Pros and Cons of Living in La Crescenta, CA

La Crescenta is a quiet foothill community located between Glendale and Montrose, tucked against the San Gabriel Mountains.

Here’s a realistic look at the pros and cons of living in La Crescenta.

Pros of Living in La Crescenta

1. Strong Public Schools

La Crescenta is served primarily by the Glendale Unified School District and is widely known for high-performing schools.

A list of the public schools is below:

Crescenta Valley High School (9-12)
Anderson W. Clark Magnet High School (9-12)
Rosemont Middle School (7-8)
La Crescenta Elementary School (K-6)
Mountain Avenue Elementary School (K-6)
Monte Vista Elementary School (K-6)
Dunsmore Elementary School (K-6)
Abraham Lincoln Elementary School (K-6)
Valley View Elementary School (K-6)

Several private, Christian, and preschool options are also available in the area.

For many families, school quality is the number one reason they move here.

(See also: Schools in La Crescenta: What Parents Should Know)

2. Quiet Residential Atmosphere

Unlike Glendale’s busier commercial corridors, La Crescenta feels primarily residential.

Most neighborhoods consist of:

Single-family homes
Tree-lined streets
Limited through traffic

It feels suburban without being far from the city.

3. Access to Nature

Living at the base of the San Gabriel Mountains means quick access to:

Various hiking trails and parks
Angeles National Forest
Mountain views
Cooler evening temperatures

If you enjoy outdoor access without leaving LA County, this is a major plus.

4. Proximity to Glendale and Pasadena

You’re:

10–15 minutes from central Glendale
20–25 minutes from Pasadena
30–45 minutes from Downtown LA (traffic dependent)

It offers a quieter home base without full isolation.

Cons of Living in La Crescenta

1. High Cost of Housing

La Crescenta real estate is expensive.

Home prices are typically high due to:

School reputation
Limited housing inventory
Desirable location

Renting options are more limited compared to Glendale.

(See: Cost of Living in La Crescenta, California)

2. Limited Commercial Activity

There are small shopping areas and restaurants, but La Crescenta is not a nightlife or entertainment hub.

For major shopping or dining, most residents drive to Glendale or Pasadena.

3. Wildfire Risk

Because of its foothill location, wildfire risk is a real consideration.

Some areas may require additional insurance coverage or preparedness planning.

(See: Is La Crescenta Safe? Crime, Wildfire Risk & Real Concerns)

4. Traffic on Foothill Boulevard

Foothill Boulevard can become congested during rush hour, especially near the 210 freeway connections.

While quieter than major LA corridors, commuting still requires planning.

(See: Driving and Traffic in La Crescenta)

Final Thoughts

La Crescenta appeals most to:

Families prioritizing schools
Buyers seeking a suburban foothill feel
Residents who want proximity to Glendale without Glendale density

It may not appeal to:

Renters seeking abundant apartments
Those wanting walkable nightlife
Buyers on a tight budget

For many, it’s a trade-off worth making.

Live in La Crescenta