Livability Score

73
/100
i The AreaVibes Livability Score evaluates 9 different categories and creates an overall score out of 100. The higher the score, the better the area.

amenities A+

There are lots of amenities close to this location.
Coffee (59) B
Entertainment (32) B
Food and Drink (113) A-
Fitness (17) F
Groceries (30) A+
Parks (59) A+
Shops (200) C+
See more Pasadena amenity data

commute A+

Of all people who commute, 5.9% take public transportation in Pasadena.
Public Transit Stops (210)
Stops & Stations
A+
Workers Taking Public Transit
5.9%
B
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cost of living F

The cost of living in Pasadena is 191/100 - which is 37% higher than California.
Cost of Living
Goods & Services, Housing, etc.
F
Tax Rates
Income & Sales Tax
F
See more Pasadena cost of living data

crime D+

Pasadena crime rates are 2,670 per 100k, which is 6% lower than California
Property Crime
2,287 crimes per 100k
D
Violent Crime
383 crimes per 100k
D+
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employment A+

The median income in Pasadena is $85,129 - which is 33% higher than California.
Med. Household Income
$85,129
A+
Unemployment Rate
3.3%
B-
See more Pasadena employment data

health D+

There are many hospitals, police and fire stations.
Health & Safety (29)
Dentist, Doctor, Hospital, etc.
A+
Air Quality
Median Air Quality
F
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housing C+

Pasadena home prices are $822,100 - which is 101% higher than California
Home Price
$822,100
A+
Home Appreciation Rate
21%
A+
Home Affordability
9.7x (home price to income ratio)
F
See more Pasadena housing data

schools D+

The Pasadena graduation rate is 87% - which is 9% higher than California
School Test Scores
36%
F
High School Grad. Rates
87%
B-
Elementary Schools (47) C-
High Schools (25) F
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ratings A+

Pasadena has an overall rating of 85% from 26 reviews.
User Reviews (3)
From AreaVibes
A+
User Surveys (23)
From AreaVibes
A
See more Pasadena user rating data
Amenities Commute Cost of Living Crime Employment Health & Safety Housing Schools User Ratings
Photo of Pasadena, CA
( 26 Ratings )

Living in Pasadena, CA

Pasadena Area Facts

  • Pasadena has a Livability Score of 73/100, which is considered excellent
  • Pasadena crime rates are 6% lower than the California average
  • Cost of living in Pasadena is 37% higher than the California average
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Pasadena Reviews

Write a review about Pasadena Tell people what you like or don't like about Pasadena…
Big City Amenities with Small City Vibes 4.5 rating By Anonymous ( Apr 08, 2021) Pasadena is such a beautiful and charming city. There’s so many historical sites and restaurants to eat at. But the PEOPLE are amazing. Seriously, Pasadena has some of the nicest and friendliest people I’ve met in the whole country. I truly felt like a part of the community w ...Read More hile I lived here. Everyone from bus drivers to strangers on the street were always so happy and helpful. The people of Pasadena are so nice that they’ve built a reputation in LA for being so friendly. There are parts of Pasadena that are showing it’s age a bit and of course the infamous LA traffic but if you can get past that, the attractions and the people will charm the heck out of you. Easily one of my favorite places to live in LA if you can find a nice renovated/newly built place. Read Less
Love living in Pasadena! 5 rating By Anonymous ( May 03, 2020) For the size of Pasadena, we have a ton of things to do & see, great restaurants- both big chains and local or privately owned ones, and great bars/pubs - both in old town and around the neighborhoods. My neighbors have always been friendly. I love living here. ...Read More Read Less
Attractions Found For Low Prices In Pasadena, CA 3.5 rating By Anonymous ( May 30, 2010) I have traveled to Pasadena many times and think it is a fairly decent city. Travelers will enjoy visiting Pasadena. There are plenty of museums, parks and excellent restaurants in Pasadena. One of the most notable restaurants is Yahaira's Cafe, offering Latin-American cuisine. T ...Read More he atmosphere is welcoming and warm, the food is always delicious and fresh, and staff are very friendly. During the summer, there are numerous free music performances in the city of Pasadena for the public. Performances are generally always good and definitely worth watching. Camping and hiking are popular activities to pursue in Pasadena, with plenty of beautiful areas to choose from, for low prices. Several campgrounds surround Pasadena, but the ones I found to be the most scenic, clean and affordable were Spruce Grove and Idlehour Campground.

One downfall of Pasadena is that several neighborhoods are still rough. Rough areas are improving, but still exist. During the summer the air is very hot and humid much of the time. Those seeking to relocate to Pasadena will find their air conditioning quite high. Also, freeways near Pasadena have a tendency to be crowded most of the time, making commuting and driving a challenge. Read Less
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Attractions Found For Low Prices In Pasadena, CA 3.5 rating By Anonymous ( May 30, 2010) I have traveled to Pasadena many times and think it is a fairly decent city. Travelers will enjoy visiting Pasadena. There are plenty of museums, parks and excellent restaurants in Pasadena. One of the most notable restaurants is Yahaira's Cafe, offering Latin-American cuisine. T ...Read More he atmosphere is welcoming and warm, the food is always delicious and fresh, and staff are very friendly. During the summer, there are numerous free music performances in the city of Pasadena for the public. Performances are generally always good and definitely worth watching. Camping and hiking are popular activities to pursue in Pasadena, with plenty of beautiful areas to choose from, for low prices. Several campgrounds surround Pasadena, but the ones I found to be the most scenic, clean and affordable were Spruce Grove and Idlehour Campground.

One downfall of Pasadena is that several neighborhoods are still rough. Rough areas are improving, but still exist. During the summer the air is very hot and humid much of the time. Those seeking to relocate to Pasadena will find their air conditioning quite high. Also, freeways near Pasadena have a tendency to be crowded most of the time, making commuting and driving a challenge. Read Less

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      Pasadena, CA

      Pasadena is located a stone's throw from Los Angeles, but the area offers residents a tranquility that is difficult to find in the craziness that is LA. Pasadena is also home to one of the longest-running New Year's Day traditions in America, the Rose Bowl Parade. In addition to the floats and bands that take center stage on January 1, the Big Ten and Pac-12 typically square off in one of college football's most anticipated games of the Bowl Season. Students who attend the University of California Los Angeles attended classes in the campus that is located in Pasadena.

      Pasadena's population is over 125,000. High purchase prices and rental prices are one of the main drawbacks to the area, and it is a major reason why young professionals and working couples have a hard time starting their lives in the city. For those who are a little bit more established, the city offers a great quality of life and amazing schools. Traffic in Pasadena is almost as bad as it is in Los Angeles, and the 10 mile stretch from Pasadena to Los Angeles can take up to an hour on days when traffic is particularly heavy. Those who do not want to sit behind the wheel during rush hour each and every day can opt for the city's public transit system. It is a smart choice for trips around the city and into LA.

      The Norton Simon Museum is one of the area's top attractions. It showcases a large number of pieces from Europe. The Rose Bowl Stadium tour is another can't miss attraction due to its iconic status in American sports history and the beautiful turf that the UCLA Bruins play on during the fall football season. Descanso Gardens offer residents a break from all of the stress of the city with its collection of ponds, plants, and flowers.

      Bungalow Heaven, Oldtown Pasadena, and Catalina Villas are just a few of the neighborhoods that are popular with those who are looking to buy or rent a home in Pasadena. One of the other perks of living in Pasadena is the number of delicious restaurants that line the city's streets. Nick's Pasadena is an old-time favorite with fun takes on classic dishes. Cafe Santorini is a wonderful Greek spot that has amazing Feta and gyros. True Food Kitchen is part of the farm to table movement that sources local ingredients so you can savor the freshness.

      Pasadena is an iconic California city that offers a great quality of life for those who can afford it. Renting or buying a place in Pasadena is expensive, but it is possible if you save money wisely and look for bargain properties.

      A+ Amenities

      Are there many local amenities in Pasadena? Yes, there are lots of amenities close to this location.

      Parks

      Villa Park
      Washington Park
      McDonald Park
      Robinson Park
      La Pintoresca Park
      Playhouse Village Park
      Brenner Park
      Pasadena Memorial Park

      Entertainment

      Side Street Projects
      The Levitt Pavillion for the Preforming Arts
      Pacific Asia Museum
      Grace Nicholson Art Gallery
      Pasadena at the Terrace
      Armory Center for the Arts
      Laemmle's Pasadena 7
      Raymond Renaissance Theater

      Food & Drink

      McDonald's
      Popeyes
      Del Taco
      Roma Market
      Carl's Jr.
      Little Caesars
      Bobby's Place
      Del Taco

      A+ Commute

      Is public transit available in Pasadena? Of all people who commute, 5.9% take public transportation in Pasadena.
      Drive to Work
      66%

      10% lower than the US average

      Take Public Transit
      6%

      1% higher than the US average

      Walk to Work
      5%

      2% higher than the US average

      A+ Health & Safety

      Is Pasadena a healthy and safe place to live? Yes, there are many hospitals, police and fire stations.

      Hospitals

      Kaiser Permanente Foothill Medical Offices
      Huntington Hospital
      Las Encinas Hospital

      Pharmacies

      Rite Aid
      Walgreens
      CVS Pharmacy
      CVS Pharmacy
      CVS Pharmacy
      CVS Pharmacy
      CVS Pharmacy
      CVS Pharmacy

      Doctors

      South Lake Avenue Medical Center
      Young Student Health Center
      Pasadena Endoscopy Center