For those fortunate to live in this great Southern California city, there are very few reasons, if any, to leave town. Whether to work or play, Arcadia provides a perfect balance of suburban living with the attractions of big urban centers.
Arcadia is a hidden paradise in the San Gabriel Valley, providing its residents with an idyllic balance of all life’s essentials. The city is also within the bounds of other thriving communities like Pasadena, Alhambra, South Pasadena, Temple City, and other areas of the San Gabriel Valley. This is a great place to live because you can shop, eat, work, and play without traveling too far. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a long-time resident, let’s find out how you can shop, eat, work, and play in Arcadia, CA.
WORK
Arcadia, CA, is a hub of opportunities for job seekers looking to enter various industries such as healthcare, retail, and education. Fortunately, because of Arcadia’s diverse range of business sectors, many residents enjoy short commutes to work. Arcadia also has many independent entrepreneurs who find many resources available to them.
Major Employers
USC Arcadia Hospital (formerly Methodist Hospital)
USC Arcadia Hospital is a leading healthcare provider known for its cutting-edge technology and facilities and its dedication to first-rate patient care, offering a range of medical services with an expansive staff of healthcare professionals.
USC Arcadia Hospital
300 Huntington Dr, Arcadia, CA 91007
Santa Anita Park
This racing track is one of the most beloved in the nation, and it’s also a significant employer of many people working in the hospitality and entertainment fields. Not only does this popular venue bring joy to spectators, but it also provides well-paying jobs for community members.
Santa Anita Park
285 W Huntington Dr, Arcadia, CA 91007
Jet Propulsion Laboratory
The Jet Propulsion Laboratory, located in Pasadena and operated by NASA, is another major employer for Arcadians. Boasting groundbreaking research and development into space exploration technologies, JPL offers jobs in the fields of science, technology engineering, and mathematics (STEM). In addition, JPL frequently opens its doors to the public for tours of its facilities and other special events.
JPL
4800 Oak Grove Dr, Pasadena, CA 91109
Westfield Santa Anita
This bustling shopping center is not only home to a diverse range of shops, eateries, and recreational activities; it also provides numerous job opportunities in the retail and hospitality industries.
Westfield Santa Anita
400 S Baldwin Ave, Arcadia, CA 91007
Arcadia Unified School District
The Arcadia Unified School District (AUSD) has earned a reputation for its dedication to quality education and its focus on student achievement. Well-known schools in the district include Arcadia High School, Holly Avenue Elementary School, Baldwin Stocker Elementary School, First Avenue Middle School, and Camino Grove Elementary school. AUSD boasts an extensive team of teachers and staff who offer a variety of programs and resources to ensure successful students.
AUSD District Office
150 S 3rd Ave, Arcadia, CA 91006
For Entrepreneurs in the area
Arcadia’s business-friendly atmosphere has attracted many entrepreneurs who are passionate about their craft. Locals can take advantage of the numerous resources available to start their businesses, such as free guidance and assistance from the Small Business Development Center (SBDC). Furthermore, the city provides grants and loans to help local business owners get their ventures off the ground.
Arcadia Chamber of Commerce and Pasadena Chamber of Commerce
The Chamber of Commerce is a non-profit organization committed to providing comprehensive support and resources to local businesses in the city of Arcadia. They strive to create networking opportunities and host events, initiatives, and other activities that promote business growth and sustainability. Moreover, they serve as a link between businesses and the city’s governing body, advocating on behalf of their members to ensure that their interests are adequately represented when it comes to policy decisions affecting their livelihoods. Two Chamber of Commerce locations is nearby, with the Arcadia and Pasadena branches.
Arcadia Chamber of Commerce
388 W Huntington Dr, Arcadia, CA 91007
Pasadena Chamber of Commerce
44 N Mentor Ave, Pasadena, CA 91106
Small Business Development Center at PCC
The Small Business Development Center at Pasadena City College is an invaluable resource for small business owners and entrepreneurs in the area, offering a wide selection of services to aid with starting, growing, and maximizing success. These services range from providing advice on creating a strong business plan and conducting financial analysis to undertaking market research and helping businesses find their way through the complicated regulations set by state and federal governments while also connecting them with much-needed funding.
Small Business Development Center at PCC
3035 E Foothill Blvd #122, Pasadena, CA 91107
Onboard Coworking
Folks from all walks of life, from independent entrepreneurs to those who just need a quiet space to do their work, can find it at Onboard Coworking. This coworking center offers various workspace layouts, including shared desks, office space, and meeting rooms. They also offer event spaces that you can rent for a few hours or the whole day.
Onboard Coworking
9650 Telstar Ave Unit A, El Monte, CA 91731
SCORE Mentors
SCORE Mentors is a program that lends a helping hand to small business owners and entrepreneurs by providing counseling, mentoring, and workshops. At this organization, you can access the wisdom of experienced professionals who volunteer their time and knowledge for your success.
SCORE Mentors East San Gabriel
2648 E Workman Ave #267, West Covina, CA 91791
eastsangabrielvalley.score.org
SHOP
Arcadia is the perfect spot for a shopping spree. With its wide variety of stores, you can find everything from clothing, accessories, home goods, electronics, books, and more. Whether it’s local boutiques or national retailers, Arcadia and its neighbor, Pasadena, are certainly not shopping deserts. Here are a few places where you can get your shopping fix.
The Shops at Santa Anita
The Shops at Santa Anita are your one-stop shop for fashion and lifestyle shopping needs. An inviting atmosphere awaits you here, with a plethora of stores housing the most recent trends, from popular retailers to department stores. Some of the stores you’ll find at Santa Anita are Nordstrom, Macy’s, Old Navy, See’s Candys, JC Penny, and many others.
The Shops at Santa Anita
400 S Baldwin Ave, Arcadia, CA 91007
The Shops on Lake Avenue
Just a short drive away, you can find The Shops on South Lake Avenue in Pasadena. The popular street corridor features an array of shops and restaurants, including national retailers like Macy’s, TJ Maxx, and Ross, as well as trendy boutiques. The area also features a lot of business spaces and gets quite busy during the lunch hour.
The Shops on Lake Avenue
345 S Lake Ave, Pasadena, CA 91101
merlonegeier.propertycapsule.com/properties/theshopsonlakeavenue
Paseo Colorado
Not far from The Shop is Paseo, Colorado. Paseo Colorado is an open-air multi-level mall with various stores and restaurants. You’ll find popular stores like H & M, Bath & Body Works, and DSW. The Paseo also features an Arclight Cinema if you want to catch a good movie. There are plenty of restaurants if you work up an appetite after a full day of shopping. You’ll find popular options like El Cholo Cafe, The Yardhouse, and Tokyo Wako.
Paseo Colorado
280 E Colorado Blvd, Pasadena, CA 91101
EAT
Arcadia has a variety of delicious dining options to explore. Whether you’re in the mood for classic American cuisine or an international flavor, Arcadia’s restaurants are sure to have something that will tantalize your taste buds.
Din Tai Fung
Din Tai Fung is a renowned Chinese restaurant chain that began in Taiwan and has since expanded globally. They’re best known for their delectable xiaolongbao (steamed dumplings). Xiaolongbao consists of steamed buns filled with vegetables or meat and a savory broth within a thin flour wrapping. Beyond their famous steamed buns, they also offer other Asian delicacies such as noodles, fried rice, and veggie plates. As for the restaurant’s interior decor, every location has a modern and elegant feel.
Din Tai Fung
400 S Baldwin Ave #M5, Arcadia, CA 91007
The Derby
The Derby is a beloved local institution renowned for its classic American cuisine and vintage atmosphere. Once you step into the Derby, you’ll experience a vintage luxurious American experience with classic dark-wood paneling and leather booths. As far as the menu, you’ll have traditional dishes, everything from steak and seafood to salads and sandwiches, plus other delectables.
The Derby
233 E Huntington Dr, Arcadia, CA 91006
Bistro La Gare
Bistro La Gare is a French restaurant in South Pasadena, CA. The restaurant serves classic French dishes, such as escargot, coq au vin, and bouillabaisse. The atmosphere is charming and intimate, with rustic decor and soft lighting, creating a cozy and romantic ambiance. There’s also a great selection of wine to pair with the food, making it a perfect place for a date night or special occasion.
Bistro De La Gare
921 Meridian Ave, South Pasadena, CA 91030
Arcadia, CA, is an ideal destination for both work and play. The city boasts a wide range of employment opportunities in diverse industries, with short commutes that make it easy to get to work. And with numerous resources available, entrepreneurs have plenty of support to open and grow their businesses. Shoppers can find anything they need at the many stores, malls, and specialty shops nearby, and there is certainly no shortage of delicious eats.