Pasadena has several neighborhoods. Pasadena’s best 3 neighborhoods for newcomers offer low crime rates, well-preserved historic homes, and large property sizes.
What should I know about Pasadena’s neighborhoods?
South Lake District in Pasadena is one of the most sought-after neighborhoods. This Pasadena neighborhood is known for its historic architecture, large homes, trendy shops, and proximity to CalTech. Another great Pasadena neighborhood is the Bungalow Heaven Historic District, which features many well-preserved bungalow-style homes from the early 20th century. The Old Pasadena neighborhood is another popular area known for its lofts, condos, and modern apartment complexes.
Ask your Pasadena realtor for neighborhood suggestions based on your specific needs.
Old Pasadena neighborhood
Overview of Old Town Pasadena: Old Pasadena, often called “Old Town,” is a vibrant and bustling district. It’s the historic heart of Pasadena with lots of entertainment options, restaurants, and shops. Old Town Pasadena has been revitalized to restore the historic district to its former glory. Many historic buildings have been restored and preserved to their original condition.
The facades of the buildings in Old Town Pasadena have been restored to their original colors and designs, and many of the original architectural details have been preserved. Many brick buildings in Downtown Pasadena still have their original brickwork, ornate cornices, and decorative moldings.
Housing in Old Town Pasadena: Expect to find a mix of historic buildings converted into chic lofts and modern apartment complexes. The charm here lies in the rich architectural details and the sense of living in a part of Pasadena’s storied past.
Amenities in Old Town Pasadena: The main attractions in Old Town are shopping and restaurants. You’ll find a mix of restaurants, ranging from large-chain restaurants to small mom and pops and trendy vegan options. If you prefer traveling via public transportation, the Gold Line Metro (Del Mar station) is nearby. There are also a few dance venues and sports bars on Colorado Blvd.
Bungalow Heaven neighborhood
Overview of Bungalow Heaven: Pasadena’s Bungalow Heaven is named for its Craftsman-style homes, many of which were built in the early 20th century. This Pasadena neighborhood is very affordable. Some homes are duplexes. Many homes in Bungalow Heaven have large backyards.
Housing in Bungalow Heaven: Bungalow Heaven is predominantly filled with bungalows. The homes feature broad front porches, overhanging eaves, and intricate woodwork. Bungalow Heaven is lined with large, old trees. Many homes also have mature orange, lemon, and avocado trees.
Amenities in Bungalow Heaven: Bungalow Heaven has K-12 schools, grocery stores, restaurants, a post office, and public parks. It is about a 10-minute drive from Old Town Pasadena.
South Lake Avenue neighborhood
Overview of South Lake Avenue: Pasadena’s South Lake Avenue is a commercial and residential district. South Lake Avenue is one of the more expensive areas of Pasadena and borders San Marino. Caltech is about a 5-minute walk from South Lake Avenue.
Housing in the South Lake Ave neighborhood: Modern condominiums and upscale apartments are prominent here. Many residences offer views of the San Gabriel Mountains. The homes are large with expansive lot sizes. There are also apartment buildings on Hudson Street, a block from South Lake Avenue. The apartments on Hudson Street are more affordable.
Amenities in the South Lake Ave neighborhood: The shopping district of South Lake Avenue is filled with upscale boutiques and restaurants. With Caltech nearby, there’s also a distinct intellectual vibe. South Lake Avenue has an interesting Financial District area with several banking institutions. You can access the 210 freeway via the Lake Avenue exit.
Finding Your Perfect Pasadena Neighborhood: Questions to Ask Yourself
Lifestyle: Do you prioritize walkability, nightlife, or a quiet, residential ambiance?
Housing Preference: Are you leaning towards a modern apartment, a historic loft, a Craftsman-style bungalow, or perhaps a traditional family home?
Budget: How flexible is your housing budget, and which neighborhoods offer the best value for your desired living style?
Commute: Are you dependent on public transportation, and how close do you need to be to major transport hubs or freeways?
Amenities: What’s your ideal mix of local amenities? Are gyms, parks, schools, or specific shops a must-have?
Culture & Events: Do you seek local cultural venues, arts scenes, or neighborhood events? How often do you participate?
Safety: What’s the crime rate like? Are there neighborhood watch groups or other community safety initiatives?
Education: What are the local schools like if you have or plan to have children? Are there options for both public and private education?
Community Engagement: How active and tight-knit is the community? Are there clubs, organizations, or regular community gatherings?
Future Development: Are there any future development plans for the area? This could affect property values, noise levels, and the overall feel of the neighborhood.
Outdoor & Recreation: Are parks, hiking trails, or other recreational spots nearby? How important is this to your lifestyle?
Healthcare Facilities: Are there hospitals, clinics, and pharmacies within a comfortable distance?
Pet-Friendly: If you have pets, are pet-friendly parks or amenities nearby? How pet-friendly are most properties in the area?
Dining & Nightlife: Do you want various dining options close to home? How important is the nightlife scene to you?
Local History & Landmarks: Are there historical sites or landmarks in the neighborhood? Some people love the charm that these add to an area.
Need more Pasadena neighborhood options?
Pasadena has more than 10 distinct neighborhoods. Here is an expanded list of Pasadena neighborhoods:
Playhouse District (just east of Old Town Pasadena)
Madison Heights (southeast of Old Town Pasadena)
Garfield Heights
Orange Heights
Lamanda Park
San Rafael Hills (west Pasadena)
Hastings Ranch (east Pasadena)
Linda Vista (west Pasadena, north of the Rose Bowl, and near ArtCenter College of Design)
Oak Knoll
Arroyo Seco (west Pasadena near the Rose Bowl and borders Altadena)
Annandale (east Pasadena, borders San Marino)
Chapman Woods (east Pasadena)
Pasadena offers diverse neighborhoods catering to a variety of lifestyles. Using this guide and checklist, newcomers can find a neighborhood that meets their needs. Ask your Pasadena realtor for neighborhood suggestions based on your specific needs.
