Apartments for rent in Covina, CA

Overview of Covina

With the motto "A Mile Square and All There" the San Gabriel Valley city of Covina was once known for being one of the smallest cities in the country. Today, amid the busy urban landscape of Southern California, Covina maintains its small town feel.

People looking for apartments for rent in Covina can count on a reliably great living environment made all the brighter by the same sunny weather that made the area a hub for citrus growers in the early 20th century.

Living in Covina, CA

An early surveyor, Frederick Eaton, gave Covina its name after being hired to assess the area in the 1880s. Impressed by the natural cove formed by the valleys of the San Gabriel Mountains and the vineyards of the local settlers, he combined the words "cove" and "vine" to describe the unique landscape. While it got its moniker from vineyards, Covina made its name on orange and lemon groves. A center for the citrus industry throughout the first half of the 20th century, the town's economy increasingly gave way to residential development with its attractive location near Los Angeles.

As of the 2010 census, a little less than 48,000 people called Covina home. Although the town has grown in recent decades, it still cultivates a distinct small town environment with its charming, robust downtown, where mom-and-pop shops and contemporary restaurants provide residents with plenty to do. Covina apartments offer the chance to enjoy the same surroundings that have made the area a draw for generations.

Covina Work and Study

Minutes away from Mt. San Antonio College in Walnut, Citrus College in Glendora and Cal Poly Pomona, Covina is a great place for students. Additionally, Los Angeles is home to many highly regarded colleges and universities, all easily accessible from Covina.

Covina's Citrus Valley Medical Center, which specializes in cardiac health, is the city's biggest employer, and several nearby medical facilities make healthcare a major part of the local economy. Many residents also choose to commute to Los Angeles, which is made easy by Covina's light rail connection and highway access.

Rentals in Covina, CA and Cost of Living

Around four in 10 Covina residents rent apartments, making the area renter friendly. While living is never cheap in the Southern California area, Covina is relatively affordable compared to some neighbors and a concentrated downtown makes it easy to get around.

U.S. Census Bureau data showed the median gross rent from 2008 to 2010 was $1,179. Additional research found one bedroom apartments rent for between $800 and $1,350 per month.

Covina Attractions and Special Events

Covina's robust, lively downtown is iconic in its small town charm. Visitors may recognize certain landmarks from film and TV: The 1980s show "Knight Rider," the movie "Wayne's World" and others filmed scenes on Citrus Ave. Residents can catch music and theater performances at venues like the Covina Center for the Performing Arts and the Fret House, or they can check out the strip's charming shops, cafes and restaurants. It's even possible to head to the Sugar Bowl, an ice cream shop memorialized in the early 20th century comic Harold Teen, whose protagonist was a student at Covina High School. 

With great weather and beautiful views of the nearby San Gabriel Mountains, Covina also has natural appeal. It's easy to head into the mountains of the Angeles National Forest for outdoor recreation and hiking, while the acclaimed beaches of Southern California are within easy driving distance. It's also no challenge to get into nearby cities like Los Angeles and Anaheim, where visitors can take advantage of world-class shopping, dining, nightlife, sports and entertainment,

To find your next rental apartment or house in Covina, take a look at our listings on Rent.com®.