The Crescenta Valley got its name from three crescents seen in the mountains when Dr. Benjamin Briggs looked out his window.
The Crescenta Valley is buttressed on the edges by the Los Angeles National Forest and the San Gabriel Mountains on its north and the Verdugo Mountains on the south
The Crescenta Valley got its name from three crescents seen in the mountains when Dr. Benjamin Briggs looked out his window.
The Crescenta Valley is buttressed on the edges by the Los Angeles National Forest and the San Gabriel Mountains on its north and the Verdugo Mountains on the south. It's the same narrow valley that the Foothill Freeway, I-210, goes through as it courses its way on the north side of the Los Angeles metro area. It's a community apart, yet just minutes away from Pasadena, Glendale, Burbank, Hollywood and Los Angeles. If it weren't for the smog that can push up against the mountains sometimes, a person might not even know they were living so close to such a huge city.
Like any of the desirable areas of the Los Angeles metro, there's a low vacancy rate here. When you think it might be time to move here, start looking. Be prepared to pony up first month's rent, last month's rent and a deposit for housing for rent in La Crescenta-Montrose. You might even need to consider living in a community close by and getting in line for your desired apartment rental. Be prepared for the L.A. traffic. Unless you are lucky enough to be living and working here, you will have to jump on the freeways. Even short commutes can take longer than you might expect, so plan accordingly. Hey -- living here can't be all sunshine and roses, right?
Each section of La Crescenta-Montrose offers something different for its residents. Check out the neighborhoods below and decide which one is right for you.
Briggs Terrace: The part of town where the rectangular blocks give way to winding roads that lead into the San Gabriel mountains, Briggs Terrace is full of high-value properties, some with incredible views. The high median home value means rents are high as well. Think about all the positives that come with living here when writing that rent check.
La Crescenta Avenue: This is the flatter part of the valley, where you will find a slightly lower cost of housing, but it's still going to set you back a bit. Look for two-bedroom apartments to rent or pet-friendly apartments close to shopping and transportation.
Montrose Community Park: Near the intersection of the Foothill Freeway and the Glendale Freeway, this neighborhood is convenient for commuters. Fronting Oakmont Country Club and Verdugo Mountains Open Space Preserve, it offers city life and open space.
What can we say? It's the California Dream, with days of long sunshine, comfortable temps and all the good things that come with that mystique. Of course, there's traffic, smog and a high cost of living, but when it's nice -- it is so nice! The nature parks and open spaces in the surrounding mountains provide a nice respite from city life, and the famous California beaches aren't that far away.
