Salary, Cost of Living & Best Neighborhoods in La Crescenta, CA

Last Updated: October 9, 2025By Tags:
La Crescenta, CA

Salary And Cost Of Living In La Crescenta CA

La Crescenta, CA is a desirable foothill community located just north of Los Angeles, known for its family-friendly atmosphere, strong public schools, and suburban feel with easy access to major employment centers. For families and professionals considering a move, understanding the salary expectations, cost of living, housing prices, and school quality in La Crescenta, CA is essential. The following guide provides a detailed overview to help you evaluate whether living in La Crescenta aligns with your financial goals and lifestyle priorities.

Average Salary In La Crescenta CA

La Crescenta residents benefit from proximity to the greater Los Angeles job market, which offers a wide range of opportunities in entertainment, technology, healthcare, education, and professional services. While exact figures vary by source and year, salaries in La Crescenta generally trend higher than national averages due to the elevated regional cost of living.

Below is an illustrative overview of typical income levels in and around La Crescenta, CA. These numbers are approximate and can change over time, but they offer a useful benchmark for planning.

Income Metric (La Crescenta CA Area) Estimated Amount (Annual)
Median Household Income $105,000 – $125,000
Average Individual Income $55,000 – $70,000
Typical Professional Salary (Mid-Career) $80,000 – $120,000
Typical Tech / Engineering Roles $100,000 – $150,000+
Typical Healthcare & Education Roles $70,000 – $110,000

Higher local salaries in La Crescenta, CA help offset elevated housing and living costs, but it is still important for new residents to budget carefully. Many households rely on two incomes, especially if they are aiming to purchase a home in the neighborhood.

Cost Of Living In La Crescenta CA

The overall cost of living in La Crescenta, CA is significantly above the national average, reflecting its status as a sought-after suburb in the Los Angeles region. Housing is the largest contributor to higher costs, but transportation, groceries, and services can also be more expensive than in many other parts of the country.

The following chart summarizes how La Crescenta’s cost of living often compares with national benchmarks (with the U.S. average indexed at 100).

Category La Crescenta CA Index U.S. Average Index
Overall Cost Of Living 150 – 165 100
Housing 200 – 230 100
Transportation 130 – 145 100
Groceries 115 – 125 100
Healthcare 105 – 115 100
Utilities 100 – 110 100

In practical terms, this means that daily life in La Crescenta, CA can be considerably more expensive than in many U.S. cities. However, residents often consider the higher prices worthwhile due to the combination of safety, school quality, and convenient access to Glendale, Pasadena, Burbank, and downtown Los Angeles.

When planning your move to La Crescenta, it is wise to factor in not only rent or mortgage payments, but also commuting costs, childcare (if needed), and local property taxes and insurance premiums, which can be higher due to elevated home values.

Average Home Values And Rents In La Crescenta CA

Real estate in La Crescenta, CA is highly competitive, driven by limited inventory, attractive hillside neighborhoods, and the strong reputation of local schools. As a result, home prices and rents have risen steadily over the past decade.

The table below highlights typical price ranges for homes and rentals in La Crescenta, CA. These are approximate, as markets change quickly and specific properties may fall outside these ranges.

Housing Metric (La Crescenta CA) Estimated Price / Rent
Median Single-Family Home Value $1,100,000 – $1,300,000
Entry-Level Single-Family Homes $900,000 – $1,050,000
Larger / Updated Homes $1,300,000 – $1,800,000+
Typical 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent $1,900 – $2,400 per month
Typical 2-Bedroom Apartment Or Small House Rent $2,600 – $3,300 per month
Typical 3-Bedroom House Rent $3,500 – $4,500+ per month

Homeownership in La Crescenta, CA typically requires a strong income and substantial down payment. Many buyers are long-term residents or professionals moving from other high-cost Los Angeles neighborhoods. For renters, the local market can be tight, so beginning your search early and working with a knowledgeable local agent can be advantageous.

Best Neighborhoods In La Crescenta CA

Although La Crescenta is a relatively compact community, it includes a variety of micro-neighborhoods and streets that offer different blends of views, lot sizes, and access to amenities. Overall, La Crescenta, CA is known for quiet residential streets, mountain backdrops, and a small-town feel despite its proximity to the city.

Some of the most desirable areas and features within La Crescenta include:

Neighborhood / Area Key Features
Upper La Crescenta (Foothill Areas) Attractive hillside homes, mountain views, quieter streets, close to hiking trails and outdoor recreation.
Briggs Terrace Area Tree-lined streets, larger lots in some sections, convenient access to top-rated local schools and parks.
Two Strike Park Vicinity Popular with families due to park access, playgrounds, and relative proximity to shopping and services.
Bordering Montrose And Glendale Easy access to Montrose Shopping Park, restaurants, boutique shops, and major commuting routes.

When exploring the best neighborhoods in La Crescenta, CA, many residents prioritize school attendance boundaries, walkability to parks, and breeze access from the foothills. Working with a local real estate professional familiar with street-by-street nuances can help you find a neighborhood that aligns with your budget and lifestyle expectations.

Schools In La Crescenta CA

One of the primary reasons families choose La Crescenta is its reputation for excellent public schools and strong community involvement. La Crescenta, CA is served by the Glendale Unified School District, which is known for high academic performance, diverse programs, and well-maintained campuses.

Below is an overview of some well-regarded schools serving the La Crescenta community. Ratings and programs may change, so it is always advisable to verify current details directly with the district.

School Level Notable Highlights
Crescenta Valley High School High School Strong academics, competitive athletics, numerous clubs, and a longstanding reputation for excellence.
Rosemont Middle School Middle School Popular with local families, offers a range of advanced courses, arts, and extracurricular options.
Monte Vista Elementary School Elementary School Highly regarded for academic performance, community support, and enrichment programs.
Valley View Elementary School Elementary School Well-regarded neighborhood school with a focus on core academics and student support.
Fremont Elementary School Elementary School Another strong option within the Glendale Unified School District serving parts of La Crescenta.

Access to top-rated schools in La Crescenta, CA is a major driver of housing demand, since many buyers and renters prioritize staying within certain attendance zones. This connection between schools and real estate partly explains the higher home values and competitive rental market.

Living In La Crescenta CA Balancing Salary And Lifestyle

Choosing to live in La Crescenta, CA means balancing higher salaries and strong local amenities against a significantly elevated cost of living. Professionals working in nearby employment centers often find that La Crescenta offers an ideal blend of suburban tranquility, excellent schools, and outdoor recreation, all within commuting distance of major Los Angeles business hubs.

For prospective residents, the key is to carefully evaluate how your income level, housing expectations, and family needs align with local costs. Securing a salary that reflects the Los Angeles-area market, budgeting for housing and transportation, and considering long-term goals such as homeownership and education will help you decide if La Crescenta is the right fit.

Ultimately, many who settle in La Crescenta, CA feel that the investment is worth it. The community’s safe neighborhoods, high-performing schools, and foothill charm create a quality of life that continues to attract new residents seeking a stable and appealing place to call home in the greater Los Angeles area.

Frequently Asked Questions About Living in La Crescenta, CA

What is La Crescenta, CA like as a place to live?

La Crescenta is a quiet, predominantly residential community nestled in the foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains. Residents appreciate its suburban feel, low crime rates, and strong sense of community. The area is known for tree-lined streets, well-maintained homes, and access to hiking trails and outdoor recreation, while still being within commuting distance of downtown Los Angeles, Burbank, and Pasadena.

How are the schools in La Crescenta?

La Crescenta is served primarily by the Glendale Unified School District and is widely regarded for its strong public schools. Many of the local elementary, middle, and high schools receive high ratings for academic performance, college preparation, and extracurricular offerings. This reputation makes the area particularly attractive to families seeking quality public education options without moving far from the Los Angeles metropolitan area.

What is the cost of living in La Crescenta?

The cost of living in La Crescenta is higher than the national average and above many other parts of Los Angeles County. Housing is the largest expense, with home prices and rents reflecting the area’s desirable schools, safety, and location. Other living costs—such as groceries, transportation, and utilities—are generally in line with greater Los Angeles norms. Prospective residents should be prepared for a competitive housing market and budget accordingly.

What kinds of amenities and services are available in La Crescenta?

La Crescenta offers a range of everyday amenities, including grocery stores, cafes, restaurants, fitness centers, and local shops along major corridors such as Foothill Boulevard. Residents also have access to parks, sports fields, and community facilities, as well as nearby medical offices and clinics. For larger shopping centers, specialty services, and entertainment venues, many people visit nearby cities such as Glendale, La Cañada Flintridge, and Pasadena, which are a short drive away.

How is the commute and transportation in and around La Crescenta?

La Crescenta is primarily a car-dependent community, with most residents driving for work, school, and errands. The area has convenient access to the 210 Freeway, making commutes to Pasadena, Burbank, and parts of Los Angeles relatively straightforward, though traffic can be heavy during peak hours. Public transportation options are more limited compared to denser urban areas, but there are regional bus routes that connect to neighboring communities and transit hubs.

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