries.

Cost of Living

With its gorgeous year-round weather and an endless list of attractions, destinations, and opportunities, Southern California unsurprisingly comes with a hefty price tag. Not so in El Monte. Less than 17 miles east of the City of Angels, the community offers a median home value of nearly 30% lower than LA (along with median rent that is typically 10-15% cheaper). As for the overall cost of living – these expenses include housing, food, medical, and so on – El Monte is nearly 15% more affordable than Los Angeles. That’s some serious savings that can allow you to own your own home and put some in the bank!