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About South Pasadena, CA

About South Pasadena, CA

Small town sought-after by directors

Buyers might recognize South Pasadena. This quintessential American community has been the backdrop to numerous films and movies trying to capture a small-town scene. South Pasadena lives up to its visual representation with its vibrant downtown of local businesses, citizen involvement in local government and friendly community. Cherry Weaver, a Realtor who has been selling in the area for decades, says, “The people control their own government and their own infrastructure, which makes it safer with better schools, much more of a luxury area to live.”

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South Pasadena is a backdrop to many films and movies trying to capture a small-town scene.
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South Pasadena has a vibrant downtown of local businesses.
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South Pasadena schools draw families

Weaver explains that South Pasadena’s A-rated unified school district. “The fact that it's a smaller town, people have more input in the community and the schools attract people,” she says. “You have PTA moms who shape the direction the school is going to take and are active about what they want for their kids.” Kids start school at one of three A-rated elementary schools: Arroyo Vista, Marengo or Monterey Hills. They proceed to South Pasadena Middle School and will graduate from South Pasadena High School, both A-rated schools on Niche.

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Students of South Pasadena can attend South Pasadena Middle school.
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South Pasadena High School in South Pasadena received an A rating on Niche.
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Arroyo Seco and other popular parks

The hills of South Pasadena provide plenty of opportunities for exploring. Nine parks spread across the community in various sizes and purposes, from less than an acre to a sprawling 19 acres. Some provide shade and shelter in the town center, such as Eddie Park and Library Park, while others offer open spaces and sports fields in Garfield Park. Arroyo Seco Park is the most popular in the community for its many amenities. The canyon park park offers sports fields, playgrounds, picnicking and hiking and equestrian trails.

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The trails at South Pasadenas Nature Park are always a good time in South Pasadena.
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Arroyo Seco's skatepark in South Pasadena is a great facility for perfecting your craft.
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Well-maintained homes remain well-loved over decades

South Pasadena has been a popular community for decades, so the housing inventory is well-established with older homes. New builds are a rarity unless a developer purchases a home with the intention of rebuilding on the lot. “They are all older homes, but they have been maintained extremely well,” says Weaver. “These are multimillion-dollar homes, and they are head and shoulders above areas as far as cost.” Single-family homes sell for a median of $1.9 million, but that price tag can purchase a variety of styles. South Pasadena buyers can find everything from mid-century modern ranches, Victorian clapboard, English Tudor, Cape Cod cottages and Craftsman-style bungalows. It’s possible to find homes for under a million, typically condos, but most homes are priced at least a million dollars. The price may increase depending on the house size and amenities like a pool or larger lawn.

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Craftsman-style homes line this quaint tree-lined street in South Pasadena.
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Find your perfect home with a white picket fence in South Pasadena.
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Outdoor dining and Mission Street shops

South Pas residents enjoy robust dining options, from coffee and boba shops to French bistros and casual Mexican restaurants. A broad selection of popular restaurants and bakeries cluster along Mission Street and Fair Oaks Avenue, offering world cuisines. Visit Fair Oaks Soda Shop to enjoy American classics in a nostalgic environment. With the community averaging 300 days of sunshine a year, many South Pasadena eateries take advantage of the area's balmy weather by offering outdoor seating. South Pas residents love their local small businesses. “They have a small old town area that is just adorable beyond belief with its own boutiques and shops,” says Weaver. Boutique shopping lines Mission Street. Bookstores, art galleries and craft stores contribute to the city's small-town feel. For essentials, Trader Joe’s is a community staple. Not only is it one of the area’s largest employers, but it’s also one of the most well-loved shopping options in the community.

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Outside dining is very popular all throughout South Pasadena almost all year round.
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Boutique shopping lines Mission Street in South Pasadena including South Pasadena Vintage.
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Historic theater and local farmers market

South Pasadena’s Rialto Theatre is one of the community's main attractions. Now designated a historic place by the National Register of Historic Places, the theater is one of the last single-screen cinemas in the U.S. The Mosaic Church, a non-denominational Christian organization, now operates it. The theater is open on Sundays for services and throughout the week for other faith-based events. Weaver says the farmers market is a favorite among residents. “People move here because they want to get to know their neighbors,” she says. “People like the farmers market because it's more of a neighborhood event. It’s a place where you visit with your neighbors.” Shoppers gather to socialize, buy fresh foods from vendors and share dozens of prepared specialty foods from its stalls. During the South Pasadena Arts Crawl, retailers stay open for extended hours and art displays and live music and crafts are offered along "artisan alley."

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El Centro Street fills up every Thursday evening for the South Pasadena Farmers Market.
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Enjoy the food trucks and hanging out with friends at the Eclectic in South Pasadena.
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Getting around South Pasadena

Thanks to Interstate 110, which runs across the top of the city, only eight miles separates South Pasadena with its neighboring metropolis. The trails and vistas of Griffith and Elysian parks, Dodger Stadium, Hollywood studio glamor and high-end shopping in Beverly Hills are less than a half hour away. A little further away at 23 miles, Santa Monica’s beach can be reached in 45 minutes in light traffic. The Los Angeles Metro L Line stops in the heart of town, at the corner of Mission and Meridian, providing quick transport to downtown L.A. Commuters going north eastward can get on a separate metro line with stops in Pasadena, Sierra Madre, Arcadia, Monrovia and Azusa. LA Metro also operates three lines in the community.

Hannah Rainey
Written By
Hannah Rainey
Canaan Hernandez
Photography Contributed By
Canaan Hernandez
Daniel Quattro
Video By
Daniel Quattro

Neighborhood Map

South Pasadena by the Numbers

26,350
Population
$1.92M
Average Housing Value
31
Average Days on Market

Average Home Value



Source: Public Records

Top Schools in South Pasadena, CA

Source:

Best Public Elementary Schools

Valentine Elementary
#1 Valentine Elementary
A+
Niche
10
GreatSchools
Marengo Elementary
#2 Marengo Elementary
A+
Niche
9
GreatSchools
Arroyo Vista Elementary
#3 Arroyo Vista Elementary
A+
Niche
8
GreatSchools
Monterey Hills Elementary
#4 Monterey Hills Elementary
A+
Niche
8
GreatSchools
Sierra Vista Elementary School
#5 Sierra Vista Elementary School
B
Niche
9
GreatSchools
Garfield Elementary School
#6 Garfield Elementary School
A-
Niche
7
GreatSchools
Park Elementary School
#7 Park Elementary School
A-
Niche
7
GreatSchools
Garvanza Elementary
#8 Garvanza Elementary
B
Niche
7
GreatSchools
El Sereno Elementary School
#9 El Sereno Elementary School
B
Niche
6
GreatSchools

Best Public Middle Schools

Huntington Middle School
#1 Huntington Middle School
A+
Niche
9
GreatSchools
South Pasadena Middle School
#2 South Pasadena Middle School
A+
Niche
9
GreatSchools
Garfield Elementary School
#3 Garfield Elementary School
A-
Niche
7
GreatSchools
Park Elementary School
#4 Park Elementary School
A-
Niche
7
GreatSchools
Blair High School
#5 Blair High School
A-
Niche
5
GreatSchools
Luther Burbank Middle School
#6 Luther Burbank Middle School
B
Niche
6
GreatSchools
Benjamin Franklin High School
#7 Benjamin Franklin High School
B+
Niche
5
GreatSchools
El Sereno Middle School
#8 El Sereno Middle School
B-
Niche
6
GreatSchools
McKinley School
#9 McKinley School
C+
Niche
4
GreatSchools

Best Public High Schools

San Marino High School
#1 San Marino High School
A+
Niche
10
GreatSchools
South Pasadena High School
#2 South Pasadena High School
A+
Niche
10
GreatSchools
Alhambra High School
#3 Alhambra High School
A
Niche
8
GreatSchools
Abraham Lincoln High School
#4 Abraham Lincoln High School
A
Niche
7
GreatSchools
Blair High School
#5 Blair High School
A-
Niche
5
GreatSchools
Benjamin Franklin High School
#6 Benjamin Franklin High School
B+
Niche
5
GreatSchools
Woodrow Wilson Senior High
#7 Woodrow Wilson Senior High
B+
Niche
5
GreatSchools

Best Private Schools

Holy Family Catholic School
#1 Holy Family Catholic School
A+
Niche
Irl - Westmoreland Academy
#2 Irl - Westmoreland Academy
St. James Parish Day School
#3 St. James Parish Day School

Agents Specializing in this Area

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Agent Spotlight

Cherryl Weaver
(213) 516-9631
Cherryl Weaver has the experience, knowledge, professionalism, and commitment to be your realtor for life. That’s why her clients say, “When it Comes to Real Estate, Leave it to Weaver!”

Cherryl is a licensed and certified Realtor and has been working in real estate with the highest standard of ethics and professionalism since 2002. She is Certified as both a Quality Service Real Estate Professional and a Distressed Property Expert. In addition Cherryl is a multi-year “Five Star Professional Award” recipient. Cherryl has lived in the Los Angeles area her entire life. This gives her a unique perspective of the conditions and historic events that have shaped neighborhoods and the real estate landscape.

What sets Cherryl apart?
Cherryl believes in providing world-class service beyond her clients’ expectations. Cherryl is a warm and authentic person who befriends her clients and keeps their interests at heart. Before Cherryl works with her clients, she asks questions to determine what specific needs and wants her clients may have. Then, she targets her efforts to meet those specific needs and wants in order to make her clients’ experience as efficient and stress-free as possible.

During the course of a transaction (whether buying or selling a home), Cherryl always keeps her clients’ best interest in mind. Whether making recommendations to sellers for simple inexpensive ways to improve the value of their homes, or coaching buyers on how to make good offers to get those offers accepted, Cherryl works as a tireless champion for her clients. She is patient, courteous, clever, and has a good sense of humor. She goes out of her way to accommodate her clients and is willing to help with the details. Then, when a home goes into escrow, Cherryl will handle any issues that arise quickly and professionally. She will negotiate skillfully and will work to ensure everything works out.

Cherryl’s commitment does not end after a transaction has closed. Cherryl keeps in touch with her clients to ensure their real estate needs continue to be met. Also, her commitment to providing personal service to her clients extends to her commitment to contribute to the community as well. By choosing Cherryl to represent you in your real estate needs, she promises to contribute a portion of her commissions to a local nonprofit organization dedicated to meeting the needs of those in need.

So, if you are looking for someone who demonstrates the highest level of integrity, expertise and professionalism; who is knowledgeable, dedicated, and communicative; who is trustworthy, reliable, friendly and helpful; and who will negotiate skillfully and be a champion for you, then Cherryl Weaver is the only realtor for you, and you’ll know why her clients say, “When it Comes to Real Estate, Leave it to Weaver!”
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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.