Which part of Pasadena is considering decent area? And the 'Not so good' area? (Alhambra: for sale, apartments)

[Jiehshan]

Pasadena residents' opinions much appreciated. Thanks.

[calipoppy]

I used to live in Pasadena and I loved it! Are you buying or renting because that will make a difference. But I will give some general info.

Although there are nice areas in Pasadena north of the 210 fwy, try to stay south and east (it curves) of the 210 fwy. Avoid areas north of 210 and east of Lincoln and west of Hill. East Pasadena is sort of spotty, Monrovia and Alhambra have some nice areas but are a bit spotty, too. San Gabriel (only where it borders San Marino) is nice

Anywhere in the cities of South Pasadena, San Marino, La Canada, La Crescenta and Arcadia you will be fine(lots of $$ though). Sierra Madre is ok with a very, very small town feel.

[Pasadena Note Queen]

I'd have to say that I agree with the last post. Pasadena hosts a wide range of living experiences . . . everything from ghetto to multimillionaire. Down town Pasadena, "Old Town" is quite the place to hang out. Lots of entertainment, lots of history, neat buildings and cultural events. Memorial Park is getting a revival, even though there are some "undesirable" types around. If you don't have children to worry about, it's a little easier. Most people don't want their children in the public schools in Pasadena. They send them to private school. Also, Pasadena being a college type town with PCC and Caltech, etc., there's a lot of young and intellectual energy going on, not to mention the Rose Bowl and Rose Parade.

You're moving to Pasadena? Renting or buying? I've got some friends moving here from back east, and they're having me help them find a house to buy. They've got about a $500,000 budget, and I told them that they will be able to find something nice for that price, although it might not be that big.

[the one]

avoid the norwest part of pas. avoid the villa park area. but sometimes its block by block with the majority of pas being exceptionally nice.

[timelesschild]

Pasadena Note Queen, where would you recommend looking for a good Pasadena neighborhood in the $500k range? Thanks!

[CESpeed]

My favorite part of Pasadena is Old Town and South Pasadena, though technically, South Pasadena is its own city. In the 500K range you might want to try the area next to Eagle Rock.

[timelesschild]

OK, thanks CESpeed. Is that nice for children? I don't care about school districts, just nice neighborhood.

[CESpeed]

I liked it. I used to work in Eagle Rock not even 5 min from Pasadena and I thought it was a really nice area. I used to walk around all the time.

[wolfattack]

I am about to move out to Pasadena to go to school at Art Center, and honestly, i have no idea how i will afford it out there.

Austin (where i live right now) is dirt cheap compared to LA. You can get a 2 bedroom apartment in a nice location here for 850 a month easy. I am having trouble finding anything in the Pasadena area for less than a grand.

[CESpeed]

Try craigslist: los angeles classifieds for jobs, apartments, personals, for sale, services, community, and events. You might want to consider having a roommate.