Sitting at the base of the San Gabriel Mountains, Monrovia is a city that bridges California's striking natural charm with its fast-paced economy, all while maintaining a timeless appeal.
People looking for apartments for rent in Monrovia will enjoy the city's unique Old Town district, beautiful architecture and easy access to outdoor getaways, all within a short distance of many exciting Southern California destinations.
Named for William H. Monroe, a Los Angeles dignitary whose ranch formed the center of the new settlement, Monrovia grew as destination for Midwestern transplants in the late 19th century, giving it an all-American feel. Today, that classic spirit is preserved in an abundance of historical architecture and a time-honored sense of community. Residents of Monrovia apartments can head to the city's Old Town area to browse local shops and acclaimed dining that exude the small town charm of a bygone era.
Monrovia also appeals to its approximately 37,000 residents as a modern place that is home to a range of high-tech businesses. People in Monrovia can take advantage of the urban convenience of nearby Los Angeles or head into the natural escape of the San Gabriel foothills with equal ease.
Mt. Sierra College offers a range of bachelor's degree programs with a focus on digital media arts and business technology. Residents can also study at a huge number of area colleges and universities, including Pasadena City College and CalTech, both just minutes away in Pasadena.
Monrovia's diverse economy is home to businesses in a wide range of fields, from technology to health food. Energy company Worley Parsons is the city's top employer, and local schools provide a number of jobs. Prepaid card giant Green Dot is based in Monrovia, as is aircraft manufacturer AeroVironment. Other prominent local tech companies include Ducommun Aerostructures and ITT Industries Systems. The city is foodie-friendly too, as the corporate headquarters of both Trader Joe's and Naked Juice are both in Monrovia.
Southern California can be an expensive place to live, but Monrovia tends to be more affordable than some other area communities. Just over half of residents rent, making the city particularly renter-friendly.
U.S. Census Bureau data showed the median gross rent from 2008 to 2010 was $1,254. Additional research found one bedroom apartments renting for between $1,135 and $2,100 per month.
Monrovia's historic, all-American look has made it a popular place for Hollywood to film movies and TV shows, and the city has served as the backdrop to movies like "American Beauty," "Old School," "Legally Blonde" and more. One of the city's biggest draws is historic Old Town, a neighborhood residents enjoy for its locally-oriented retail options. Every Friday evening from March until December, visitors flock to the Family Festival street fair, which includes a farmers market, live music, craft and food booths, kids' activities and other attractions. In addition to the great dining and shopping in Monrovia, nearby cities like Los Angeles offer world-class entertainment.
It's not uncommon for Monrovia residents to spot local wildlife in their backyards, and the city's proximity to the San Gabriel Mountains gives it an outdoorsy character. Not only is it easy to head into the mountains for hiking and recreation, but Monrovia has extensive parkland in town. Visitors can check out 80 acres of wilderness at the Monrovia Canyon Park a short distance from downtown.
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