Why South Pasadena is a Great Place to Buy a Home

The City of South Pasadena is a hidden gem to most, but homebuyers looking for a unique place to call home have made the search for South Pasadena homes for sale a bit like the Gold Rush. To say that this special city is idyllic is a bit of an understatement. Real estate in South Pasadena is booming for a variety of reasons. It just isn’t like any place else.

Residing in the West San Gabriel Valley, the enchanting streets of South Pasadena aren’t only lined with gorgeous homes. They are lined with a large variety of native California trees. The lack of palm trees and Spanish Colonial houses make it a popular location for films that take place in the Midwest and Northeast. Besides being a popular site for movie sets, what other facts set South Pasadena apart from its fellow Los Angeles cities?

AreaVibes.com rates South Pasadena as being exceptionally livable with a livability score of 85. The average of California is 65 and for the USA it is 70. South Pasadena is ranked 49th in California. South Pasadena excels because of the steady housing market, shrinking crime rates, impressive education/ employment, consistent weather and variety of services.

The goal of South Pasadena’s Chamber of Commerce is to provide support and help in to mom and pop joints. Recently the Chamber of Commerce paired with the Pasadena Small Business Development Center to provide local businesses No Cost Business Advertising. This program pairs new entrepreneurs with experienced ones and industry experts in free one-on-one advising. The goal of this advising is to increase sales, obtain loans and establish businesses for long-term growth and prosperity.

The Chamber of Commerce has been very successful in building community with the South Pasadena Farmer’s Market. This 17 year-old event has gained immense recognition by being awarded the “Best Evening Farmer’s Market” by LA Weekly, Pasadena Weekly and Hometown-Pasadena.com. It was highlighted on NBC’s, “Which Way LA?”. This Farmer’s Market provides people of all socio-economic background the opportunity to celebrate fresh produce. They have financial assistance programs such as EBT available. They feature free events in addition to the market like Christmas Tree Lighting and Earth Day Celebration, which features local businesses. In order to develop the community further, they have an area for local nonprofits like the South Pas Arts Council and Relay for Life.

The crime in South Pasadena is 35% lower than the national average. For every 100,000 people only 5.31 crimes occur daily. With this data, South Pasadena is safter than 64% of United States cities. The total number of year over year crimes has decreased by 16%.

The average test scores in South Pasadena are 21% higher than the national average. In fact, 94.9% of South Pas residents have completed high school. At least 60.4% have at least a Bachelor’s Degree. The strength in education has increased employment rates dually. In comparison to the national average, South Pasadena has a higher income per capita by 63%, a higher median household income by 50%, a lower unemployment by 11% and a lower poverty rate by 50%.

The housing market is reflecting the health of the city by increasing steadily each year. The average home price is 374% higher than the national average. The median rent asked is 52% high than the national average.

The weather in South Pasadena is exceptionally pleasant. The average temperature in July is 76 degrees and the average temperature in January is 43 degrees. This ideal weather makes park picnics a common afternoon hobby. The most popular park in South Pasadena is the Arroyo Seco Park. This park has been awarded the best scenic running route in Northeast Los Angeles. Walkers, runners and joggers can enjoy a path along a river, by an equestrian ranch and under giant trees. With ample parking, many people can enjoy shade for their picnics. This park offers free archery lessons on Saturday. Another popular park is Garfield Park. Garfield is well maintained and highly populated with attendees. With tennis courts, sidewalk trails, lush grass, a large parking lot and a big playground, many guests come to Garfield for an afternoon in nature.

South Pasadena is an opportunity to experience a quiet, rich life in a community that continues to thrive, grow and support its residents. Homebuyers hoping to invest in a South Pasadena lifestyle should consult a real estate agent specially experienced in buying and selling homes in South Pasadena. Because it is a hot market, only an experienced agent should be trusted to advise you on your investment in a new home and a new lifestyle.

Why Buying a Home in Glendale, CA is a Good Idea

Glendale is the third largest city in Los Angeles County. This suburb of the Greater Los Angeles Area is the epicenter of established business, trendy shopping, cultural and artistic attractions and plenty of serene nature. These conditions are a large part of why homes in Glendale CA are selling like hotcakes and why Glendale real estate is approaching the market performance of areas like Silver Lake and Eagle Rock.

Several large companies have offices in Glendale including Walt Disney, The International House of Pancakes and Nestlé. There are a few big shopping malls located in Glendale including The Americana at Brand and the Glendale Galleria. Four different freeways intersect with Glendale and the majestic Verdugo Mountains tower in Northwest Glendale. But what about this city sets it apart from others?

AreaVibes.com rated Glendale as “Extremely Livable” with a livability score of 80. This is higher than the California average of 65 and the US average of 70. Glendale has over 200 local amenities, decreasing crime rates, an increasing housing market and consistent, stable, comfortable weather.

Glendale has a cornucopia of amenities that gives the community a metropolis façade. In addition to the large shopping malls, Glendale also has over 50 public parks like Forest Lawn Memorial Park, several live theatre companies as the Glendale Centre Theatre, and interesting sports groups like the Scholl Canyon Golf Club.

The Glendale Chamber of Commerce takes on the title of the “Voice of Business” as they support stable economic growth and increase success of current and new Glendale businesses. The Chamber of Commerce has at least 5 different programs to build the community like various annual events such as business mixers and Chamber Galas. The Commerce also has the Glendale Young Professionals (GYP), which connects, develops and empowers people by building community and social networking.

The overall crime rate is 44% lower than the National Average. For every 100,000 people in Glendale there are only 4.53 daily crimes. These numbers pit Glendale as safer than 70% of US cities and 86% of California cities. The total number of yearly crimes has decreased by 4%.

With crime rates down and business districts thriving, the housing market has received a beneficial fluff in numbers. The average price of a home is 241% higher than the national average while the average rent is 42% higher.

Lastly, the comfortable, low variant temperature provides residents a comfortable life. The average temperature for the month of July is only 76 degrees while the average temperature for the month of December is 54 degrees. This makes hiking and park visits extremely popular among Glendale residents. The Deukmejian Wilderness is a park near the mountains with glorious views and various trails for people of all ages and experience levels. Residents enjoy the presence of deer, bunnies, coyotes and indigenous birds. Amongst the trails like the Rim of the Valley trail are views of the San Fernando Valley and steep trails.

There are hidden spots of lush green grass in patches along the trail. The main parts of the park are well maintained and clean with picnic tables and a barn that was restored into a winery with a small vineyard. The Casa Adobe De San Rafael Park is registered as a California landmark. There are a number of historic adobes and rancho-era buildings spread around the south part of the park. There are two acres of relaxing sunken gardens and various picnic tables and brick BBQs.

Glendale is a well-developed community that is able to provide its residents with fulfillment in many facets of life at a close relative proximity. Those desiring to purchase a home in Glendale, CA are encouraged to perform their due diligence in order to find an experienced Glendale real estate agent to represent them in the home purchase.

Why Altadena, CA is a Great Place to Buy a Home

Altadena is a charming city located north of Pasadena, CA and south below the hills of the picturesque San Gabriel Mountains. The nature-down-to-earth vibe of the city has attracted a creative, ambitious crowd that continues to positively affect the growth and development of Altadena. Make no mistake, homes in Altadena are in demand and the Altadena real estate market is red hot.

According to AreaVibes.com – Altadena has a livability score of 76, extremely livable. This is higher than the California average of 65 and the national average of 70. This high score is attributed to the high degree of local amenities, a stable housing market, ideal weather and low crime rate.

The Altadena Chamber of Commerce advocates specially for small, local businesses. They work fiercely to increase awareness of their residents shopping at locally owned businesses. They believe that these independent stores generate most of the new jobs in the US. They help by organizing campaigns like “Buy Local First” to build a community and relationship between the businesses and the residents. This work has resulted in events like the local Farmer’s Market. This happens weekly on Wednesdays in Loma Alta Park. A mixture of farmers and prepared food vendors treat residents to their authentic food. There is a park adjacent to the market where musicians play and residents picnic.

According to AreaVibes.com, when comparing Altadena to the national average the average home price is 226% higher, the median rent asked is 53% higher, the number of owner occupied households is 10% higher and the number of renter occupied households is 18% lower. BestPlaces.Net shows that home appreciation is up 17.8%. These are all signs of a healthy, growing city.

Area Vibes says the overall crime rate in Altadena is 10% lower than the national average. There are only 7.27 daily crimes that occur in every 100,000 people. Altadena is safer than 42% of US cities and 53% of California cities. The total year over year crimes in Altadena have decreased by 2%.

Area Vibes shows that the highest average temperature in July, the hottest month of the year, is 76 degrees. The lowest average temperature in January, the coldest month of the year, is 43 degrees. This makes hiking weather ideal any time of the year.

There is a wide assortment of trails in Altadena. With the close proximity to the mountains, these trails range in difficulty and breathtaking views. One of the most popular trails is Inspiration Point via Castle Canyon. This trail has multiple views and stopping points, variations in terrain and historical placards with interesting facts at the top. There is a lush green oasis in the middle of the hike. Another well-known trail is Echo Mountain via Sam Merill. At the top of Echo Mountain lays the abandoned “White City”, a resort complete with railroad tracks and a tennis court. The trail of Echo Mountain is well groomed with lots of shade, long switchbacks and benches along the way for resting. For the less adventurous types there are a slue of parks like Farnsworth Park. This park has a baseball field, tennis courts, picnic tables with and without shelter and a memorial building for events.

Altadena is one of the best places to live. On top of the growing community, economy, low crime and perfect temperature, its close proximity to the mountains provides a life rich with earth and balance.

For those interested in purchasing a home in Altadena, CA, it is advised to find and work with an experienced real estate agent that specializes in selling and buying homes in Altadena.