South Gate earned its nickname "Azalea City" in the 1960s after hosting one of the largest azalea gardens in the western United States. Located just 7 miles southeast of Downtown Los Angeles, the city offers renters a strategic location with more affordable housing options than many neighboring communities. The city's average rent for a one-bedroom apartment is approximately $1,571, significantly lower than the California state average of $2,179. At the heart of the community lies the expansive 96.8-acre South Gate Park, featuring the South Gate Golf Course, Sports Center Complex, municipal swimming pool, and athletic fields for baseball, soccer, and tennis.

Renters benefit from South Gate's comprehensive transportation network, including direct access to Interstate 710 and multiple Metro bus lines connecting to Downtown LA and surrounding areas. The historic Tweedy Mile shopping district along Tweedy Boulevard serves as the city's vibrant commercial center, stretching for nearly a mile with local shops, markets, and eateries. The housing landscape includes single-family homes, townhouses, and apartment communities throughout the city's 7.4 square miles.

South Gate features nine city parks, multiple shopping centers, and a strong educational foundation with 21 public schools and two parochial schools. The city's location in Los Angeles County's Gateway Cities region puts residents within 25 minutes of downtown Los Angeles, 20 minutes from Long Beach, and 30 minutes from Orange County. Additionally, popular Southern California destinations including Santa Monica Beach, the San Gabriel Mountains, and major theme parks are all within an hour's drive.