What BestPlaces Users Say about Pasadena
Pasadena, California is a vibrant city nestled in the San Gabriel Valley, known for its beautiful historic architecture, cultural diversity, and thriving arts and culinary scene. With a population of over 140,000, it offers a mix of urban and suburban living and is home to the prestigious California Institute of Technology (Caltech) and the annual Rose Parade. Here are some user reviews from BestPlaces.net about living in Pasadena.
1. "I have lived in Pasadena for over 10 years and I absolutely love it! The city has a great sense of community and there is always something to do. The weather is amazing, with mild winters and warm summers, making it perfect for outdoor activities. Plus, the food scene here is incredible, with a diverse range of cuisines to choose from. Overall, I highly recommend living in Pasadena." - Sarah M.
2. "Pasadena is a beautiful and safe city, with well-maintained streets and parks. The schools here are top-notch and there are plenty of job opportunities, especially in the tech industry. The only downside is the high cost of living, but it's worth it for the quality of life you get here." - John P.
3. "I moved to Pasadena a few years ago and I have never looked back. There's always something happening, whether it's a street festival, concert, or art exhibit. And with easy access to public transportation, I can easily explore other parts of the city and beyond. The only downside is the traffic, but that's to be expected in a city like this." - Jennifer L.
4. "I've lived in Pasadena my whole life and I have to say, it's a great place to call home. The city has a rich history and it's reflected in the beautiful architecture and landmarks. However, over the years, it has become more crowded and expensive, making it difficult for some to afford to live here. But if you can make it work, Pasadena is definitely worth it." - Mark R.
based on 19 ReviewsGet to know Pasadena with the latest comments and reviews from people who live in or have visited Pasadena
Overrated, like much of the LA metro area - 2/2/2009
While there are parts of Pasadena that are very urbane and elite, most of it is overpriced unless you bought in back 30 years ago when the houses had more reasonable prices. While the crime rate is low, there is no shortage of sketchy people out on the streets. All too often folks here are just too loud, much of the city has a surprisingly urban and ghetto attitude. Almost every night the helicopters are circling around. Cars with overloaded sound systems blast through the neighborhood, setting off the car alarms, which makes the dogs bark, which makes the kids scream- it's just too much for someone looking for a little peace and quiet after a long day at work.
Like much of the Southland, Pasadena was over-developed, little greenspace set aside and poor city planning have marred what was a charming little city. Even in the year since I've moved here I've watched views of the mountains become obstructed by awful high rise "luxury" apartment complexes.
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Love living in Pasadena - 5/25/2008
I do lots of local travel from San Deigo to Ventura for work. I work for homebuilders so I see lots of communities, yet I LOVE driving home to Pasadena. Yes, traffic is bad all over LA...that includes my beautiful city. Here is what I love: the mature trees, our beautiful mountains, the Rose Bowl stadium, lots of hiking trails and nature walks at the arroyo, the multitude of museums and galleries, the art center, the acquatic center, our amazingly beautiful city hall, the many social activities such as outdoor movie night at One Colorado, or outdoor music at Paseo Colorado, I love the shopping, and restaurants. I really love the diversity of people who live in Pasadena. I find the people who live here to be super friendly. The three things I don't like about Pasadena: Hot smoggy days in the late summer, the crime in portions of the city, and the fact that the city has gone way overboard with street parking meters in the Old Pasadena shopping
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Impressions from someone born and raised in Pasade - 4/13/2008
Pasadena can be a wonderful place to live, if you can afford to live in the best areas, send your kids to private schools, and are financially independent. Otherwise, I would probably not recommend it due to the poor quality of air and water, high violent crime rate, and poor public schools.
For those with a net worth over the $3,000,000 level, you will appreciate the many fine restaurants, accessibility of wonderful hiking areas, and easy access to any part of LA via the metro or freeways. Personally, I believe the high foothills offer the best living environment with cool Summer evenings and plenty of natural beauty. The are many cultural activities nearby (music center, theatre, etc) and great local
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Amazingly perfect climate ... - 3/30/2008
The climate in Pasadena is magnificent. It is sunny the overwhelming majority of days of the year. When it is gray and gloomy on the west side of Los Angeles, there is still sun and blue skies in Pasadena. Winters are incredibly mild and the occasional rainstorm adds some interest to the climate. The rainstorms last half a day or a day at maximum and then guess what? The sun comes out again. Just look at any broadcast of the Rose Bowl Parade on New Year's Day. People sit in the bleachers with some heavy sweaters first thing in the A.M. and when the sun comes up and it always does, people peel off those layers and enjoy the beautiful January
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COL is way too high - 2/10/2008
Pasadena is so expensive, the infrastructure will soon be in jeopardy. By this I mean people of middle and low incomes will not be able to move in or stay if they are already here.
The cost of homes and rent is so high, that soon the people who work the support jobs here, the cashiers, the school teachers, the sales clerks, will have to commute in from far away, if they bother to do so given the cost of fuel.
Because property is so valuable, elderly living faciities are being snatched up, and elderly people who have lived in such places for many years have to move out.
The haves/have not dynamics are well in place here. It is not where I will stay when I
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Pasadena is a lovely town to live, but very expens - 11/5/2007
I live in a house in Pasadena that my mother-in-law bought in the 50's for 20,000 (yes, 20K, not 200k). Last year, the house next door was sold for $1.8M, which previous owners bought for 900K in the late 90's. I am making a decent amount of income but cannot afford to live on this exclusive street on my own (near the Rosebowl & Gamblehouse). I wonder if this house will cost $162MM in another 50
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PASADENA , CA NOT HAPPY - 7/15/2006
HOUSING PRICES ARE EXTREMELY HIGH. NOT ANYTHING DECENT UNTIL YOU GET TO THE 1.5 MILLION, AND UP RANGE.
NOTHING MUCH TO DO HERE EITHER. BORING. TRAFFIC HORRENDOUS. PASADNEA IS SUBURB OF LA. DON'T WANT TO GO TO BEACHES, ETC. - 15-30 MILES AWAY, BECAUSE OF HORRENDOUS TRAFFIC. PEOPLE DRIVE LIKE MANIACS HERE. FREEWAYS ARE A TERROR. MOVING TO CHARLOTTE NC SOON. HOPE LIFE IS BETTER THERE. VERY HOT HERE TOO. PEOPLE HERE ARE VERY NICE
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Life in Pasadena - 6/4/2006
Awesome place to live if you have money. Buying a house is impossible for most nowadays. There are some beautiful character homes if you have the money. Few neighborhoods in LA as nice as parts of Pasadena. But there are also some bad parts of Pasadena (most of which are improving however with the skyrocketing home prices). If you have kids, you'll most likely want private school unless mediocre is ok with you. Farmer's Markets and free summer outdoor music at Levitt Pavilion. It's just outside LA so plenty to do, great food, some of the best hiking and camping in Southern California. We love it but can't afford it anymore with 3 kids. We'll likely be moving out of state. Don't know where though. Suggestions? Outdoor activities a
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