Question about San Marino

[happybrightpeony]

Originally Posted by nmnita

I would take So Pasadena over San Marino anyday and I was raised in the general area. La Canada is a good choice as well. The thing about So Pasadena, overall the schools are outstanding and there is more diversity. NO, it won't be inner city living, which I doubt you are wanting anyway, but your daughter will get exposed to a little more variety.

NIta

I absolutely agree. We live in South Pasadena and have friends live in San Marino so I'm familiar with both places. While San Marino is beautifully-landscaped, full of rich gardens and almost intimidating architectures, it's a slightly depressing town to me. There's not as much energy, so to speak, as what South Pasadena offers. South Pasadena may not be as "posh" "swanky" as its neighborhood town, but I adore its laid-back, anything-is-walkable atmosphere. The landscape and the vibe actually remind me of the South of France Provence region: quiet, calm, small-town (but definitely not "inner city") and non-threatening.

If you want to rent, you can definitely find some decent, well-maintained houses in South Pasadena if your budget is generous.

[Voyageuse]

We recently leased a house in San Marino in order to move my kids out of their restrictive (according to my 12 year-old) private school environment, and to get out of a stupid house situation. We're very happy with the schools. We, too looked at La Canada, Arcadia and South Pasadena, but found that SM had a bit more of a wholesome school environment. It could be because of the heavy Asian population. I grew up in this area, so I have a pretty good idea of the culture of each school district, and this one was probably closest to what my boys experienced in their prior school. If you want a more candid opinion based on 30+ years of observation, feel free to PM me.

[apa1128]

Originally Posted by happybrightpeony

I absolutely agree. We live in South Pasadena and have friends live in San Marino so I'm familiar with both places. While San Marino is beautifully-landscaped, full of rich gardens and almost intimidating architectures, it's a slightly depressing town to me. There's not as much energy, so to speak, as what South Pasadena offers. South Pasadena may not be as "posh" "swanky" as its neighborhood town, but I adore its laid-back, anything-is-walkable atmosphere. The landscape and the vibe actually remind me of the South of France Provence region: quiet, calm, small-town (but definitely not "inner city") and non-threatening.

If you want to rent, you can definitely find some decent, well-maintained houses in South Pasadena if your budget is generous.

I'm really thinking South Pasadena is the way to go. Thank you for the great description! Can you put a minimum amount on generous?

[hsw]

Ethnic ghettos, no matter how costly, tend to be dubious

Not many Chinese at top of tech or finance or any other major industry, despite alleged academic prowess in HS (and large populations in both CA and NYC)

Would rather have kids amongst those most likely to be career high achievers in competitive, IQ-driven industries

All diversity is not created equal: top ranks of any major industry are heavily white/Jewish/Indian males, much like NBA/NFL have own demographics...it is what it is...

[happybrightpeony]

Originally Posted by apa1128

I'm really thinking South Pasadena is the way to go. Thank you for the great description! Can you put a minimum amount on generous?

You're very welcome. I hope you find a place you love! It's really nice living here. It's close to everywhere and especially if you have young kids, L.A Zoo is close by, so is Travel Town and Kidspace Museum (in Pasadena, but only less than 10 mins driving.), as well as Huntington Library. I am not too familiar with the rental since we bought instead of leasing. It really depends on your budget and preference on amenities and locations. I would guess around $3000/month if you're looking for a 3 bedroom + house to rent. I could be wrong, it could be less but I guess it's safer to make a bit room for your budget if you prefer something a little bit more on the upscale side. Good luck!

[apa1128]

Originally Posted by happybrightpeony

You're very welcome. I hope you find a place you love! It's really nice living here. It's close to everywhere and especially if you have young kids, L.A Zoo is close by, so is Travel Town and Kidspace Museum (in Pasadena, but only less than 10 mins driving.), as well as Huntington Library. I am not too familiar with the rental since we bought instead of leasing. It really depends on your budget and preference on amenities and locations. I would guess around $3000/month if you're looking for a 3 bedroom + house to rent. I could be wrong, it could be less but I guess it's safer to make a bit room for your budget if you prefer something a little bit more on the upscale side. Good luck!

I wish we could buy. But with the market the way it is we can't sell our current house, so c'est la vie! From what I've seen anywhere from $3-5K per month is what we'd be spending (depending on how picky I get). Thanks again for the insight!