Located 10 miles from Downtown L.A., South Pasadena is just minutes from the hustle and bustle, but retains a small town feel with its mom and pop shops and primary city pastime of float-building for the nearby Tournament of Roses Parade that happens every New Year's day. Locals enjoy the popular Farmer’s Market in the historic Mission-West District, attending concerts at Garfield Park, dining at Crossings, shopping for eclectic finds at House of Honey, and hiking in the Arroyo Seco. Historical spots include the Fair Oaks Pharmacy and Soda Fountain and downtown’s Spanish Baroque and Egyptian-style Rialto Theater. Fun fact: The streets of South Pas are lined with native California trees and since there are virtually no palm trees or Spanish Colonial homes in parts of the city, the neighborhood often stands in for the Midwest or Northeast in film and TV.
By Bianca Barragan South Pasadena’s windy streets and hills hold a trove of adorable residences, including this “impeccable” 1933 Spanish-style home. Pass through the lovely, tiled entryway, and find beamed ceilings, built-in niches, hardwood floors, and French doors throughout. The house holds two bathrooms and three ample bedrooms. The master bedroom features its own connection... Keep reading →
Completed in 1925, the Rialto Theatre was designed by movie theatre architect Lewis A. Smith, who also designed the Vista in Los Feliz. The Rialto has an orchestra pit with balcony seating along both sides of the 30-foot stage. Recently featured in the movie LA LA Land, this historic venue is rumored to reopen as... Keep reading →
By Bianca Barragan This 1,200-square-foot live/work loft in South Pasadena is located on the first floor of the Ostrich Farm complex, so named because the complex sits on the site of the former Cawston Ostrich Farm. The bright corner apartment features floor-to-ceiling windows and wonderful oak floors. The kitchen holds Viking appliances and what... Keep reading →
By Bianca Barragan Here’s a solid example of how to update a Craftsman tastefully. This big, beautiful 1906 specimen in South Pasadena has a great, modern kitchen with granite counters and a huge farmhouse sink, and a luxurious new master bathroom with a large soaking tub. Yet all the cool turn-of-the-century charm—built-in bookshelves and sideboard,... Keep reading →