Duarte, California · Community guide
Home of the City of Hope
A resident's-eye look at what it costs to live here, where to live, and what the market is actually doing right now.
By the numbers
Market snapshot
Frequently Asked Questions About Duarte Real Estate
What is Duarte like, and is it a good place to live?
Duarte is a small foothill city on the I-210, between Monrovia and Bradbury at the base of the San Gabriel Mountains — best known as home to City of Hope, the nationally recognized medical and research center. It offers a lower cost of entry into the San Gabriel Valley's foothill lifestyle than neighbors like Monrovia or Arcadia, without giving up mountain views or freeway access.
How much does a home cost in Duarte?
Figures range from about $735,000 to $800,000 depending on the tracker and metric (see Fig. 1), with per-square-foot pricing generally in the high $400s to low $500s. Homes in Royal Oaks, north of Huntington Drive, tend to price above the citywide figures.
What are the best neighborhoods in Duarte?
Royal Oaks — north of Huntington Drive; larger lots, updated homes, some of Duarte's strongest resale values. Mount Olive / foothill-adjacent streets — closer to the mountains, popular for hiking access. Central Duarte — convenient to Huntington Drive shopping and the 210.
What is the Duarte housing market like, and how long do homes take to sell?
Duarte is described as "somewhat competitive," with inventory thin — often under 15 active listings citywide — which can make well-priced homes move quickly. Days-on-market improved across 2026, from roughly 51 days to 41 days (see Fig. 3), and the city trades at a real discount to the broader LA County median (see Fig. 2).
Is Duarte good for families, and what schools serve the area?
Yes, particularly for families prioritizing affordability and outdoor access. Most of Duarte is served by Duarte Unified School District, a small six-school district that also serves Bradbury and parts of southern Monrovia, including Royal Oaks Elementary/STEAM Academy and Duarte High School.
What should buyers and sellers know before making a move in Duarte?
Buyers: Duarte offers meaningfully lower entry pricing than Monrovia or Arcadia — worth comparing directly; inventory runs thin, so be ready to move on well-priced listings. Sellers: highlight mountain views, lot size, and proximity to City of Hope and the 210; updated kitchens and baths tend to outperform "as-is" listings here.
Is now a good time to buy in Duarte?
With prices below neighboring Monrovia and Arcadia and inventory still limited, Duarte can offer relative value for buyers willing to act quickly on well-priced listings.
What is the property tax rate in Duarte?
Like the rest of Los Angeles County, Duarte properties are generally subject to California's base 1% property tax rate plus local voter-approved assessments, which can push the effective rate somewhat higher depending on the specific parcel.
Is Duarte near public transit?
Yes — Duarte has its own Metro A Line station, Duarte/City of Hope, providing direct light rail access toward Pasadena and Downtown Los Angeles.
What is the commute like from Duarte to Los Angeles?
Duarte sits directly on the I-210 Foothill Freeway, putting Downtown LA roughly 20–25 miles and typically 30–45 minutes away by car outside peak traffic, with Metro A Line rail service as an alternative.
Who should I contact to buy or sell a home in Duarte?
Randy at Seven Gables Real Estate specializes in Duarte and the surrounding San Gabriel Valley communities. Get in touch for a no-obligation conversation about your goals.