Arcadia, CA Real Estate Market Data as of Q1 2026

Market commentary

Arcadia accelerated hard into Q1 2026. Days-to-sell dropped from 60 in January to 19 in March, signaling tightening supply and rising buyer urgency. Sales volume climbed each month (21 to 25 to 29 SFR sales), confirming this isn't a seasonal blip but a real market shift.

Pricing held in the $1.65M to $1.9M range for SFR, with the dip in February more likely reflecting product mix (smaller homes or interior locations selling) than market direction. The $/sqft of $723 quarterly aggregate sits very close to San Gabriel's $762 and well above Alhambra's $651, but Arcadia homes are bigger, which is why total prices clear $500K+ above San Gabriel and $700K+ above Alhambra on comparable transactions. The premium buys size, not just per-square-foot quality.

What County Is Arcadia In?

Arcadia is in Los Angeles County, California, in the eastern part of the San Gabriel Valley region. The city is bordered by Pasadena to the west, Sierra Madre to the north, Monrovia to the east, and Temple City and El Monte to the south. The 210 Freeway runs through the northern half of the city.

Arcadia is one of the original SGV cities, incorporated in 1903. It is sometimes confused with the City of Industry or with Pasadena because of geographic proximity, but Arcadia is its own distinct municipality with its own school district, police force, and city services.

How Arcadia Compares to Other SGV Cities

Most buyers tour Arcadia alongside San Marino, Pasadena, or Temple City, not alongside Alhambra or Monterey Park. The comparison is different.

Arcadia vs San Marino: San Marino has higher per-square-foot pricing and a more historic, lower-density feel. Arcadia has better commercial infrastructure, a larger Chinese-speaking service ecosystem, and substantially more inventory at every price point. Both have outstanding schools, but the buyer pool is different. San Marino skews older estate buyers. Arcadia skews active families and recent immigrants.

Arcadia vs Pasadena: Pasadena has more cultural attractions, better restaurant breadth, and stronger walkability in Old Town and Playhouse District. Arcadia has larger lots, lower density, and arguably better public schools at the high school level. Pasadena has heavier traffic and a more mixed urban character. Arcadia is more suburban-residential.

Arcadia vs Temple City: Temple City sits directly south of Arcadia and shares some of the cultural overlap (Chinese-American population, food scene). Temple City is significantly more affordable and has smaller lots. If your budget doesn't stretch to Arcadia, Temple City is the natural alternative for the same school-quality and cultural-fit priorities at a lower entry point.

Arcadia vs San Gabriel: Arcadia commands a quarterly-aggregate premium of roughly $575,000 over San Gabriel on single-family product based on Q1 2026 CRMLS data ($1.85M Arcadia vs $1.275M San Gabriel). Per-square-foot pricing is actually comparable ($723 Arcadia vs $762 San Gabriel), meaning the premium reflects bigger homes and lots in Arcadia rather than a higher unit cost. Arcadia also has the Arcadia Unified school district as its primary draw, plus 210 Freeway access for foothill-direction commutes.

Arcadia Schools

Arcadia is served by Arcadia Unified School District (Arcadia USD, distinct from Alhambra Unified, which is also abbreviated AUSD). Arcadia USD operates 6 elementary schools, 3 middle schools, and Arcadia High School.

Arcadia High School is consistently ranked among the top 50 public high schools in California and is one of the primary reasons families pay the Arcadia price premium. The school regularly produces National Merit Scholars, has a strong athletics program, and has one of the most competitive academic environments in LA County.

Middle schools: First Avenue Middle School, Foothills Middle School, Dana Middle School. Boundaries vary by neighborhood, so verify your specific address before assuming an assignment.

Elementary schools: Baldwin Stocker, Camino Grove, Highland Oaks, Hugo Reid, Holly Avenue, Longley Way. All are well-regarded; specific assignments vary by attendance boundary.

Arcadia Neighborhoods

Arcadia breaks down into several distinct neighborhoods, each with its own price band and character. The neighborhoods below cover the major areas.

Upper Rancho: North of Foothill Boulevard, east of Santa Anita Avenue. The most expensive neighborhood in Arcadia. Large lots (often half-acre to acre), heavily rebuilt with new luxury construction over the last decade. Price points typically run $3M to $8M+. Mature trees, quiet streets, walkable to Arcadia Country Club. Check out the City of Arcadia’s own archives on neighborhoods in Arcadia and their histories

Lower Rancho: South of Foothill, west of Santa Anita. Slightly smaller lots than Upper Rancho but still substantial. Price points typically run $2M to $5M. Mix of older estates and newer rebuilds.

Santa Anita Oaks: North Arcadia, east of Santa Anita Avenue, around the Arcadia High School area. Strong family neighborhood, mature trees, walkable to Arcadia HS. Price points typically run $1.8M to $4M.

Highlands: Far north Arcadia, against the foothills. More secluded, larger lots, hillside views. Price points vary widely based on lot size and rebuild status, often $2M to $6M+.

Baldwin Stocker: South Arcadia, south of the 210. More affordable entry point into Arcadia school district, smaller lots (typically 6,000 to 8,000 sqft), older homes with some rebuilds. Price points typically run $1.3M to $2M.

Peacock Village: Central-south Arcadia, near the Arboretum. Smaller, established neighborhood. Mid-range Arcadia pricing.

Eastern Arcadia / Monrovia border: The most affordable parts of Arcadia, transitioning into Monrovia to the east. Smaller lots, older homes. Entry point for buyers who want Arcadia schools at the lowest price band possible, typically $1.1M to $1.6M.

What to see and do in Arcadia city?

The city of Arcadia is actually home to the world famous Santa Anita race track, and also houses one of the best malls in the Southern California area. The Westfield Santa Anita has premium shops and even a Din Tai Fung, featuring unique Taiwanese soup dumplings. Here’s our full list of Arcadia attractions and things to do:

1. Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Garden: This 127-acre garden features a variety of plants and natural habitats, as well as historic buildings and sculptures. Visitors can take a guided tour, attend events, or simply stroll through the gardens.

2. Santa Anita Park: This historic horse racing track has been in operation since 1934 and hosts numerous races throughout the year. Visitors can also take a behind-the-scenes tour of the track or attend events like concerts and food festivals.

3. Westfield Santa Anita: This large shopping center features a variety of stores, including high-end brands and luxury boutiques. It also has a movie theater and several dining options.

4. Din Tai Fung: This popular Taiwanese restaurant is known for its dumplings and other traditional dishes. It is located in the Westfield Santa Anita shopping center.

5. Arcadia Wilderness Park: This 190-acre park features hiking trails, picnic areas, and a fishing lake. It is a great place to enjoy the natural beauty of the area.

6. The Gilb Museum of Arcadia Heritage: This museum showcases the history of Arcadia and the surrounding area through exhibits, artifacts, and interactive displays.

7. Los Angeles County Library, Arcadia Branch: This modern library offers a wide variety of books, movies, and other materials, as well as classes and workshops for all ages.

Overall, Arcadia offers a mix of cultural and natural attractions, as well as shopping and dining options, making it a great destination for visitors of all ages.

Santa Anita Park Arcadia

Santa Anita Park is a historic horse racing track located in Arcadia, California. The track covers over 300 acres and features a main track with a one-mile dirt oval, a turf course, and a training track. The park also includes a grandstand, infield, and several other facilities.

Some notable statistics about Santa Anita Park include:

• The track opened on December 25, 1934, and has been in operation for nearly 90 years.

• It is one of the most prominent horse racing venues in the United States and has hosted several important races, including the Santa Anita Derby and the Breeders' Cup.

• The track's main oval is 1 mile (8 furlongs) in circumference, with a width of 80 feet.

• The turf course is 9/10 of a mile in circumference, with a width of 70 feet.

• The grandstand has a seating capacity of approximately 26,000 people.

One of the most entertaining aspects of Santa Anita Park is the horse racing itself, which attracts a large and enthusiastic audience. The track also offers a range of dining and entertainment options, including restaurants, bars, and private suites.

Santa Anita Park is special because of its long history and tradition of horse racing. It has been the site of many important races and has hosted some of the most famous horses and jockeys in the sport's history. The track's beautiful setting in the foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains also adds to its charm and appeal.