Best Neighborhoods in Pasadena, California

Pasadena has a downtown built for lingering. Old Town's historic commercial blocks make it easy to turn dinner into a long walk past shops and cafés. Historic Highlands, farther from that bustle, has Craftsman houses and shaded residential streets. The architecture changes with the neighborhood, and so does the way you spend an evening.

Old Town is convenient if you want restaurants close by, though parking and street activity deserve a look before signing a lease. In Historic Highlands, the appeal of an older house should come with a serious inspection budget. Pasadena's summer heat makes shade more than a decorative feature, especially if you plan to walk regularly. Check the distance to your usual destinations rather than relying on a neighborhood's walkable reputation.

Old Town

Young Professionals

Old Town is where the action is in Pasadena so it pulls in the young professionals who want to walk to the bars, restaurants, clubs and pubs in the area. There are plenty of apartment buildings here so finding a place to rent is not a problem and the buildings that house these apartments are often beautiful old brick facade buildings that match the historic look of the neighborhood.

  • Old Town

Historic Highlands

Families

Historic Highlands is a cool family neighborhood that is much loved by east-coast transplants who like the east coast vibe of the homes and streets. The homes are big cottages, Craftsman and Tudors and streets have the large oaks and trees you see back in northeastern neighborhoods. San Rafael Hills is another great option, just west of Old Town, it’s a beautiful affluent area, with big homes, many mid-century architecture, and winding roads and driveways through the hills, creating immensely private estates.

  • Historic Highlands
  • San Rafael Hills
  • Daisy Villa