How diverse is Pasadena/San Marino/La Canada? (Montebello, Monterey Park: real estate, neighborhood)

[uptown_urbanist]

I'm not sure about gated country club communities, but depending on what you want you can probably find it in Pasadena; I think that's probably your best bet, especially since you don't want suburbs. Pasadena certainly has its share of ritzy, upscale, safe neighborhoods with easy access to clubs and amenities. I'm not sure about prices, but I'd take a look at neighborhoods like Linda Vista (Linda Vista ~ Annandale Association) or southwest Pasadena. If you're open to condos there are a number of newer (although not new) upscale, very spacious condos on Orange Grove Avenue (the part south of Colorado). Not a gated community, but could perhaps still provide you with what you're looking for. Formally gated communities just aren't really a part of Pasadena life, and while there may be some around somewhere, I think they're likely to put you either a long way out or in more suburbia.

[nmnita]

Originally Posted by uptown_urbanist

I'm not sure about gated country club communities, but depending on what you want you can probably find it in Pasadena; I think that's probably your best bet, especially since you don't want suburbs. Pasadena certainly has its share of ritzy, upscale, safe neighborhoods with easy access to clubs and amenities. I'm not sure about prices, but I'd take a look at neighborhoods like Linda Vista (Linda Vista ~ Annandale Association) or southwest Pasadena. If you're open to condos there are a number of newer (although not new) upscale, very spacious condos on Orange Grove Avenue (the part south of Colorado). Not a gated community, but could perhaps still provide you with what you're looking for. Formally gated communities just aren't really a part of Pasadena life, and while there may be some around somewhere, I think they're likely to put you either a long way out or in more suburbia.

you are right, Pasadena might be a good fit. There are not a lot of gated communities in So Ca compared to some places throughout the USA, but I love the neighborhoods in the upscale part of Pasadena. The one concern might be the "newer home". I wonder what she considers newer?

Nita

[allieoops]

Actually, I DO WANT SUBURBIA, but NOT the valley. Are there any gated country club communities within 30 min to pasadena where we would not be the token Jews?

[allieoops]

My mistake in typing the original question...we do want the suburbs but NOT the valley .

[nmnita]

Originally Posted by allieoops

My mistake in typing the original question...we do want the suburbs but NOT the valley .

again, gated communities are not all that common in So California. As for wanting the burbs, other than Pasadena, I would look at maybe San Marino if your housing budget will get you anything acceptable. You would not be the token Jews by any means. i will add though, San Marino is becoming more Asain by the minute. Not that this is bad, just perhaps, not as many Jews as in years past. Another possible concern will be the age of the homes. You mention newer, most of the area surrounding Pasadena is pretty built up and not a lot of "newer" but it is very nice. So Pasadena is another thought. La Canada and La Cresenta are 2 more possiblitiies.

Nita

[CA4Now]

Originally Posted by allieoops

My mistake in typing the original question...we do want the suburbs but NOT the valley.

There are two "valleys"....the San Fernando Valley and the San Gabriel Valley; which do you mean?

[allieoops]

San Fernando and I don't know the other. Are you familiar with Bradbury Country Club area ? San Marino is too Asian....

[uptown_urbanist]

Why do you want a gated community? You'll have far, far more options if you can eliminate that as a requirement. They're not necessary for safety, and most people -- even the very wealthy -- don't live in them.

Pasadena is in the San Gabriel Valley. So is Bradbury. I don't know anyone who lives or has lived there, but it's always been my understanding that it's a tiny place with expensive houses on large lots; I'm assuming that the options below two million are going to be fairly limited.

I doubt you'll be the token Jews anywhere within 30 minutes of Pasadena.

[seain dublin]

Originally Posted by CA4Now

There are two "valleys"....the San Fernando Valley and the San Gabriel Valley; which do you mean?

When people say the Valley, they mean San Fernando.

I have never heard anyone from Pasadena say "I live in the valley"...LOL.

[californio sur]

Originally Posted by seain dublin

When people say the Valley, they mean San Fernando.

I have never heard anyone from Pasadena say "I live in the valley"...LOL.

When people in LA say "the Valley" they are referring to the San Fernando valley since a big part of it is within the city limits of Los Angeles. But people in Pasadena say the San Gabriel Valley since it is just as large as the San Fernando Valley; it think the two valleys have about the same population numbers. But the San Gabriel Valley doesn't include any parts of the city of Los Angeles except around El Sereno and East LA.

I can't think of any gated communities in the San Gabriel Valley. There are mansions that have their own gates especially around San Marino. Pasadena is a very diverse city with almost equal numbers of Anglos, Latinos and Asians.