Pasadena is a city in the Los Angeles County of California probably best known for hosting the Rose Bowl football game and the annual Tournament of Roses Parade on New Year’s Day. It is estimated that over 500,000 roses are used in each Rose Parade! It is located 10 miles North East of downtown Los Angeles and is bordered by San Marino, South Pasadena, Highland Park, Altadena, Arcadia, San Gabriel, Eagle Rock, Sierra Madre, La Canada Flintridge and Temple City.
Pasadena is known as a repository of Los Angeles area history. It is one of the earliest Los Angeles area cities to be settled and is best known for its passion for historic preservation. With a collection of character homes – Victorian and American Gothic, Craftsman, Bungalow, Spanish, English Tudor – and Pasadeneans passionate to bringing out the beauty long forgotten, Pasadena stands apart from its Westside neighbors.
Located well within the Greater Los Angeles metropolis, Pasadena is a jewel in the San Gabriel Valley. Pasadena has gained a high-profile image throughout Southern California due to its broad economic base, noted cultural, scientific, and educational institutions, and shopping and dining establishments that attract customers from the region. This along with Pasadena’s many fine examples of architecture, and wealthy neighborhoods, provide Pasadena with a prominence enjoyed by few cities in the Los Angeles area.
Pasadena covers approximately 22.5 square miles, with an average of ten residents per acre. Pasadena has 320 miles (515 kilometers) of streets. Pasadena’s population is about 150,000.
History of Pasadena
The land now famous for the Tournament of Roses, the Rose Bowl, the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, and California Institute of Technology, was once occupied by the Hahamogna Tribe of Native Americans. Subsisting on local game and vegetation, the Hahamognas lived in villages scattered along the Arroyo Seco and the canyons from the mountains down to the South Pasadena area. With the arrival of the Spaniards and the establishment of the San Gabriel Mission on September 8, 1771, most of the Native Americans were converted and provided labor for the mission.
The San Gabriel Mission, the fourth in California, grew to be prosperous, with abundant orchards, vineyards and herds. The vast lands which it administered for the Spanish Crown were divided into ranchos. After the rule of California passed from Spain to Mexico, the Mexican government in 1833 secularized the mission lands and awarded them to individuals. The northeast corner of San Gabriel Mission, consisting of the 14,000 acres known as Rancho el Rincon de San Pascual, had previously been gifted in 1826 by the padres to Doña Eulalia Pérez de Guillen, noted for her advanced age as well as her devoted service to the mission. On February 18, 1835, it was formally granted by the Mexican government to her husband, Don Juan Mariné. He and his sons subsequently lost the land which changed ownership a few more times before being granted on November 28, 1843, by Governor Manuel Micheltorena to his good friend, Colonel Manuel Garfias, son of a distinguished Mexican family.
In 1852, two years after California was admitted as a state to the Union, Garfias built an adobe hacienda on the east bank of the Arroyo, where he and his family proceeded to live in grand style, until he could not meet the interest payment due on a loan. Title to the land was then transferred in 1859 to his lenders, Dr. John S. Griffin and Benjamin “Don Benito” Wilson. Portions of the Rancho San Pasqual were thereafter sold, leaving Griffin and Wilson with 5,328 acres in 1873.
History abstract above is courtesy of the City of Pasadena.
Main Attractions
Pasadena is best known for its Tournament of Roses. The 5.5 mile New Years Day Parade has been held in the city since 1890. The annual event attracts around one million visitors who flock to see the themed floral floats and marching bands. Each parade uses in excess of 500,000 roses. The former home of William Wrigley Jr., the maker of Wrigley’s chewing gum, serves as the tournament’s headquarters.
The Rose Bowl on Rose Bowl Drive also attracts the crowds at New Year. The stadium plays host to an annual American college football game. First played in 1902, the game is fondly referred to as “The Granddaddy of Them All.”
Old Pasadena offers a unique blend of old world charm and modern convenience. Located on 22 historic blocks, residents enjoy over 100 world-class restaurants, bistros and pavement cafes, and more than 200 specialty boutiques.
Additional Information
– Naturalized parrots are a frequent sight around Pasadena. They are thought to have been first released during a fire at Simpson’s Gardenland and Bird Farm in the late 1950s.
– Pasadena residents are generally considered to be well-educated. According to the 2005-2007 American Community Survey, over 85% have graduated from high school and around 45% hold a bachelor degree or higher.
– The climate of Pasadena is subtropical with an average overall temperature of 62 Fahrenheit. It remains at least partly sunny throughout the winter months; Pasadena has only ever seen snowfall twice in its known history.
– There are 23 parks in Pasadena which together amount to over one thousands acres of lush green spaces. The combined value of the almost 60,000 street trees and 25,000 wildland and park trees is over $100 million.
– The Pasadena Unified School District (pasadenausd.org) covers 76 square miles and offers a good mix of educational opportunities for children from pre-Kindergarten through to high school.
– The Rose Bowl Flea Market, selling everything from antiques to vintage clothing, has taken place every other Sunday since 1967. The event attracts many thousands of visitors to the grounds of the Rose Bowl.
Pasadena Farmers’ Market
Enjoy fresh local fruit, vegetables and farm products!
Tuesdays – Villa Park Center
363 East Villa Street & Garfield Avenue
Open 8:30 am to 12:30 pm
Saturdays – Victory Park
North Sierra Madre Blvd at Paloma Street
Open 8:30 am to 12:30 pm
Pasadena Housing
There were 51,844 occupied housing units in Pasadena in 2000 according to the U.S. Census, consisting of 45.76% homeowners and 54.2% renters. The median year that homes were built is 1954, although 29.6% were constructed before 1939.
Pasadena has many historical neighborhoods and housing for first time home buyers to affluent luxury estate buyers. The most expensive home on the market in Pasadena this year was listed for $52,000,000.
Additional Information:
Pasadena Real Estate Market Reports and Statistics
Here’s an overview of Pasadena’s Average home pricing:
Pasadena North West Neighborhoods:
Pasadena South West Neighborhoods:
Pasadena North East Neighborhoods:
Pasadena South East Neighborhoods:
PASADENA HOMES AND CONDOS FOR SALE
(Direct feeds from the Pasadena Foothill Association of Realtors CARETS – updated every few hours with new home listings)
Search over 100,000 homes – including the entire Pasadena California Multiple Listing Service
- Pasadena Homes for Sale $300,000 to $400,000
- Pasadena Homes for Sale $400,000 to $500,000
- Pasadena Homes for Sale $500,000 to $600,000
- Pasadena Homes for Sale $600,000 to $700,000
- Pasadena Homes for Sale $700,000 to $800,000
- Pasadena Homes for Sale $800,000 to $900,000
- Pasadena Homes for Sale $900,000 to $1,000,000
- Pasadena Homes for Sale $1,000,000 to $1,500,000
- Pasadena Homes for Sale $1,500,000 to $2,000,000
- Pasadena Homes for Sale $2,000,000 to $2,500,000
- Pasadena Homes for Sale $2,500,000 to $3,000,000
- Pasadena Homes for Sale over $3,000,000
Pasadena Condos and Townhomes For Sale:
- Pasadena Condos and Townhomes for Sale under $300,000
- Pasadena Condos and Townhomes for Sale $300,000 to $400,000
- Pasadena Condos and Townhomes for Sale $400,000 to $500,000
- Pasadena Condos and Townhomes for Sale $500,000 to $600,000
- Pasadena Condos and Townhomes for Sale $600,000 to $700,000
- Pasadena Condos and Townhomes for Sale $700,000 to $800,000
- Pasadena Condos and Townhomes for Sale $800,000 to $900,000
- Pasadena Condos and Townhomes for Sale $900,000 to $1,000,000
- Pasadena Condos and Townhomes for Sale $1,000,000 to $1,500,000
- Pasadena Condos and Townhomes for Sale over $1,500,000
Pasadena Land for Sale:
Pasadena California Income Property For Sale:
- Pasadena California Income Property For Sale
- Pasadena California Income Property Foreclosures for Sale
Pasadena Neighborhood Homes for Sale:
Pasadena real estate listings by zip codes:
| 91101 | 91104 | 91106 |
| 91103 | 91105 | 91107 |
Moving Services & Advice:
TLC Moving Service – Great moving company that I used personally and recommend to my home buyers and sellers. Staff is always on time, respectful and easy to work with. They are also very fairly priced. Ask for Tony Hayak – (877) 852-6683.
Salvation Army – On-line scheduling for pick up of donations. This is the easiest way to schedule and track your donations. You can schedule exactly what you want picked up and choose a pickup date at www.4satruck.org. Their main website is www.satruck.com. They have their own trucks and will come right to your property and pick the items up. They prefer “gently used” items and will not always take everything.
Handyman Service – absolutely the best handyman in town is George Harrison. He is actually a licensed contractor, but is one of the most responsible and talented, very reasonably priced handyman around. Give him a call at 818-804-1104. Tell him that Irina referred you.
100 Years of History and A Fun Fact:
In November 1907, forty-one of Pasadena’s real estate men met at the Shakespeare Club House to discuss the formation of a realty board in Pasadena to “promote good fellowship and fair dealing” in the industry.
Within two months, the Pasadena Realty Board was established with J.C. Brainard named the first President.
100 years later, the Pasadena Realty Board is now the Pasadena- Foothills Association of REALTORS® (PFAR) with an industry-wide reputation of being one of the strongest real estate boards in the nation. Still promoting “good fellowship and fair dealing,” PFAR has expanded its mission to help improve the quality of life within the communities we serve.
Licenses
- Business Licenses – on-line service available (626) 744-4166
- Driver’s License – (626) 796-1228
- Marriage License – (626) 575-5491
- Animal Licensing – on-line service (626) 744-4166
- Animal Rescue/Control – Pasadena Humane Society (626) 792-7151
Top Pasadena Hotels
- Langham Hotel (626) 568-3900- my favorite… if you feel like getting away, this is the place to be!
- Sheraton Pasadena Hotel (626) 449-4000
- Pasadena Hilton (626) 577-1000
- The Westin Pasadena (866) 716-8132
- Courtyard – La Old Pasadena (626) 403-7600
- Quality Inn (626) 796-9211
Top Pasadena Restaurants
Pasadena is the birthplace of Julia Child, home of the famous See’s Candy, and also is where you’ll find the California School of Culinary Arts, one of only 16 Le Cordon Blue cooking schools in the county.
- Porto Alegre – if you haven’t tried a Brazilian churrascaria (steak house), this is a place to take your first taste. It’s an all you can eat fiesta of meets and other goodies. Come hungry! 260 East Colorado Blvd, Pasadean in Paseo Colorado on the 2nd floor. Phone: (626) 744-0555.
- P.F.Chang’s – also in Paseo Colorado across the way from Porto Alegre. A great place for family style, high end Chinese food. Try the walnut shrimp with melon and the wonton soup – yummy! Phone: (626) 356-9760
- Yard House Restaurant – located in Paseo Colorado next to PF Chang’s. They claim to have the largest selection of draft beer in the world! Great food, easy atmosphere, a large bar and TV screens to follow your favorite LA team.330 E Colorado Blvd,Pasadena. Phone: (626) 577-9273
- Island’s – We’re all kids at heart, right? My kids favorite, anyways. Great tortilla soup and hamburgers can’t be beat! Paseo Colorado 330 E Colorado Blvd, Pasadena. Phone: (626) 304-9050
- Central Park Restaurant – just a few blocks away from Old Town Pasadena, Central Park is a popular hang out for locals especially for breakfast. 219 S Fair Oaks Ave, Pasadena. Phone: (626) 449-4499
- Vertical Wine Bistro – located in Old Town Pasadena at 70 N. Raymond Avenue. Open for lunch and dinner and offers Wine Tasting Thursdays on the first Thursday of the month. For reservations, call (626) 795-3999.
- Villa Sorriso – located in Old Town Pasadena, this restaurant is known for its Italian cuisine focusing on Seafood and Steaks. 168 W. Colorado Blvd, Old Pasadena – (626) 793-2233
- Bar Celona – sister restaurant of Villa Sorriso is known for its Tapas Bar. Also located in Old Town Pasadena at 46 E Colorado Blvd.
- The Raymond – Ever wanted to have dinner in a historic Pasadena cottage? A wonderful terrace for outdoor dining, attentive service and a unique and delicious cuisine makes this a restaurant to visit. If you have a couple of hours, try the Tasting Menu, but come hungry! Interesting fact about this restaurant is that half is physically located in Pasadena and the other half in South Pasadena.
There are so many to list! However, check out our 365 Things To Do In Pasadena page for more restaurant, shops and activities!
Pasadena Antique Dealers
Pasadena and South Pasadena are known for their wonderful antique shops. South Pasadena’s Mission District is full of shops and is a must visit for any antique hunter and lover. In the meantime, this list will get you started:
Sustainable Design and Furniture
Cisco Brothers – sustainable furniture company using wood that is certified by the FSC (Forest Stewardship Council), water based adhesives and cushions made with down, feathers, soy-based foams or natural latex.
Pasadena Golf Courses
- Brookside Men’s Golf Club – Pasadena, California
- Arroyo Seco Golf Course – by South Pasadena
- Altadena Golf Course – just a bit North of Pasadena
- San Gabriel Golf Course – San Gabriel, CA (where Bob Hope is rumored to have played)
- Whittier Narrows Golf Course – Rosemead (close enough to Pasadena to check out)
Transportation In and Around Pasadena, CA
- Dial-A-Ride
- Pasadena ARTS Bus routes
- Metro Gold Line
- LA Dot – Dash Line and Commuter Express information and schedule
- Uber or Lyft – Ride share services
Things To Do In and Around Pasadena
See our Facebook – 365 Things To Do Page for more information on activities around Pasadena!
Pasadena Museums:
- Kidspace Children’s Museum – (626) 449-9144
- The Pasadena Museum of California Art – (626) 568-3655
- Pacific Asia Museum – (626) 449-2742
- Norton Simon Museum – (626) 449-6840
- Pasadena Museum of History – (626) 577-1660
- The Bunny Museum – (626) 798-8848
READ MORE: Pasadena Activities and Attractions
Area Museums and Botanical Gardens:
- Huntington Library – San Marino
- Descanso Gardens – La Canada
Other Activities:
- Gamble House – (626) 793-3334 Offers a great example of American Arts & Crafts style architecture.
- Rose Bowl– Great place for walking and meeting other Pasadenians.The stadium is the proud home of the Tournament of Roses Football Game, UCLA Bruin Football, Fourth of July celebrations, concerts, religious services, filmings and the World’s Largest Flea Market (R.G. Canning).A National Historic Landmark built in 1922 and known mainly for the New Year’s Tournament of Roses Football Game, the Rose Bowl Stadium has also earned its World-Class Reputation by hosting five NFL Super Bowl Games, the 1984 Olympic Soccer Matches, the 1994 Men’s World Cup, the 1999 Women’s World Cup, the 2002 and 2006 BCS National College Football Championship Games and numerous other memorable events over the past eighty plus years.
- Pasadena Convention Center – currently undergoing a $150 million expansion to be completed by Spring of 2009. There will be 85,000 square feet of exhibit space with 28 break out rooms and a 25,000 sq. ft. new ball room. The Pasadena Convention Center has on-site covered parking to accommodate 850 cars with an additional 2,500 spaces within a one-block radius. Pasadena civic auditorium hosts a variety of civic events on a regular basis and is home to many musical and the Pasadena Symphony.
- Eaton Canyon – are you into hiking? Check out this post on an outing to Eaton Canyon.
Pasadena Schools
Here’s a comprehensive list of all PUSD (Pasadena Unified School District) schools and their contact information. PUSD also encompasses Altadena.
Pasadena school boundary maps are available at the Pasadena school locator with a convenient neighborhood school locator available which allows you to key in your Pasadena, Sierra Madre or Altadena address to find your elementary, middle or high school.
The schools below have all participated in the California Standard Tests which are designed to assess student achievement in grades 2 through 11 in a variety of different subject matters including English Language Arts and Math.
When selecting a Pasadena school, many parents look at the Academic Performance Index or API. It is the cornerstone of the California state accountability system which measures each individual school’s improvement.
The top API rated Pasadena Elementary Schools for 2010-2011 are:
Pasadena Unified School District
351 S. Hudson Avenue
Pasadena, CA 91109
626-795-6981
Pasadena Unified School District Elementary Schools
Pasadena Unified School District Middle Schools
Pasadena Unified School District High Schools
2011 API Scores and Growth from 2010 for Pasadena Schools
Pasadena Area Neighborhoods
Visit our article on Pasadena Landmark Districts and Neighborhoods for more information!
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BUNGALOW HEAVEN
Bungalow Heaven is Pasadena’s first Landmark District. It has many different architectural styles, but locals mainly know it due to its abundance of California Bungalows that were built between 1900 to 1930s.
Many of the bungalows here were built from kits – often at a cost of $1,000 – and delivered to Californians eager to build the low-slung, often single-story homes with the deep verandas and overhanging eaves that protect them form California’s powerful sunshine.
There are so many beautiful bungalows here that it’s impossible to point out just one or two. Take a walk through the neighborhood and explore it yourself.
Bungalow Heaven is located between Washington Blvd (north) and Orange Grove (South) , Lake Avenue (West) and Hill (East)
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GARFIELD HEIGHTS
Garfield Heights is Pasadena’s second official Landmark District. It’s an eclectic area of Craftsman bungalows to historic two and four unit apartments. Most of these homes were built from the late 19th century to the 1920s. Note the distinctive architectural features like pillars, retaining walls, foundations – made of river rock.
Bates House (1920)
1290 North Marengo Avenue
This U-shaped house was designed by Glen Elwood Smith, one of Pasadena’s highly regarded residential architects of his era.
The Gerlach House (1913)
985 North Los Robles Avenue
A beautifully sited Sylvanus Marston design. Note the deep shade provided by the graciously proportioned veranda.
The Gilmore House (1891)
1247 North Garfield Avenue
A Neoclassical house by Roehrig and Locke. Frederick Roehrig was also the architect of Castle Green.
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HISTORIC HIGHLANDS
In late 2007, city of Pasadena has unanimously approved Historic Highlands as a Landmark Distirct. It’s about time since this area has some of the most beautiful craftsman homes in Pasadena.
Historic Highlands Neighborhood website has this to share about the Historic Highlands history:
What is known today as the Historic Highlands encompasses the estates and land holdings of two prominent Pasadena pioneers: David MacPherson, former Santa Fe Railroad design engineer of the famed Mt. Lowe railroad; Ezra Dane, an orchardist who settled here in 1883. Ezra Dane crossed the plains from Massachusetts sometime between 1849 and 1852 and settled in Sonora County in Northern California where he became a prosperous farmer. Driven from the area by an out break of malaria in the early 1880’s, he moved his family to Pasadena in 1883 where he purchased 160 acres in the San Pasqual Rancho area, known as “the place where every tree is pleasant to the sight and good for food” and began planting orchards. In 1885, Dane and his wife Lois built their substantial ranch home from the first lumber brought to Pasadena by steam locomotive. From the house known for many years as “Sunnyridge on the Highlands”, Dane oversaw orchard and livestock operations on his land, which stretched north from Washington to Woodbury Road and east from Holliston to a point midway between modern day Mar Vista and Catalina. He grew peaches, apricots, prunes and citrus, and raised some livestock – including about a hundred hogs – on Elizabeth Street. A driveway from Washington to his home was lined with a double row of palm trees still visible in the backyards of homes between Michigan and Chester.
As Pasadena grew north and east, homes were being built all around the ranch so the Danes began selling their land a parcel at a time. In 1912, they subdivided the land immediately adjacent to the ranch house, creating building lots on Holliston, Chester, Michigan, Mar Vista, Denver (now Howard) and Rio Grande. The lots were sold to members of Pasadena’s prosperous business and professional class who had substantial homes custom built on the large lots during the ensuing decades. Ezra and Lois Dane lived in the home until their deaths in the early 1920’s. Their daughter Alice and later her grandson and his family lived in the home.
MacPherson owned much of the land bordered by New York Drive on the north and Washington Blvd. on the south, in what is now the western part of the neighborhood. The east/west streets were given names of the railroads: Atchison, Topeka, Santa Fe (now Elizabeth), Denver (now Howard), and Rio Grand. The names Catalina and MarVista acknowledge the great view of the ocean at that time. MacPherson built a home at 1075 Topeka in 1906 and was living at 1120 Atchison at the time of his death. MacPherson teamed with famous entrepreneur Thaddeus Lowe to design and build the Echo Mountain Incline Railway which made its first official trip on July 4th, 1893. Four million visitors enjoyed the breathtaking views and fresh mountain air for more than 40 years until the railway stopped operating in 1937.
Architectural Styles:
The earliest architectural style represented in Pasadena is Victorian, but Pasadena is mostly associated with the Craftsman style. Many significant local architects introduced Period and Revival style homes which were well received by cosmopolitan residents. The Prairie style might be attributed to emigrants from the Midwest. Indeed, the Prairie style home is quite at home next to the California Bungalow. Both share honest craftsmanship and find inspiration in the simplicity and beauty of nature. True to the craftsman ethic of using locally found materials, locally grown oak and Douglas fir are used throughout the homes in Historic Highlands, as well as art tile from Southern California’s artisan community. River rock has commonly been used for foundations and chimneys, and likely came from the Arroyo Seco. Craftsman and Prairie homes were reactions to the industrialization and heavy, non-functional ornamentation of Victorians. The architectural details in the homes of Historic Highlands find inspiration from all over the world.
Influential local architects Greene & Greene were inspired by the Japonaiserie movement when they visited the World’s Columbian Exhibition in Chicago in 1893. In the 1920’s, American architecture was influenced by both European and early American architecture. Not necessarily faithful reproductions, Period revival homes liberally borrowed attractive or romanticized elements. The European flair of Period revival homes suggested the culture and prestige of its residents. Furthermore, in Southern California, Period revival movements represent a reaction against the dark organic interiors of the Craftsman style in favor of brightly lit and open rooms.
Colonial revival reflects national pride and became popular following the country’s 1876 Centennial. Similarly, the Mission revival style recognizes early California’s cultural heritage and was popularized following the Panama-California Exposition in San Diego in 1915. Today Historic Highlands is a combination of many different architectural styles and cultures.
The Historic Highlands Neighborhood straddles the borders of Pasadena and Altadena, situated between New York Blvd. on the North, Washington Blvd. on the South, Lake Ave. on the West, and Hill Ave. on the East.
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SAN RAFAEL
In 1940s, the housing shortage in Pasadena led to the development of the San Rafael area and new residences were built that reflected the upper middle class and very wealthy families.
Colorado Street Bridge (1912-1913)
This is one of the most graceful and beautiful bridges in the area. This curving bridge is made out of reinforced concrete. It was restored in the 1990s and spans nearly 1,500 feet. It connects Old Pasadena to the San Rafael Hills and Eagle Rock.
Vista del Arroyo Hotel (1920)
125 S. Grand Avenue.
The federal government acquired this Sylvanus Marston designed resort hotel to use as a military hospital. It is now used as the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals.
La Casita del Arroyo (1933)
177 S Arroyo Blvd.
Designed by Myron Hunt at no charge, this structure was built using Arroyo stone and lumber from bicycle tracks built at the Rose Bowl for the 1932 Olympics.
Batchelder House (1909)
626 S Arroyo Blvd.
Ernest Batchelder is a famed artisan known around Pasadena for his beautiful decorative tiles around the fireplaces. These tiles became emblematic of the Arts & Crafts movement. Batchelder’s kiln remains in the backyard of this lovely home, and the discerning viewer can see examples of his tile work from the street.
Wrigley Mansion (1911)
391 S Orange Grove Avenue
This ornate mansion built for the chewing-gum mogul William Wringley, who controlled the development of Catalina island. It is now home to Pasadena’s Tournament of Roses.
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MADISON HEIGHTS
A great neighborhood right next to the South Lake Avenue District. It has a strong neighborhood association and has an annual 4th of July parade and other family oriented activities.
The neighborhood was laid out in the 19th century, and the oldest house still standing dates from 1890. Some of the origins of our street names go back to this era. The most prominent is El Molino Avenue, named for Col. E. J. C. Kewen’s El Molino Ranch with its “old mill of the padres.”
Euclid Avenue was opened in 1885 by C. M. Skellen who took the name from Euclid Avenue in Cleveland, Ohio. Glenarm Street was named by Thomas Banbury after his wife’s hometown in Canada. Los Robles Avenue was named after Governor George Stoneman’s ranch which was at the southern extremity of the road. Oakland Avenue originally did not extend south of California. It was named after the City of Oakland and the street was also lined with oak trees. The section of the street in Madison Heights was originally called Eastern Avenue.
The original “Madison Avenue Heights” subdivision consisting of 63 lots was opened in July, 1906. Lots were priced from $1,500 and carried a stipulation that homes to be built should cost at least $3,000.
The Madison Heights neighborhood was largely developed between 1910 and 1917. It consisted of family homes of professional people. A number of architects and contractors who worked in the neighborhood also lived here. Many early residents subdivided their lots to build homes for their grown children. To this day, it’s common for multiple generations of a family to own separate homes in the neighborhood.
Allendale Branch Library (1920s)
1130 S. Marengo Aven.
At the southern border of Madison Heights, this adobe structure is currently a Pasadena Public Library branch as well as a school library for Allendale Elementary School. Built as an isolation hospital for patients with infectious diseases, it became a library in 1951.
Heineman-designed House (1911)
885 S El Molino Ave.
This Craftsman home was designed by Arthur S. Heineman.
E.J. Blacker House (1912)
675 S. Madison Ave.
This Craftsman home was built a few years later than the Blacker House, it’s grander Oak Knoll neighbor to the South.
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OAK KNOLL
Once the site of a sheep ranch owned by Henry Huntington, this neighborhood began its life before the turn of the 20th century featuring many grand estates. These estates were built to showcase the lovely native oaks growing in the area. The most famous estate in the area would be the former Ritz Carlton, now Langham Hotel & Spa.
Oak Knoll boasts the architecture of the famous Greene & Greene brothers, Sylvanus Marston and Wallace Neff.
If you have an opportunity to visit Oak Knoll make sure to drive by these estates:
Langham Hotel, formerly known as Ritz-Carlton (built in 1906 and rebuilt in 1991)
1401 S. Oak Knoll Avenue, Pasadena
Originally opened as the Hotel Wentworth in 1907 and repurchased by San Marino tycoon Henry Huntington, who had it redesigned by Myron Hunt. It reopened as a resort destination in 1914 and came to represent Pasadena’s elite good life.
Blacker House (1907)
1177 Hillcrest Avenue, Pasadena
One of the crowning achievements of Greene & Greene architecture along with the Gamble House. It is privately held and was meticulously restored to its previous glory.
Freeman House
1330 Hillcrest Avenue, Pasadena
A craftsman designed by Arthur S. Heineman. Heineman was the designer of the first motor hotel, and is said to have coined a term “motel” for motor hotel.
Dome House (1946)
1097 S Los Robles Avenue, Pasadena
A Wallace Neff design. Neff experimented with concrete structures as part of his on-going interest in building affordable housing. Dome House represents an example of his “bubble” construction.
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OLD PASADENA HISTORIC DISTRICT (OLD TOWN PASADENA)
Old Town is Pasadena’s original business district that began at the intersection of Fair Oaks Avenue and Colorado Boulevard. Newly revitalized, Old Town is one of Southern California’s leading destinations. It has pedestrian-friendly streets, designer boutiques, coffee shops and restaurants.
Norton Simon Museum (1969)
411 W. Colorado Blvd.
The Norton Simon Museum is on the corner of Orange Grove and Colorado Blvd at the beginning of Old Town as you exit the Colorado Street Bridge. It was designed by the architectural firm of Ladd & Kelsey. The art museum’s interior was renovated by Frank Gehry from 1996 to 1999.
Hotel Green (1898)
Currently known as Castle Green, this was the second building of a lavish 19th-century resort built in the Moorish style for wealthy Easterners who came to California during winter months to enjoy our moderate climate. The enclosed bridge that now ends at a small tower once crossed Raymond to connect with the first building in the hotel’s complex. Architect for Hotel Green was Frederick Roehrig.
Pasadena City Hall (1927)
100 N. Garfield Avenue
Pasadena City Hall just underwent an extensive seismic retrofitting. It’s a great example of the Mediterranean style and was translated to fit its California setting by the San Francisco architectural firm of Bakewell and Brown. The impressive circular tower rises six stories and is topped by a dome which is in turn topped by a cupola that is finally topped by an urn and ball.
Former Santa Fe Railway Station, 1935 Chamber of Commerce Building, 1906
222 South Raymond Avenue 117 East Colorado Boulevard
Architect: H. C. Gilman Architects: Parkinson & Bergstrom
Kinney-Kendall Building, 1897 Friend Paper Co., 1965
65 East Colorado Boulevard 100 West Green Street
Architects: Charles & Henry Greene Architects: Smith & Williams
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ORANGE HEIGHTS
Once known as “Pill Hill”, because of the large number of physicians and care givers who lived in the neighborhood, Orange Heights has always been at the heart of Pasadena’s civic life. Some of the city’s most prominent citizens have lived here, attracted by the beautiful architecture, terraced yards, tree lined streets, and mountain views.
Orange Heights has been added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1995. It is bounded to the West by Los Robles Avenue, to the East by El Molino Avenue, to the North by Jackson Street, and to the South by Mountain Boulevard.
Although Pasadena has grown and changed during the last century, Orange Heights still appears today much as it did over eighty years ago.
Information on Orange Heights can be found at it its neighborhood website – www.orangeheights.org
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PROSPECT PARK
Prospect Park is a tiny neighborhood just North of the 134 Freeway and West of 210 – where the two freeways meet and is off of Orange Grove and Prospect Blvd. This area was designated as a housing development in 1906 and had Sylvanus Marston clinker-brick portals on Orange Grove at Prospect Boulevard. Beautiful and mature camphor trees create a shady arch over the wide boulevard as you enter from Orange Grove. This neighborhood showcases a collection of Greene & Greene houses, the Gamble House and Frank Lloyd Wright’s La Miniatura.
Gamble House (1908)
4 Westmoreland Place, Pasadena
Called a Gamble House because it was built for David and Mary Gamble of, yes… you guessed it, Proctor & Gamble fame.
Alice Millard House (La Miniatura) (1923)
645 Prospect Crescent, Pasadena
This home was built by Frank Lloyd Wright for Alice Millard after the death of her husband, rare book dealer George Millard. This home is an example of concrete-block construction. La Miniatura’s Mayan-influenced design is acclaimed by many as Wright’s most interesting work.
Hindry House (1909)
781 Prospect Avenue, Pasadena
Arthur and Alfred Heineman designed this elaborate home without the benefit of formal architectural training.
Charles Sumner Greene House (1901)
368 Arroyo Terrace
This is Charles Greene’s own Craftsman home. He made several additions to this home over the years.
Top Shopping Experiences in and around Pasadena:
- Downtown Pasadena – One Colorado, Paseo Colorado, Playhouse District and South Lake
- Downtown Santa Barbara
- Downtown Santa Monica
- South Coast Plaza
- Fashion Island
MAJOR Employers in Pasadena California:
Pasadena Relocation Specialist
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Irina Netchaev – Real Estate Agent
PASADENA CA REAL ESTATE AND HOMES FOR SALE – MLS SEARCH (Multiple Listing Service)
Pasadena Real Estate Listings – a sampling of residential houses for sale updated every few hours. The newest home listings are at the top:
- Wed, 12 Apr 2017 12:16:00 +0000: $895,000 :: 2352 Sunny St, Irvine CA, 92604 - Your Property Recommendations
4 beds, 2 baths
Home size: 1,808 sq ft
Lot Size: 0 sq ft
Added: 04/10/17, Last Updated: 04/12/17
Property Type: Single Family
MLS Number: 8802352
Tract: Patio Homes (WB) (PT)
Status: Active
Highly upgraded single level home in the heart of Woodbridge. Remodeled kitchen and bathrooms, dual pane white Vinyl windows. Harwood flooring, New paint throughout. Large master bedroom with vaulted ceilings, mirrored closet doors.
Listed with Some Office
Brought to you by . Call me today at ! - Wed, 12 Apr 2017 12:05:00 +0000: $2,795 :: 3476 Sunny St, Irvine CA, 92612 - Your Property Recommendations
2 beds, 3 baths
Home size: 1,138 sq ft
Lot Size: 0 sq ft
Added: 04/09/17, Last Updated: 04/12/17
Property Type: Rental Properties
MLS Number: 8800476
Tract: Princeton Townhomes (CP)
Status: Active
Beautiful upgraded townhome with view of green belt, park and swimming pool. Gated entrance porch that leads you intoentrance foyer to a well lighted, open floor plan with high volume ceilings and a cozy fire place in living room with a dining area thatopens to a spacious custom patio with fountain and pergola for relaxation and entertainment. Gourmet kitchen with new customcabinetry and granite counter top recessed lighting, breakfast bar and new upgraded stainless steel Bosch appliances. Customwood flooring in living room and dining area and designer Berber carpet in bedrooms and stairway. Spacious master bedroomfeatures a private vanity and walk-in closet. New vanities with granite counter top and designer sink in all bathrooms. Secondbedroom with mirror closet doors. New custom walls and ceiling paint, new upgraded vertical blind for window coverings and newgarage door. One car attached garage with direct access and one carport. Inside laundry room. Association amenities, includespools, spas, Tot lot, BBQ, tennis courts. Close to award winning Irvine schools, including University High School. Convenient access toUCI, Town Center, shopping, parks and freeways.
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Brought to you by . Call me today at ! - Tue, 11 Apr 2017 06:06:00 +0000: $3,900 :: 9493 Sunny St, Santa Monica CA, 90404 - Your Property Recommendations
3 beds, 2 baths
Home size: 1,300 sq ft
Lot Size: 0 sq ft
Added: 04/07/17, Last Updated: 04/11/17
Property Type: Rental Properties
MLS Number: 8799493
Status: Active
Spacious 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom townhouse in great location north of Santa Monica blvd. New hardwood floors downstairs and new carpet upstairs. New double pane windows.The kitchen has been completely remodeled including cabinets, quartz counter tops, new stainless steel appliances ( stove , refrigerator and dishwasher,). Enclosed private garden patio. Lots of closet space. Blocks from Whole Foods, 24 Hour CVS, Starbucks and Providence Saint John's hospital.
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Brought to you by . Call me today at ! - Mon, 10 Apr 2017 04:47:00 +0000: $799,999 :: 8577 Sunny St, Santa Monica CA, 90404 - Your Property Recommendations
3 beds, 2 baths
Home size: 979 sq ft
Lot Size: 0 sq ft
Added: 04/06/17, Last Updated: 04/10/17
Property Type: Condo/Townhouse/Co-Op
MLS Number: 8798577
Status: Active
Value Value VALUE! 3+2 in Santa Monica for how much??? Perched up on the second floor of this 7 unit building is this fantastic south west facing sun drenched unit. Located a few blocks to the beach, Main street and 3rd Street is this completely upgraded unit with designer finishes in each of the bathrooms, rare Indonesian Kempas hardwood flooring, granite with upgraded appliances in the kitchen, to newer paint throughout, to crown molding in each room...this unit is turn key and ready for summer. 2 Car tandem parking, Low HOA's, Earthquake insurance included, Newer Washer and Dryer units for the building, grassy front yard with fruit tree out front, Gated and secured...Starbucks a few steps away, metro station to Culver City and Downtown LA blocks away. THIS IS IT!
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Brought to you by . Call me today at ! - Sun, 09 Apr 2017 21:35:00 +0000: $949,000 :: 6913 Sunny St, Lake Forest CA, 92630 - Your Property Recommendations
3 beds, 3 baths
Home size: 1,812 sq ft
Lot Size: 0 sq ft
Added: 03/10/17, Last Updated: 04/09/17
Property Type: Single Family
MLS Number: 8736913
Tract: Lake Forest Keys (LK)
Status: Active
SENSATIONAL WATERFRONT home with private dock, covered patio, and putting green located on the widest channel in the Lake Forest Keys! This 3 bedroom, 2.25 bath home boasts stunning panoramic views of the lake from the moment you walk through the front door. This beauty is newly painted inside and out with crisp and light updated colors, new flooring, updated kitchen with granite counters, stainless appliances, custom built-ins in the dining area with wine fridge included,and fresh landscaping. Upstairs the master bedroom has a walk-in closet, remodeled bathroom, a wall of windows and large viewing deck to enjoy the sunsets and lake views. There are also 2 secondary bedrooms and another remodeled full bath. One is currently used as an office with built ins, closet with organizers, and a Murphy Bed to be utilized by guests. Enjoy membership to the Sun & Sail Club with Clubhouse, 4 pools, playground, lighted tennis, basketball, pickle-ball courts, and gym. No Mello Roos & Low Tax Rate. Don't miss out on this beautiful gem!!!
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Brought to you by . Call me today at ! - Sun, 09 Apr 2017 11:45:00 +0000: $659,500 :: 6756 Sunny St, Mission Viejo CA, 92692 - Your Property Recommendations
3 beds, 3 baths
Home size: 1,708 sq ft
Lot Size: 0 sq ft
Added: 04/01/17, Last Updated: 04/09/17
Property Type: Single Family
MLS Number: 8796756
Tract: Evergreen Lakeview (EVEL)
Status: Active
This charming Cape Cod home is nestled towards the end of a quiet cul-de-sac in Evergreen Lakeview Community. White picket fence leads to a front courtyard with a second fence to the private back yard with outdoor dining area and generous side yard. Light filled living room and separate dining room share a double sided fireplace. Addition off dining area can be an office or turned into a ground level bedroom if needed. It has lovely french doors that open to the side garden. Vaulted ceilings, plantation shutters throughout. Dual gas and wood burning firep;ace. Kitchen appliances upgraded in last few years including a double oven. Ceiling fans in both secondary bedrooms. Central air & heat. Wonderful deck off master suite with views of community. Laundry in attached garage as well as additional storage. Access to Mission Viejo Lake, lake priviledges include swimming, boat rentals, fishing, festivals, concerts, playground, party facilities; walking distance to 3 parks, athletic field, Lake Mission Viejo, two shopping centers, and hiking/biking trails. In an award winning Saddleback school district. Will have new paint, carpet upstairs, and laminate flooring downstairs. Investors, this was recently renting for $2900 monthly.
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Brought to you by . Call me today at ! - Sat, 08 Apr 2017 13:55:00 +0000: $595,000 :: 5192 Sunny St, Irvine CA, 92620 - Your Property Recommendations
2 beds, 2 baths
Home size: 1,290 sq ft
Lot Size: 0 sq ft
Added: 04/07/17, Last Updated: 04/08/17
Property Type: Condo/Townhouse/Co-Op
MLS Number: 8795192
Status: Active
While Irvine is known for idyllic planned communities, the Irvine Pacific built Stonegate Santa Clara is one of the most modern and elegant within the area. Your next home, 84 Mayfair is a Plan 2 style townhome with high ceilings, crown molding, and strong minimalist design lines sprawled over almost 1300 square feet. Breathtaking and poised to impress, the expansive center island open kitchen is a striking contrast of light flooring and granite counters contrasted against dark Shaker styled cabinetry and a sleek stainless steel appliance suite. The dual master suites with walk-in closets are located on the second floor maximizing privacy. Some of the other updates not to be missed are the inside laundry, tankless water heating system, central heat and air, and attached two car attached garage with pristine flooring. Evoking the feel of resort living, some of the many amenities include: pools, spas, tennis and basketball courts, barbecues and picnic tables, and easy access to the Jeffrey Open Space Trail. Close to the I-5, 133 Toll, Woodbury Town Center, shops, and restaurants, your next home is in a prized area of Irvine to offer you the best of bustling SoCal modern life and an escape from it all!
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Brought to you by . Call me today at ! - Sat, 08 Apr 2017 13:55:00 +0000: $899,999 :: 5213 Sunny St, Huntington Beach CA, 92647 - Your Property Recommendations
4 beds, 3 baths
Home size: 2,357 sq ft
Lot Size: 0 sq ft
Added: 04/07/17, Last Updated: 04/08/17
Property Type: Single Family
MLS Number: 8795213
Community: 17
Tract: The Prestige Tract
Status: Active
Spectacular pool home is now ready for you! Situated in a quiet cul-de-sac, this Prestige home has a ton to offer! Beyond the charming front porch you will find a lovely open living room that is flooded with light coming in from the windows & is completed with an ocean breeze. The living room is perfect for guests as it sits off of the dining area and kitchen that overlook the beautiful brick edged pool. The kitchen was remodeled and now features custom white cabinets with custom pulls & lots of pantry space! This light & bright remodeled kitchen sits perfectly in the middle of the home so that one could see the pool or family room while cooking. Speaking of family room...wow! The fireplace has been finished with custom stone, a new mantle and is a show piece! The owners did not stop there, the family room also has built in shelves & is wired for sound. Also downstairs is a remodeled 1/2 bath & direct access to the two car garage. Upstairs is AMAZING! There are 4 very spacious bedrooms complete with new designer paint, dual pane windows and more! The upstairs hall bath was remodeled & features a new vanity, stone counter tops & two sinks! The MASTER BEDROOM is a nice sanctuary tucked away from the other 3 bedrooms, has a walk-in-closet, a sitting area & a fully remodeled bathroom complete with a stone shower, custom glass doors, a new vanity, custom stone counter tops and more! The backyard is ready for your next pool party!
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Brought to you by . Call me today at ! - Sat, 08 Apr 2017 13:39:00 +0000: $2,589,000 :: 2752 Sunny St, Santa Monica CA, 90402 - Your Property Recommendations
3 beds, 3 baths
Home size: 2,080 sq ft
Lot Size: 0 sq ft
Added: 04/04/17, Last Updated: 04/08/17
Property Type: Single Family
MLS Number: 8792752
Status: Active
A rare find for your builder or developer! Surrounded by several new construction projects this great fixer 3 bedroom, 3 bathroom home sits high off the street and is only 7 blocks from the beach. Step through the front door to a large open living room with floor to ceiling windows and a wood burning fireplace. The spacious kitchen leads to a well-maintained backyard with a mature Magnolia tree and beautiful landscaping. This home is in an ideal location in a highly sought after school district and just a short walk to numerous shops and restaurants on Montana Avenue. Act quickly and decisively or this opportunity will pass you by!
Listed with Some Office
Brought to you by . Call me today at ! - Sat, 08 Apr 2017 13:30:00 +0000: $890,000 :: 3798 Sunny St, Santa Monica CA, 90405 - Your Property Recommendations
2 beds, 3 baths
Home size: 1,406 sq ft
Lot Size: 0 sq ft
Added: 04/07/17, Last Updated: 04/08/17
Property Type: Condo/Townhouse/Co-Op
MLS Number: 8783798
Status: Active
Immaculate 2BR/2.5BA townhouse with bamboo floors throughout, high ceilings, remodeled baths and lots of sunshine! This attractive property feels like a private home with spacious kitchen, living room with fireplace and extra-large private patio. Each bedroom has its own private, updated bath. Master with walk-in closet. Beautiful Sunset Park neighborhood, convenient to shopping, services and amenities including Trader Joes, 24-hour Fitness, Starbucks, banks, restaurants, parks, and area schools, and just a short bike ride to Santa Monica beaches. Includes private garage, ample storage and inside laundry. A stylish, move-in ready home in a great Santa Monica location!
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As always, we are here to answer all your real estate questions, so feel free to contact us at 626-629-8439.
Pasadena Views Real Estate Team Inc
Pasadena Real Estate Agents
Pasadena, California
Email Us
(626)629-VIEW (8439)
