Los Angeles metro, CA relocation guide
Moving to Gardena, CA
About Gardena
Gardena is a South Bay city nicknamed the "Freeway City" (motto: "The City of Opportunity!"), incorporated in 1930 and home to about 61,000 residents (2020 census). Housing is mostly mid-century single-family ranch homes on modest lots plus apartments and condos; 2020 census put owner-occupancy at about 47%. Major employers include Nissin Foods (U.S. headquarters and plant), UPS, and Gardena Memorial Hospital.
Home prices in Gardena
The median listing price in Gardena is $799k.
Top places in Gardena
- Gardena Willows Wetland Preserve — 13.6-acre remnant of the Dominguez Slough with a perimeter trail, overlook deck, and zigzag bridge.
- Gardena Valley Japanese Cultural Institute — hub of the city's Japanese American community with classes, senior programs, and cultural events.
- Rowley Memorial Park — the city's flagship park: splash pad, skate plaza, sports fields, playgrounds, and the annual July 4th fireworks show.
- Mas Fukai Park — park with Japanese gardens, koi ponds, waterfalls, bridges, and a tea house.
- Gardena Mayme Dear Library — LA County library branch dedicated in 1964, renamed for a library volunteer in 1992.
- James R. Armstrong Theatre — city performing-arts venue hosting concerts, plays, and dance.
- Gardena Bowling Center — retro family bowling alley (TripAdvisor.
- Gardena Heritage Museum — exhibits on the city's history and culture.
Commuting from Gardena
- Approximately 25–40 minutes driving to downtown LA via I-110 (Harbor Freeway) north in light traffic; rush hour is typically longer (approximate).
- Metro J Line bus rapid transit runs on the Harbor Transitway along I-110 to downtown LA, with stations adjacent to Gardena (e.g., Rosecrans station area).
- Metro C Line (Green) light rail's Vermont/Athens station sits just north of Gardena's border.
- City-operated GTrans buses provide local service (per Wikipedia, read September 24, 2026).
Schools in Gardena
Public schools: Los Angeles Unified School District. For enrollment and performance data, see the state report card in Town links below. Confirm school assignment for any address directly with the district.
Gardena FAQs
- What is the housing market like in Gardena, CA?
The median listing price in Gardena is $799k. Median listing home price (162 active listings; $473/sq ft; median 68 days on market) · Realtor.com · 2026-09-24 - How is the commute from Gardena, CA?
Approximately 25–40 minutes driving to downtown LA via I-110 (Harbor Freeway) north in light traffic; rush hour is typically longer (approximate). - Which school district serves Gardena, CA?
Gardena is served by Los Angeles Unified School District. See the state report card in Town links, and confirm school assignment for a specific address with the district.
Town links
Schools
Transit
Official town resources. School report cards via the National Center for Education Statistics.