Nestled at the foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains, South Pasadena is an oasis from the hustle and bustle of downtown Los Angeles.
Historic buildings, luscious landscapes, and California sunshine – these are some of the things that make living in South Pasadena a dream come true. The “City of Trees” is known for its gorgeous homes, unique small businesses, and excellent schools.
Homebuyers considering purchasing a property in South Pasadena can look forward to weekends at the local parks, dining out in sumptuous restaurants, and visiting popular attractions in the area.
Photo by Thought Catalog on Unsplash
Small-Town Charm in a Big City
One of the best things about living in South Pasadena, CA, is it offers a perfect mix of big-city amenities, small-town charm, and close proximity to nature. Residents have access to many shopping and dining options, historical sites, and outdoor recreation.
This amazing suburb is very clean, safe, and has an inclusive environment. Neighbors feel a sense of belonging within a tight-knit community. The downtown area offers a cozy hub where everyone knows everyone and local businesses and events keep things lively.
Top-Tier Education
Families with school-age children are provided with excellent education by the Pasadena Unified School District (PUSD). It serves roughly 16,700 students in Pasadena, Altadena, Sierra Madre, and the unincorporated parts of Los Angeles County.
Within the district, there are 19 elementary schools, 7 middle schools, 4 high schools, 1 continuation school, and 1 alternative independent study school. Academic programs include STEM, Math Academy, arts education, gifted student programs, and special education.
There are four theme-based magnet schools (arts, dual language, elementary STEM, and technology). Higher learning opportunities are offered by Pasadena City College, California Institute of Technology (Caltech), Fuller Theological Seminary, and Art Center College of Design.
Photo by Jessica Furtney on Unsplash
Architectural Beauty
The architecture in South Pasadena reflects the city’s rich cultural heritage and contemporary artistic vision with a unique blend of historic and modern styles. Its historic architecture features Victorian, Craftsman, Tudor, Bungalow, and Spanish Colonial Revival styles.
Homebuyers can choose from plenty of home options, from storied bungalows and Craftsman-style dwellings from the 1920s to new construction South Pasadena apartments and condos. Many homes in the area provide stunning views of Los Angeles.
For those who would prefer South Pasadena rentals, there are beautiful luxury homes available for lease in the area. Being a historic city, you can find homes originally constructed in the early 1900s meticulously remodeled to provide modern conveniences.
A Community That Cares
South Pasadenans belong to a close-knit community where everyone knows everyone, and residents are proactive in efforts to maintain the safety and well-being of this city they call home.
Campaigns like “Authentically Yours, Pasadena” aim to support small and independent locally-owned businesses during the holiday season. Such an effort encourages residents and visitors to promote economic growth, job creation, and community cohesion.
Last June, the campaign “All Are Welcome in Pasadena” was launched to celebrate Pride month and communicate to travelers from around the world that this vibrant and diverse community is a welcoming and safe destination for LGBTQ+ and ally communities.
Several more activities happen in South Pasadena to bring the members of the community together and strengthen their ties. Indeed, this place provides a warm and welcoming environment where one can feel at home.
Photo by Ignacio Brosa on Unsplash
Parks and Green Spaces
South Pasadena features almost 100 acres of parks, offering residents numerous opportunities to enjoy the outdoors and stay active.
Here’s a list of the parks and recreational facilities you must visit when you’re in the area, along with their respective amenities:
Arroyo Park
- BBQ
- Picnic Area
- Playground
- Five Lighted Baseball Diamonds
- Four Lighted Soccer Fields
- A Skate Park
- Batting Cages
- A Golf Course
- Miniature Golf
- A Driving Range
- Horse Stables
Arroyo Seco Golf Course
- 18-Hole Par 3 Course
- Full Driving Range
- 9-Hole Miniature Golf Course
- Putting Chipping Practice Areas
Edie Park
- The Historic Eddie House
- An Open Lawn Area
- Small Play Area
Garfield Park
- Playground
- Two Lighted Tennis Courts
- Picnic Areas
- Groomed Parkland
- Horseshoe Pits
- A Rose Garden
- The Children’s Memorial and Healing Garden
- Youth House
Orange Grove Park
- Lighted Softball Fields
- Lighted Soccer Fields
- Two Lighted Tennis Courts
- Playground
- Picnic Area
Photo by Alex Haney on Unsplash
Culinary Delights
The culinary scene in South Pasadena is incredibly diverse, offering everything from chicken wings and onion rings to Thai-Mexican fusion dishes.
Here are some of the best places to visit for a great gastronomic experience when you’re in the area:
Convenient Transportation
South Pasadena is served by several public transportation options, making it easy to commute without having to own and maintain a car.
Metro Gold Line and Metro Bus systems provide service within the South Pasadena city limits and also connect to other parts of Los Angeles County. In addition, the Metro Gold Line also offers light rail service between Azusa and East LA, with stops in South Pasadena.
Metrolink trains offer transportation services from South Pasadena to downtown Los Angeles and other cities throughout Southern California.
All these modes of public transportation are reasonably priced and provide convenient access to all points within the greater Los Angeles area.
Photo by Stephen Goldberg on Unsplash
Safety and Peace of Mind
Is South Pasadena safe? Yes, it is a relatively safe city when it comes to crime. The violent crime rate in South Pasadena is 9.6, significantly lower than the national average of 22.7.
In terms of property crime rate, South Pasadena is at 33.8, which is slightly lower compared to the national average of 35.4.
If you are considering moving to South Pasadena, this is definitely a place where you can feel safe and secure.
Cultural Richness
Everywhere you go in the city of South Pasadena, you’ll be reminded of its rich history and heritage. Historic buildings surround Mission Street and Meridian Avenue, with over 40 properties designated as city landmarks.
Here are some of the popular historic places of local importance in South Pasadena worth visiting:
- Adobe Flores and Cactus Garden
- Oaklawn Bridge and Waiting Station
- South Pasadena War Memorial Building
- Garfield Residence
- South Pasadena Bank Building
- South Pasadena Public Library
- The Clokey Oak Tree
- St. James Episcopal Church
- Century House
- Torrance-Childs House
Community Events
With a thriving arts and music scene, there’s always something new to do and see in South Pasadena!
The weekly Concerts in the Park series in Garfield Park is always a hit during summer. Quarterly Arts Crawls is a popular “neighborhood-night-on-the-town” series of events where businesses stay open late on a Saturday and offer special activities.
The annual Eclectic Music Festival & Arts Crawl is a one-of-a-kind grassroots event that features arts of all genres to town. Other treasured annual celebrations include the Fourth of July Parade, the Festival of Balloons, and the Tournament of Roses Parade.
Conclusion
There you have it – the 10 reasons why I love living in South Pasadena! And I’d love to show you the many beautiful homes waiting for you here.
If you’re looking for the perfect neighborhood where you can feel part of a close-knit community, have access to big city amenities yet live in a calm and relaxed setting, and enjoy the outdoors after a hectic day, give me a call!
You may contact me at (626) 437-6800 or Derek@SouthPasadenaHomes.com so we can start discussing your options in this lovely location!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is South Pasadena known for?
The “City of Trees” is known for its gorgeous homes, historic buildings, luscious landscapes, unique small businesses, excellent schools, and California sunshine.
What are the recreational options in South Pasadena?
South Pasadena features almost 100 acres of parks, offering numerous opportunities for residents to enjoy the outdoors and stay active. Some of the parks and recreational facilities in the area include Arroyo Park, Arroyo Seco Golf Course, Edie Park, Garfield Park, and Orange Grove Park.
What is the public transportation like in South Pasadena?
The residents of South Pasadena are served by several public transportation options, making it easy to commute without having to own and maintain a car.
