Altadena was severely impacted by the January 2025 wildfires in the Los Angeles area.
This content was created before those fires occurred. We extend our deepest sympathies to those affected, and we will chronicle this community's rebuilding efforts in the future.
Proximity to recreation near Los Angeles
About 4 miles north of Pasadena, Altadena is a sleepy, unincorporated area in the foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains. The name is derived from the Spanish word "alta," meaning high or above, and "dena," as in Pasadena. The eclectic and diverse town of about 40,000 people values outdoor access and proximity to the city — it's only being about 15 miles from downtown Los Angeles. “We’re so close to the big city, but it’s like living in the country,” says Compass broker Teresa Fuller, a local of over 30 years. “We’re right up against the mountains, and when my kids were little, they used to ride their bikes to a stream and swim. That’s how natural this city is.” Buyers in Altadena are looking to be removed from the hustle and bustle, according to Sotheby’s broker associate Brandon Road, who has over 20 years of experience in the market. “Typically people who buy here are looking to be closer to nature, and the bonus is it’s a little bit less expensive than much of Pasadena, with larger lots. And it’s unincorporated, so it’s less restrictive for building.”
The community in Altadena takes pride in their farmers market and nature based city living.
Altadena residents love the proximity to nature that surrounds them on all sides.
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Rapidly growing home prices
In late 2024, Altadena’s median home price was $1.3 million, more than three times the national number and well above the broader California median of $900,000. The median price has risen sharply in the last few years; in 2020, it was closer to $850,000. “You can still find some less expensive homes here, it’s just that everything has gotten ridiculously expensive everywhere,” Road says. The city is almost entirely single-family, with a broad mix of architecture and a price range between $850,000 and $5 million. One of the city’s standout neighborhoods is Jane’s Village, a historic neighborhood of about 200 heritage homes, mostly storybook cottages and Tudor-style homes. “On the northeastern side, there are estates, larger homes on larger lots that were mostly built in the 1920s, '30s and '40s,” Road says. “Some old hunting lodges have been turned into single-family homes. There’s a lot of history and historical homes here.”
Find midcentury homes that are apart of the Park Planned development in Altadena.
Find larger Spanish style homes beneath the Angeles National Forest in Altadena.
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Pasadena Unified is above average
The city is served by Pasadena Unified, an above-average public school district graded B-plus by Niche. The district serves over 14,000 students in 15 walkable community elementary schools, seven middle schools and six high schools.
Altadena is about 4 miles north of one of the most prestigious learning centers in the world — the California Institute of Technology. Known as Cal Tech, the school’s alumni include countless engineers and physicians and nearly 50 Nobel Prize winners.
Jackson Elementary School serves grades K-5 and has a B overall rating from Niche.
Pasadena High School serves grades 9-12 and has an A rating from Niche.
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Lake Avenue is a primary commercial stretch
There are commercial stretches in downtown Altadena on Lake Avenue and about 2 miles west on Lincoln Avenue. The downtown area offers a variety of independent and chain dining, as well as small retail and service-based businesses. “Lake Avenue is more old, established businesses, while Lincoln is more of a revitalized hipster sort of area with coffee shops and Hispanic restaurants,” Road says. “Altadena doesn’t have a ton of commercial, though. If you’re looking for a larger-scale shopping and dining experience, you’re probably going to Glendale, La Canada, or probably Pasadena, the hub city for this general area.”
Altadena is filled with a variety of delicious restaurants, including several sushi spots.
Locals can indulge in an agave latte from Café de Leche on Lake Avenue in Altadena.
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On the edge of the Angeles National Forest
The outdoor vibes are real in Altadena, a nature lover’s paradise on the periphery of the Angeles National Forest. “The main access to the trails is on the western part of town, but there are other access points like Eaton Canyon and Millard Falls,” Road says. “Eaton Canyon has hiking trails and a road that takes you up to Henninger Flats, which is kind of a daytime picnic area.” Closer to the city center, Charles S. Farnsworth Park hosts summer concerts and offers two tennis courts, an amphitheater and other amenities. Golfers have options too. “Altadena Country Club has orange tees, and nobody’s uptight. Nobody’s judging you there,” Fuller says. “It’s more like a beautiful rec center with tennis and pickleball. You can eat on the patio there, and it’s one of the best views in Los Angeles.”
Eaton Canyon has trails for people of all ages to enjoy in Altadena.
Altadena residents can utilize the pickleball courts at Charles S. Farnsworth Park.
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Christmas Tree Lane is an annual highlight
Christmas Tree Lane is the highlight of calendar events. Ongoing for over a century, each December a half-mile stretch of 135 deodar cedar trees is strung with lights every year. It takes volunteers months to prepare for the annual tree lighting ceremony and Winter Festival — weekend preparation events bring residents of all ages together. “They do such a great event every year, and people come from all over the place to do a drive-through of Christmas Tree Lane,” Road says.
Direct highway access and minimal local traffic
Altadena is about 15 miles north of Los Angeles, 4 miles north of Pasadena and about 10 miles east of Glendale. The city has direct access to Interstate 210, which connects north to Santa Clarita and east to San Bernardino. “Altadena does not really ever have traffic. The only sort of traffic, if you could call it that, is you have people that leave Cal Tech and head home,” Road says. “I guess you could call that traffic. The busiest time might have five cars backed up at a stoplight.” Lake Avenue is the city’s main thoroughfare — it’s a four-lane road with street parking and views of the mountains when driving north. For those who rely on public transportation, Pasadena Transit operates bus routes, and there are Metrolink stations a few miles south. The closest major airport is Hollywood Burbank, about 20 miles west.
Serious fire risk and dropping crime
The summer climate in Altadena is warm and arid, with temperatures in the mid-to-upper 80s. The winter is mild and rainy, with temperatures in the upper 60s. There are nearly 300 days of sunshine annually, almost 100 more than the national average. Due to its location in the foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains, the city’s wildfire risk is substantial on the northern and eastern edges. “We haven’t had a fire that threatened anything since the 1990s,” Road says. “But it’s definitely a risk — it has been before and it likely will again, so fire insurance is something buyers have to consider, especially if you’re close to the mountains.”
Crime in Altadena fell between 2023 and 2024. According to numbers released by the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, violent crime dropped almost 10% in the year. Property crime also declined 5% during the same span.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
