Bungalow Heaven is one of my favorite pockets, with over 900 Craftsman homes from the early 1900’s and, in 1989, it became Pasadena’s first Landmark District. Madison Heights is a lush and historic neighborhood, and also has townhomes and condos.
Pasadena
When people think of “cool” cities in L.A., Pasadena doesn’t often come up. I think Pasadena is pretty darn cool.
Last updated Sep 13, 2026
What’s not to love about Pasadena? It’s one of the larger cities in L.A. County, and has a plethora of restaurants, shops, theaters, museums, Caltech, the Rose Bowl, The Huntington, and many historic landmarks.
For shopping and dining, there’s Old Town Pasadena (if you can, go on a weekday morning and you’ll find street parking right in front of your destination), The Paseo, The Shops on Lake, and countless other places.
Pasadena is a neighborhood-by-neighborhood place, and there are many! Many notable architects have designed beautiful homes in Pasadena, including Greene & Greene, Irving Gill, Frank Lloyd Wright, Richard Neutra, Myron Hunt and Buff, Straub, & Hensman. Each made their mark with their own architectural styles, all over the city.
What to compare on a tour
Linda Vista sits on a slope at the base of the San Rafael Hills, with the Rose Bowl and Kidspace just down the hill. The Poppy Peak Historic District is full of mid-century modern and traditional homes built into the hillside.
We all love a historic home, but keep in mind that historic districts, Mills Act homes and Landmark District design guidelines shape what you can change on a property.
Want something with more of a spread out, suburban feel? East Pasadena is your best bet. Looking for somewhere very walkable? Try the Playhouse District or South Lake. Also worth mentioning: Pasadena is extremely central and is surrounded by Glendale, South Pasadena, San Marino, Highland Park, Eagle Rock, La Cañada, and Altadena!
Local notes for Pasadena
With kids · The Foothills
What to do with kids in the Foothills this weekend
Parks, playgrounds and the outdoor spots my kids ask to go back to.
With kids · The Foothills
A rainy-day (and too-hot-day) backup plan with kids
Indoor spots around Glendale and Montrose that have actually saved a weekend: arcades, art studios, bowling, skating and a bookstore.
Things to do · The Foothills
Small shops worth a stop
The gift shops, tea rooms, bookstores and plant shops I send friends to, most of them family- or women-owned.
Things to do · The Foothills
Holiday lights and seasonal traditions
Christmas Tree Lane, the Montrose car show, the arts festival and the other things we do every year.
Food · The Foothills
Foothills coffee field notes
Independent coffee shops that I’d gladly meet you at.
Food · The Foothills
The easy family-dinner list for the Foothills
Where we eat when nobody wants to cook, from Honeybird’s fried chicken to sushi in Tujunga and Peruvian in Pasadena.
Food · The Foothills
Markets, wine shops and the weekend haul
Three farmers’ markets, two wine shops with tastings, and where I pick up meat for Korean BBQ at home.
Talk with Jean
A short conversation about where you are, what matters and what would make sense next. No obligation.