I always get calls and emails from home buyers thinking of buying a home in a high rated school district. Thankfully, we live in an area with some of the highest rated school districts in California!
Every year, the schools are ranked based on their API (Academic Performance Index). The Academic Performance Index measures the performance and growth of schools and districts based on the test scores of students in grades 2 through 12. The California Department of Education (CDE) calculates the API and disseminates the results directly to schools and districts. They are also posted on the CDE website.
Let’s take a look at the top four school districts around Pasadena:
| School District | 2009 API |
| San Marino Unified | 951 |
| La Canada Unified | 925 |
| Arcadia Unified | 911 |
| South Pasadena Unified | 896 |
I thought it would be interesting to take a look at these four areas to see what kind of home $1,000,000 would get you.
San Marino, California
1335 S San Gabriel Blvd, San Marino, CA 91108
WHAT: A 3 bedroom, 2 bath Single Family Home
HOW MUCH: $999,000
PRICE PER SQUARE FOOT: $576.79
HOW BIG: 1,732 sq. ft. on a 10,500 sq. ft. lot
SETTING: Set on a busy street on the outskirts of San Marino. Just South of Huntington Drive. Just a few minutes from Starbucks, Howie’s and How’s Supermarkets and across the street from Carver Elementary, the highest ranked API school in San Marino (2009 score 968)
INSIDE: Built in 1952, current owners made some updates on the interior, a newer roof, fireplace in living room. Kitchen opens into the dining room.
Read More: San Marino City Guide
UPDATE: This home listing was cancelled on 11/10/2010
La Canada, California
4583 Loma Vista Dr, La Canada Flintridge, CA 91011
WHAT: 4 bedroom and 4 bathroom, Single Family Home
HOW MUCH: $999,000
PRICE PER SQUARE FOOT: $406.10
HOW BIG: 2,460 sq. ft on the inside with an 8,398 sq. ft. lot
SETTING: Built in 1949, with a WalkScore of 59, this home is set in a residential neighborhood next to what looks like a water reservoir and electrical power lines. Situated about 1/4 mile away from La Canada Elementary School (2009 API score 966)
INSIDE: A traditional home with wood floors and cathedral ceilings.
UPDATE: This home sold for $945,000 on 3/29/11
[idx-listing mlsnumber=”22136301 ” showschools=”true” showlocation=”true”]Arcadia, California
2800 Longley Way, Arcadia, CA 91007
WHAT: 4 Bedrooms and 4 Baths Single Family Home
HOW MUCH: $999,000
PRICE PER SQUARE FOOT: $383.64
SIZE: 2,604 sq. ft. inside and a 16,000 sq. ft. lot
SETTING: South Arcadia bordering Temple City. 1/2 a mile from Live Oak Park and next to Longley Way Elementary (2009 API score of 920)
INSIDE: Built in 1946, some updates in the kitchen and bathrooms. Home has a pool.
UPDATE: This home listing expired on 9/30/2010
[idx-listing mlsnumber=”H10069776″ showschools=”true” showlocation=”true”]South Pasadena, California
1959 Marengo Ave, South Pasadena, CA 91030
WHAT: A 4 Bedrooms and 2 Bathrooms Single Family Home
HOW MUCH: $995,000
PRICE PER SQUARE FOOT: $450.23
HOW BIG: 2,210 sq. ft. on a 7,500 sq. ft. lot
SETTING: Located on a somewhat busy street, South of Huntington Drive on the border of Alhambra, close to Alhambra Park. Not as walkable as you’d expect for a South Pasadena home.
INSIDE: A turn of the century craftsman with built-ins and beautiful large windows throughout. Old world charm with modern amenities. Backyard with pool and spa.
READ MORE: South Pasadena City Guide
UPDATE: This home sold for $925,000 on 09/28/2010
[idx-listing mlsnumber=”22139594″ showschools=”true” showlocation=”true”]Give us a call if you have any questions about homes in any of these communities or need additional information about area schools.
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