Monrovia, California

About Monrovia, California

Monrovia is one of the oldest towns in the San Gabriel Valley, located about 15 miles northeast of Los Angeles.

Monrovia is known today for its quaint historic downtown area and its picturesque residential neighborhoods. It also has a strong presence in the media, with several television and motion picture studios located in the city. Monrovia is also home to many educational institutions, including a number of elementary and secondary schools, as well as two colleges.

The city’s economy is based on the service, education, retail, and manufacturing industries.

History

It was founded in 1886 when lots in the city first went up for sale. The city was named after Monrovia, Liberia, which a group of American settlers in 1824 had founded. A group of successful men in the banking and railroad industries settled in what is today Monrovia in the 1880s.

The first Immaculate Conception Parish was laid in 1905 by the Right Reverend Thomas F Conaty, Bishop of Monterey and Los Angeles. In 1926, a young, aspiring immigrant from Denmark, Harry E. Rosedale Sr., opened the Monrovia Nursery Co. on a 10-acre plot in Monrovia.

And in 1995, Monrovia received the All-American City award from the National Civic League.

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Demographic

Colleges

Mt. Sierra College

101 Huntington Dr, Monrovia, CA 91016

Golden State University

604 Parkrose Ave, Monrovia, CA 91016

Points of Interest

Monrovia Friday Night Family Street Fair

Located at 700 S Myrtle Ave #708, Monrovia, CA 91016, the festival closes down three blocks every Friday night from 5 pm to 10 pm. The Fair has food trucks, produce, food stands, bounce houses, craft tables, clothing boutiques, a petting zoo, and other local businesses and residents selling their products.

Monrovia Historical Museum

Located at 742 E Lemon Ave, Monrovia, CA 91016, the museum is open Thursday through Sunday from 1 pm to 4 pm. It offers rotating exhibits focusing on different aspects of the history of Monrovia. One wing has special exhibits about the founding fathers, while another branch has Native American Treasures and fossils. 

Historic Old Town Monrovia

Located at 119 W. Palm Ave, Monrovia, CA, 91016 Old Town has restaurants, cafes, boutiques, and many other local businesses. It’s perfect for tourists and families to walk through.

The Aztec Hotel

Located at 311 W Foothill Blvd, Monrovia, CA 91016,, the hotel is an example of Mayan Revival architecture that still exists today.

Monrovia Canyon Park

Located at 1200 N Canyon Blvd, Monrovia, CA 91016, Monrovia Canyon Park sits on 80 acres with trails that offer residents and tourists a chance to hike, bike, and watch wildlife. There is also a 30-ft waterfall, as well as a nature center.

Notable People

Monrovia has not produced many notable people, but the ones that have come forth bring honor to the small city. 

Musicians

  • Susan Allen (musician)
  • Jim Fuller (musician)
  • Juma Sultan (Jazz musician)

 

Athletics 

  • Corie Blount (basketball player)
  • Shannon Brooks (soccer player)
  • Cisco Carlos (pitcher) 
  • Joe Franco (soccer player)
  • Chris Hale (rugby player) 
  • Ian Johnson (football player)
  • Katie Johnson (soccer player)
  • Tim Joiner (football player)
  • Ellis McCarthy (football player)
  • Ashley Nick (soccer player) 
  • Wayne Nunnely (football coach)
  • Flavien Prat (jockey) 
  • William A. Spinks (billiards)

 

Art

  • Jacalyn Lopez Garcia (digital artist) 

 

Academics

  • Thomas W. Whitaker (horticulturist) 
  • Francis M. Pottenger Jr. (Doctor)

 

Politicians

  • Lara Larramendi Blakely (former mayor)
  • Rob Hammond (former mayor) 
  • Dick Mountjoy ( former mayor) 
  • William A. Pile (politician)

Fun Facts

  • Monrovia is the fourth oldest general law city in LA County.
  • The Tongva settled in the area around 500 BC.
  • Monrovia was incorporated in 1887. Once incorporated,, they passed a law prohibiting the sale of alcohol.
  • The city was named after President James Monroe.
  • Monrovia is a popular filming location for Movies and TV.
    • Never Been Kissed (1999)
    • Not Another Teen Movie (2001)
    • House Party (1990)
    • Legally Blonde (2001)
    • The Conjuring 2 (2016)
    • Christine (1983)
    • Dude Where’s My Car (2000)

FAQs

What movies were filmed in Monrovia, California?

Movies filmed in Monrovia, California, include Never Been Kissed (1999), American Pie (1999), Not Another Teen Movie (2001), Legally Blonde (2001), Bird Box (2018), The Lost World: Jurassic Park (1997), Back to the Future Part II (1989), The Conjuring 2 (2016), Father of the Bride (1991), A Cinderella Story (2004), Christine (1983), Dude, Where’s My Car? (2000), Back to the Future Part III (1990), The Number 23 (2007), and more.

Is Monroe part of LA County?

Monrovia, which is a portion of the San Gabriel Valley and is situated eight miles east of the City of Pasadena in Los Angeles County, is 20 miles northeast of Los Angeles at the foot of the San Gabriel Mountains.

What is the cost of living in Monrovia, California?

Housing costs in Monrovia are 149% more expensive than the national average, and utility costs are 10% more expensive. Gas prices and transportation costs, such as bus fares, are 27% higher than the national average.

What movies were filmed at Monrovia High School?

Movies that were filmed at Monrovia High School include Not Another Teen Movie (2001), Mask (1985), Trojan War (1997), Silence of the Heart (1984), and Between Darkness and the Dawn (1985).

What is the minimum wage in Monrovia, California?

The minimum wage, as of January 1st, 2023, is $15.50 per hour.