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San Rafael Flats

San Rafael Flats

$2,957,333 Average Value
$1,025 Average Price per Sq Ft
12 Homes For Sale

Vintage character and quiet winding streets

Minutes from downtown Pasadena, San Rafael Flats is a high-end neighborhood of early-to-mid-20th-century character homes with park access and great schools. “This area is second only to Oak Knoll in terms of prestigious properties in Pasadena,” says agent Kevin Kwan, founder and CEO of Realiv with almost two decades of experience. The topography is one of the community’s assets, a winding network of leafy residential streets lined with handsome homes. The undercurrent to this atmosphere that residents hold dear is the culture of camaraderie among neighbors, who take the time to build relationships with one another. “We look after each other,” says local Realtor and San Rafael Flats resident Jeff Botsford, senior estates director with Compass. “I know that that is something that is definitely attractive.”
San Rafael Hills east of Avenue 64 in Pasadena, CA is known for flatter streets and sidewalks.
San Rafael Hills east of Avenue 64 in Pasadena, CA is known for flatter streets and sidewalks.
Mission Ave offers plenty of shopping for locals of San Rafael Flats.
Mission Ave offers plenty of shopping for locals of San Rafael Flats.
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Great architectural mix in San Rafael Flats

San Rafael Flats' housing inventory includes houses built in the 1920s all the way through the 2000s, "so there's a great architectural mix here," Kwan says. There are also some beautiful custom estates that take advantage of the area's lush and inviting terrain, accented by assorted trees and meticulously landscaped vegetation. "Pasadena is really old school — they don't like a lot of contemporary stuff, so you're not going to see anything glassy and modern," Kwan says. As indicated by its name, San Rafael Flats' streets tend to be flatter than the neighboring area of San Rafael Hills, making the area more walkable. Single-family homes in the neighborhood are priced broadly between $1 million for something vintage, potentially needing some updates, to over $5 million for an upscale estate property with tennis courts and a pool. However, most homes are priced between $2 and $4 million.
The former Vista del Arroyo Hotel is a great example of the historic architecture of the area.
The former Vista del Arroyo Hotel is a great example of the historic architecture of the area.
San Rafael Flats has a number of historical sites for locals to visit.
San Rafael Flats has a number of historical sites for locals to visit.
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Open enrollment in public schools but many buyers go private

Pasadena United is an above-average public school district graded B-plus by Niche. It offers open enrollment into its magnet, dual-language and out-of-zone schools. Students in San Rafael Flats are zoned to attend the McKinley School, which earns a C-plus rating. They may also apply to the B-plus-rated San Rafael Elementary School, a dual-language (Spanish-English) immersion school that rests within the neighborhood. The A-minus-rated Blair High School provides continued dual-language education for sixth through 12th graders. "A lot of buyers here are going to be looking at private options," Kwan says. In nearby San Marino, Southwestern Academy is one of the best boarding high schools in the state. It is graded A-plus by Niche and celebrated its centennial in 2024.

San Rafael Park has a playground and grassy area

Situated at the corner of Colorado Boulevard and Melrose Avenue, San Rafael Park is a quiet oasis on about an acre. The pocket-sized community park has a walking path, benches, playground equipment, picnic facilities and a grassy area to spread out and relax in the SoCal sunshine. On the eastern border of San Rafael Flats is Lower Arroyo Park, which expands over 70 acres until it reaches the edge of the city. "You've got Arroyo Park right there, which is a big draw and a wonderful place for a walk," Kwan says. The park offers outdoor amenities like an archery range, a bridle path for horseback riding, several cross-country trails and benches. For flyfishing enthusiasts dedicated to the art of angling and casting, there’s even a casting pond.
There are a number of parks to enjoy the weather around San Rafael Flats.
There are a number of parks to enjoy the weather around San Rafael Flats.
Welcome to San Rafael Park in San Rafael Flats.
Welcome to San Rafael Park in San Rafael Flats.
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Mom-and-pop businesses along Mission Street

San Rafael Flats is entirely residential, but there is a Trader Joe’s 2 miles south and a Target 3 miles east for stocking up on groceries and essentials. Near Trader Joe’s on Mission Street, there are many mom-and-pop commercial businesses and restaurants. Mission Wines is a vino merchant that specializes in artisanal wines from all over the world; it's owned by a former sommelier and also has a wine club. Mike & Anne’s is a buzzy local favorite with a large, shaded patio and a popular brunch. Customers swear by the bloody marys and ricotta pancakes. Aro Latin has Latin classics from birria tacos to ceviche and is open for dinner during the week, but serves lunch and dinner on the weekends.
Mission Ave offers plenty of shopping for locals of San Rafael Flats.
Mission Ave offers plenty of shopping for locals of San Rafael Flats.
There are a number of coffee shops in and around San Rafael Flats.
There are a number of coffee shops in and around San Rafael Flats.
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Direct highway access and crime at half the national rate

Situated just south of the Ventura Freeway, also known as state Route 134, San Rafael Flats has direct highway access. But there is enough space between the walled-off freeway and residential streets that traffic noise isn’t a big issue even at the neighborhood’s northern end. The streets of San Rafael Flats are quiet, with few outlets for through traffic. Downtown Pasadena is about 3 miles east via the 134, and downtown Los Angeles is about 10 miles south. It’s a sneaky long drive that can take 45 minutes during rush hours — the same can be said of the 15-mile drive to Hollywood Burbank Airport. The closest medical facility is Huntington Health hospital, about 3 miles east via West Colorado Boulevard.  The nearest public transportation is the bus stops along West Colorado Boulevard and Avenue 64, along the edges of the neighborhood.

Both property crime and violent crime happen at half the national rate in San Rafael Flats. The neighborhood’s CAP Index score for property and violent crime is a 2 (out of 10), compared to 4 nationally.
Amber Steinmetz-Cole
Written By
Amber Steinmetz-Cole
Jonathan Quinones
Photography Contributed By
Jonathan Quinones
Jordan Sain
Video By
Jordan Sain

Agents Specializing in this Area

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Schools

Source:
GreatSchools: The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process. View GreatSchools Rating Methodology

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Pam Delrey, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Parks in this Area

Transit

Airport

Bob Hope

22 min drive

Bus

Colorado & San Rafael

Bus

Avenue 64 & Burleigh

Bus

Colorado & Club

Bus

Avenue 64 & La Loma

Bus

Colorado & Melrose

Bus

Avenue 64 & Church

Crime and Safety

1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime San Rafael Flats US
Homicide 2 4
Sexual Assault 1 4
Assault with Weapon 1 4
Robbery 2 4
Burglary 2 4
Motor Vehicle Theft 2 4
Larceny 2 4
Crime Score 2 4

Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com

San Rafael Flats Demographics and Home Trends

Housing Trends

Median List Price
$2,795,000
Median Sale Price
$3,008,577
Median Single Family Sale Price
$2,998,000
Median Change From 1st List Price
-2%
Last 12 months Home Sales
43
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
30%
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$1,025

Neighborhood Facts

Number of Homes in Neighborhood
706
Number of Homes for Sale
12
Median Year Built
1947
Months of Supply
3.30
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
2,890
Significantly above the national average
1,927
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
2,290
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
12,196

Open Houses

  • Sunday, Jul 20
    12 - 3pm

    115 Annandale Rd, Pasadena, CA 91105

    $2,485,000

    • 4 Beds
    • 3 Baths
    • 2,502 Sq Ft
    • 115 Annandale Rd
    • New 1 day ago

    Nestled on a tranquil, tree-lined street in Pasadena’s coveted San Rafael Flats, a classic white picket fence frames this captivating English cottage, harmoniously blending timeless character with modern comforts. The entire second story is dedicated to the serene primary suite, a private retreat featuring abundant natural light, multiple closets, a storage room, and a newly remodeled

    Norma Toering Charlemagne Int'l Properties

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  • Saturday, Jul 19
    2 - 4pm

    49 Annandale Rd, Pasadena, CA 91105

    $1,849,000

    • 4 Beds
    • 3 Baths
    • 2,392 Sq Ft
    • 49 Annandale Rd
    • New 3 days ago

    Welcome to this beautifully updated Cape Cod-style home, ideally nestled in the ever-popular San Rafael Flats--one of Pasadena's most sought-after neighborhoods known for its charm, tree-lined streets, and proximity to parks, cafes, and Old Town. Designed with a modern lifestyle in mind, this home features a bright, open-concept layout that seamlessly connects the kitchen, dining, and living

    Vicky Botsford COMPASS

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  • Sunday, Jul 20
    2 - 4pm

    741 Burleigh Dr, Pasadena, CA 91105

    $2,998,000

    • 4 Beds
    • 3.5 Baths
    • 3,029 Sq Ft
    • 741 Burleigh Dr
    • New 9 days ago

    Nestled in Pasadena's desirable South San Rafael neighborhood, this stunningly updated two-story Provencal-style home blends classic European-inspired charm with thoughtful modern updates. A storybook English garden and rich landscaping frame the brick exterior and distinctive clay tile roof, setting the tone for what's inside.Upon entering through the tiled formal entry, you'll find direct

    Kathy Seuylemezian Coldwell Banker Realty

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Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Pam Delrey, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Average Home Value





Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

This Neighborhood Has More Owners

Demographics

Total Population
1,796
Median Age
51
Population Density
4 ppl/acre
Population under 18
21.3%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
30%
Above the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$216,043
Significantly above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$210,071

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
94.6%
College Graduates
71%
Significantly above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
38%
Above the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
66.6%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
20''
Average Winter Low Temperature
45°F
Average Summer High Temperature
90°F
Annual Snowfall
0''

Area Factors

Somewhat Bikeable

Bike Score®

24 / 100

Car-Dependent

Walk Score®

19 / 100

Some Transit

Transit Score®

36 / 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score

Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.

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Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
NEIGHBORHOOD
San Rafael Flats
Pam Delrey
Art Del Rey Realty, Inc.
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