Rowland Heights is part of LA County, but it is not an area with the extensive subway and bus connections that we think of in downtown LA.

It is a suburban city developed around residential areas, so most residents use cars. In fact, daily activities such as grocery shopping, going to the doctor, dropping kids off at school, and visiting restaurants are mostly done by car.

On the other hand, if you use a car, the road accessibility is quite good. The I-60 freeway connects east and west, making it convenient to travel between downtown LA and the Inland Empire, and the nearby CA-57 freeway makes it easy to head toward Orange County. In particular, the interchange of the 60 and 57 freeways near Diamond Bar serves as an important transportation hub for eastern Southern California.

Of course, it's not all advantages. During weekday rush hours from 7 to 9 AM and 4 to 7 PM, traffic congestion can be quite severe. Even if the distance to your destination isn't far, there are many days when it takes longer than expected. As a result, residents in this area have made checking traffic conditions with navigation systems almost a daily habit.

Public transportation has its limitations. While LA Metro buses and Foothill Transit buses do operate in some areas, the intervals between buses are long, and transfers can be frequent. Most importantly, Rowland Heights does not have a Metro subway or light rail station, making it time-consuming to rely solely on buses for commuting or daily life.

Ride-hailing services like Uber and Lyft can be quite convenient when needed. They can be effectively used for trips to nearby shopping centers, hospitals, or Metro stations. However, if you rely on them for daily commuting or grocery shopping, the costs can quickly add up, making it a less economical choice in the long run.

Some people consider biking, but Rowland Heights has quite a few gentle hills and insufficient bike lanes. While biking is possible for exercise or short distances, the environment is somewhat lacking for it to be a practical mode of transportation for daily life.

Therefore, it is common in this neighborhood for each adult to own a car. Many households with couples operate two vehicles. If you are planning to buy a car as you start your life in the U.S., Rowland Heights can be a very convenient neighborhood.

Ultimately, Rowland Heights is a typical suburban city in Southern California designed around car-centric living. While it can be quite inconvenient without a car, having one allows for relatively easy access to LA, Orange County, and the Inland Empire. When choosing this area, it is realistic to consider not only home prices and school districts but also your plans for vehicle maintenance.