Pasadena vs. Glendale (Highland, Walnut, Occidental: school districts, college, living in)

[MightyGandhi]

I will moving to LA in the fall to go to USC for graduate school. I really want to live somewhere that is safe; thus, I am looking areas that are a reasonable commute to USC, relatively cheap, and safe. I will to pay $1000 a month for a studio or 1 bedroom.

Which would have a longer commute to USC- Pasadena or Glendale?

Which is safer?

Which is cheaper?

Also, what are the safer parts of those cities?

From what I have gathered from other post I should live in the northern part of Glendale and the commute time should be 20-45 mins depending on traffic to USC.

I read that I should live in the south part of Pasadena and I should try to live in "Old Town".

Where exactly is the "Old Town" part of Pasadena?

Thank you so much for your help in advance. This forum is a real life saver.

[Rats]

I think they will both have an equal commute time, give or take 5 minutes. They are both generally very safe. The part of Glendale north of the 134 and Pasadena south of the 210 are the nicest areas. Pasadena has a lot more to offer for the younger crowd. Nightlife in Glendale is nonexistent. So I think Pasadena would be a great choice. Old Town is the western part of Pasadena right along Colorado Blvd. and that is where most of the nice shops, cafes, restaurants, and bars are centered.

[Rodeojones]

Glendale and Pasadena are separated by Eagle Rock and maybe a five minute drive from each other. S. Pasadena is a nice part of Pasadena and technically is it's own city. Personally, if I was going to live in that area, I would live in La Crescenta or La Canada. Both are north of Glendale (cities boarder each other) and are very nice. La Canada being the nicest of the two.

Edit: After reading a post on Glendale...it appears as if La Crescenta is not as nice as it used to be. FYI...

[Sorcerer68]

I've lived in both. The rule with Glendale used to be to stay north of Colorado. South Glendale is still ratty. North Glendale is gorgeous. I lived withing walking distance of Brand Blvd and all it had to offer. I appreciated the Armenian's cultural contribution re: good, strong coffee and making things stay open late. I moved to Pasadena and yes, I lived in Old Pas. As much as I loved living in Glendale, I loved Pasadena a lot more. It's got amazing vibe, jaw-dropping architecture, culture and night life! Old Pasadena is concentrated in the area along Colorado and borders Walnut Ave to the north and Arroyo Pkwy to the east. I'd live there again in a heartbeat. For a young person, no question...Pasadena. Ratty parts are in the Northwest. Garfield Heights is an exception, some streets a case-by-case basis.

[MightyGandhi]

Thank you so much for your info guys. Sorcerer68, you have probally helped me with atleast 10 post on here. Plus I read some of your old comments on previous threads. I also saw that you are friends with Bill W. Me too. It is great the some people go on this site to actually help people and not just whine about how bad LA is.

[waverlyroot]

Have you also looked into Highland Park (110) and Eagle Rock (2)? I think they're cheaper for students, unless you have children and need to consider school districts.

[MightyGandhi]

I heard that Eagle Rock has more crime. I have not heard anything about Highland Park. I have been able to find places in both Glendale and Pasadena in my price range. I will check out Highland Park. Thanks!

[waverlyroot]

Oh, but Eagle Rock has become a very hip place for young families. Occidental College is in the midst of ER, as well as a lot of cool, not unreasonably priced restaurants and shops. Highland Park is up and coming, not as expensive as Eagle Rock. I think there are iffier areas in HP, but also very nice pockets. One thing about HP is that the Gold Line runs through it, if that's a consideration.

[MightyGandhi]

I am finding a lot of affordable places in Glendale near the Glenoaks and Chevy Chase intersection. This is is North Glendale near the Adventist Medical Center.

How safe is this area?

I know that these are main intersections so it will be a very congested area.

I am also wondering if I will get a lot of noise from nearby streets, interstates, schools, and hospital.