Covina

Located in the San Gabriel Valley about 20 miles east of downtown Los Angeles, don’t confuse Covina with the larger West Covina that sits on the other side of the I-10 freeway. Covina is near Azusa, Charter Oak, Glendora and San Dimas right between the 210 and I-10 freeways.

This is a middle to lower middle class community with blue-collar roots, which offers affordable housing but has a mixed reputation as far as schools and safety are concerned. In the last 20 years or so, neighborhoods have changed quite a bit. Many are run down and gang activity has increased quite a bit. Overall, not the most desirable place to live in the San Gabriel Valley and for my money, West Covina is a bit better.

Regarding education, schools are not highly rated and have never been considered very reputable. For anyone considering moving to Covina, with young children, they may want to think about this.

Again, housing is affordable, but most homes are older tract homes. However, Citrus Walk in downtown Covina is a new development offering affordable townhomes all within walking distance to local shops, restaurants, the library and Heritage Park which has recently been restored. Nearby, you will find the Covina Park, the city’s flagship park. This large recreational area is a great place to walk and also offers basketball courts, pools, playground and concerts during the summer.

Public transportation is very popular in Covina. A Metrolink station provides service to downtown Los Angeles (as well as to San Bernardino with many stops in between). Also located here is the Covina Bikestation, which, for a small monthly fee, riders can lock up their bicycles in a module 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Covina has seen better days. Unfortunately, crime and gang activity as well as a below average school district make this a not so inviting place to live.