The compendium explores two unique Californian locales - the quaint North Coast and the bustling city of Pasadena. With a deeper dive into crime and safety, weather, cost of living, education, work and economy, among other facets, this in-depth analysis aims to provide individuals interested in relocating or visiting a comprehensive comparison. The distinctive culture, employment opportunities, education structures, and lifestyle costs are all contrasted to create a holistic perspective.
North Coast, CA, maintains a lower crime rate than the national average, making it a relatively safe place for its residents and visitors. It's primarily a rural area with scattered hamlets providing a close-knit community where everyone knows each other. On the contrary, Pasadena, CA, has a higher rate of both property and violent crimes compared to the national average. Police have an active presence, and numerous neighborhood watch programs are in place to ensure safety.
Cost of Living
The cost of living in the North Coast tends to be lower compared to Pasadena. Housing is the major factor differing the costs in these areas. Pasadena's proximity to Los Angeles and its vibrant culture contribute to its higher living costs. Groceries, utilities, transportation are also higher when compared to those in the North Coast.
Income Tax
Both North Coast and Pasadena, being situated in California, fall under the state's progressive income tax system. The income tax rate ranges from 1% to 13.3% depending upon the income level.
Property Tax
Typically, residents in North Coast pay less in property taxes when compared to those in Pasadena, owing to lower home prices. California's property tax is generally capped at 1% of the property's assessed value, plus local district taxes.
Sales Tax
Sales tax in North Coast varies by county but it's generally lower compared to Pasadena. Pasadena, being part of Los Angeles County, has one of the highest sales taxes in the state.
Income
Type
North Coast
Pasadena
Estimated median household income
$102,807
$86,677
Estimated per capita income
$50,809
$55,847
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
96.1
145.4
If you make $50,000 in North Coast, you will have to make $75,650 in Pasadena to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
The North Coast boasts a rugged coastline, scenic beauty, and vast redwood forests. It's prone to earthquakes and tsunamis. Pasadena, located inland, is characterized by a mix of flatlands and hilly areas. It sits along the San Gabriel Mountain foothill, close to the notorious San Andreas Fault.
Geographical information
Type
North Coast
Pasadena
Land area
59.4 sq. miles
23.1 sq. miles
Population density
6,335.5 people per sq. mile
5,876.5 people per sq. mile
Relative area comparison
North Coast, CA Pasadena, CA
Education
North Coast primarily has small, community-based schools, with a focus on personal attention due to smaller class sizes. However, the availability of educational resources might be significantly less compared to larger cities. Pasadena boasts a high-quality education system with numerous public, private schools, colleges, and universities such as the famous California Institute of Technology and Pasadena City College, providing abundant opportunities for higher education and research.
The North Coast's economy heavily relies on agriculture, fishing, and tourism-based industries. The area is known for its wine production and dairy farms. The employment rate is generally lower but also has less competition. In contrast, Pasadena has a more diverse economy with sectors such as healthcare, education, finance, and technology, contributing to its robust economic health.
Biggest Employers
The biggest employers in North Coast include Nutrien Ag Solutions, Frey Vineyards, and Round Valley Indian Tribes. Pasadena's major employers comprise of Kaiser Permanente, Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), California Institute of Technology, and Huntington Hospital, a testament to the city's diverse economy.
In North Coast (Orange County), 45.8% voted for Democrats and 52.0% for Republicans in 2012 Presidential Election. In Pasadena (Los Angeles County), 69.7% voted for Democrats and 27.8% for Republicans.
Elections
Type
Democrats
Republicans
Other
Year
North Coast
Pasadena
North Coast
Pasadena
North Coast
Pasadena
2020
53.6%
71.0%
44.6%
26.9%
1.8%
2.1%
2016
50.9%
72.0%
42.4%
22.5%
6.7%
5.5%
2012
45.8%
69.7%
52.0%
27.8%
2.3%
2.4%
2008
47.8%
69.2%
50.3%
28.8%
1.9%
1.9%
2004
39.3%
63.3%
60.2%
35.7%
0.5%
1.0%
2000
40.4%
63.6%
55.9%
32.4%
3.7%
4.0%
1996
37.9%
59.3%
51.7%
31.0%
10.5%
9.7%
Breakdown of population affiliated with a religious congregation
Type
Adherents
Congregations
Religion
North Coast
Pasadena
North Coast
Pasadena
CATHOLIC CHURCH
26.5%
36.1%
4.4%
4.7%
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION
2.3%
1.0%
8.8%
9.0%
MUSLIM ESTIMATE
0.8%
0.7%
1.3%
1.0%
LUTHERAN CHURCH
0.6%
0.2%
2.0%
1.6%
EPISCOPAL CHURCH
0.4%
0.4%
1.4%
1.4%
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
0.4%
0.2%
2.3%
1.9%
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
0.4%
0.5%
1.3%
2.4%
REFORMED CHURCH IN AMERICA
0.3%
0.1%
0.2%
0.2%
AMERICAN BAPTIST CHURCHES IN THE USA
0.2%
0.5%
1.7%
3.1%
Weather
North Coast enjoys a moderate coastal climate with mild, damp winters and cool summers, being influenced by the Pacific Ocean's proximity. The area is prone to fog. Pasadena has a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. The city is sunnier, witnessing more than 280 sunny days per year, surpassing the national average.
Weather and climate
Type
North Coast
Pasadena
Temperature - Average
64.4°F
65.1°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
70.2%
62.2%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
26.7%
17.3%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
78.7%
67%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
52%
49.7%
Precipitation - Yearly average
13 in
21.8 in
Snowfall - Yearly average
0 in
0 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds
26.5%
28.5%
Sunshine amount - Average
78.4%
78.4%
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year
21.9%
22%
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly
84.9%
85%
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly
62.9%
63%
Wind speed - Average
6 mph
2.6 mph
Average climate in North Coast, California
Average climate in Pasadena, California
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PB
PM10
PM25
SO2
Year
North Coast
Pasadena
North Coast
Pasadena
North Coast
Pasadena
North Coast
Pasadena
North Coast
Pasadena
North Coast
Pasadena
North Coast
Pasadena
North Coast
Pasadena
2018
119
138
0.35
0.37
14.4
14.5
26.1
27.3
N/A
0.008
27.5
28.1
12.6
15.4
0.7
0.4
2017
116
143
0.34
0.27
13.8
15.3
28.8
29.1
N/A
0.007
26.7
31.8
13.8
15.4
0.5
0.5
2016
102
128
0.33
0.27
12.2
15.4
29.3
26.8
N/A
0.007
24.1
30.3
12.5
14.6
0.2
0.4
2015
106
138
0.32
0.27
13.2
15.4
29.8
25.9
N/A
0.006
25.0
29.5
14.5
16.6
0.2
0.3
2014
110
138
0.29
0.27
12.9
16.3
28.6
27.4
N/A
0.007
26.7
31.6
15.5
17.9
0.4
0.4
2013
107
137
0.34
0.40
13.9
18.1
27.8
25.7
0.003
0.007
29.5
27.2
14.2
16.6
0.3
0.4
2012
103
143
0.30
0.46
12.7
17.4
26.8
26.1
0.004
0.007
28.2
26.4
14.3
17.9
0.1
0.5
2011
109
143
0.31
0.57
14.7
20.3
27.0
24.0
0.006
0.009
27.7
28.5
15.9
18.3
0.7
0.4
2010
102
131
0.33
0.55
14.3
19.4
26.2
23.6
0.011
0.017
23.6
28.4
14.0
16.4
0.6
0.5
2009
118
151
0.35
0.31
15.5
22.2
27.6
23.2
0.009
0.011
24.3
40.2
14.5
18.3
1.1
0.5
2008
124
150
0.39
0.64
16.5
23.5
28.2
22.7
0.010
0.014
29.5
38.1
21.6
18.0
1.1
0.7
2007
100
130
0.36
0.70
16.3
24.2
27.0
21.9
0.012
0.017
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
0.8
1.1
2006
114
125
0.40
0.73
17.2
24.6
26.4
22.1
0.007
0.010
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.3
1.5
2005
95
128
0.39
0.73
17.7
24.4
27.9
20.9
0.012
0.015
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.3
2.1
2004
119
138
0.50
0.87
19.2
27.0
30.5
24.7
0.014
0.019
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.6
2.4
2003
122
144
0.64
1.15
21.9
31.3
28.9
24.7
0.030
0.027
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.1
1.7
2002
106
143
0.65
1.08
22.0
33.2
25.5
23.0
0.018
0.024
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.8
2.2
2001
116
143
0.73
1.20
22.0
33.9
25.4
21.1
0.033
0.035
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.5
2.1
2000
125
147
0.80
1.23
24.4
29.2
24.0
22.3
0.027
0.031
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.9
1.2
Natural disasters
Type
North Coast
Pasadena
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
18.6%
17.2%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
6,843.6%
7,265.9%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
32%
57%
Transportation
North Coast relies primarily on cars for commuting, with limited public transit options. Pasadena offers more options including buses, Metro Rail, bike sharing programs, and walkable neighborhoods. The city's proximity to Los Angeles also gives easy access to major airports and interstate highways.
Transport
Type
North Coast
Pasadena
Amtrak stations
0
1
Amtrak stations nearby
3
3
FAA registered aircraft
0
96
FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers
0
2
Means of transportation to work
Type
North Coast
Pasadena
Bicycle
0.7%
0.9%
Bus
1.2%
2.3%
Carpooled
10.7%
8.6%
Car alone
81.4%
78.1%
Motorcycle
0.2%
0.1%
Railroad
0%
0.5%
Streetcar
0%
0.9%
Subway
0%
0.1%
Taxicab
0%
0.2%
Walked
1.4%
4.9%
Average travel time to work
Type
North Coast
Pasadena
Average
28.8 min
30.4 min
Real Estate
The real estate market in North Coast is less competitive with a lower median home price compared to the state average. Pasadena's real estate market is more robust, with property prices significantly higher than North Coast owing to its location, high-end amenities, and demand.
Neighborhoods
North Coast neighborhoods are primarily rural or semi-rural, characterized by scenic vistas, vineyards, and ranches. Pasadena's neighborhoods are diverse, ranging from historic districts with Victorian-era homes to modern high-rise apartments in the downtown area.
Houses and residents
Type
North Coast
Pasadena
Houses
137,450
64,644
Average household size (people)
2.7
2.4
Houses occupied
133,254 (96.9%)
56,992 (88.2%)
Houses occupied by owners
84,546 (63.4%)
24,481 (43%)
Houses occupied by renters
48,708 (36.6%)
32,511 (57%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$2,340
$2,547
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$1,099,558
$1,005,903
Estimated median house or condo value
$883,291
$905,900
Median number of rooms in apartments
3.9
3.6
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
6.1
5.7
Renting percentage
37.7%
55%
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
2,312.7
2,798.7
Household income disparities
41.2%
45.1%
Housing units without a mortgage
13,396 (19.5%)
140 (0.8%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
282 (0.4%)
1,730 (9.7%)
Housing units with a mortgage
55,188 (80.5%)
17,765 (99.2%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
6,297 (9.2%)
44 (0.2%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
7,643 (11.1%)
2,135 (11.9%)
Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities
1%
3.2%
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities
Self-employed workers in own not incorporated business
15,532
10,106
State government workers
5,751
1,850
Unpaid family workers
744
80
Industries and Occupations
In North Coast, agriculture, forestry, fishing, hunting, and tourism are prominent industries. The occupations in these areas mainly revolve around management, business, science, and arts. Pasadena is home to industries such as educational services, health care, and social assistance with a significant concentration of occupations in management, business, science, and arts.
Access to health care in North Coast is more limited, with few hospitals in the region. However, the community focuses on preventative health care and wellness. In contrast, Pasadena offers multiple top-rated hospitals and specialty clinics, ensuring excellent health care delivery.
Health (county statistics)
Type
North Coast
Pasadena
General health status score of residents in this county from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent)
The infrastructure in North Coast is basic yet functional, in line with its rural and laid-back lifestyle. Power outages can occur, especially during the winter months. Pasadena enjoys superior infrastructure with well-maintained roads, state-of-art public facilities, and consistent utilities, befitting a city that hosts the annual Rose Parade and Rose Bowl game.
Infrastructure
Type
North Coast
Pasadena
TV stations
2
26
Culture and Food
The culture of North Coast is influenced by its agrarian roots, offering a laid-back lifestyle, local wineries, and farm-to-table dining experiences. Pasadena reflects a more cosmopolitan culture, with a vibrant arts scene, numerous museums, performing-arts venues, and a diverse food scene featuring a multitude of ethnic cuisines.
Sports Teams
While there are no professional sports teams based in North Coast, residents enjoy outdoor recreational activities including hiking, fishing, and boating. Pasadena doesn't house any professional teams either but hosts the famous Rose Bowl game and is located close to Los Angeles, which hosts numerous major league sports teams.
North Coast, CA
Pasadena, CA
North Coast, CA and 
Pasadena, CA : 31.5 miles
