$1,554,565Average Value$336Average Price per Sq Ft2Homes For Sale
Architecture worthy of the movies in Historic Highlands
Historic Highlands overflows with swoon-worthy visuals as a film site for romantic comedies, including “The Wedding Singer,” “Must Love Dogs” and “In Her Shoes.” This picturesque neighborhood is known for its leafy trees and treasure trove of early 1900s architecture. “Buyers in Pasadena really appreciate character-rich styles,” says Realtor Lucy Mao, who works with Compass and has about two decades of experience in the area. “The Historic Highlands is one of the many historically designated neighborhoods within Pasadena, so the buyers love the look and feel.” Since 1995, the community has even held Home Tours, where visitors can go inside the area’s houses to learn about architectural details and renovations.
Mediterranean homes, Colonial Revivals and Craftsman homes
Northeast of Old Town Pasadena, Historic Highlands is a lush residential community — where the streets are lined with single-family homes, tall palm trees and live oaks that form tree tunnels over multiple avenues. “The generous lot sizes and mature trees all provide a high level of curb appeal that is unique to the neighborhood,” Mao says. Front yards typically have garden beds, landscaped with agave plants and boxwood hedges. Developed from the late 1800s through the 1920s, Historic Highlands’s defining feature is an eclectic collection of architecture. The styles include Craftsman homes, Colonial Revivals and Mediterranean homes. Sales prices range from $1 million to $3 million. In the area, houses stay on the market for 26 days on average, compared to the national average of 46 days. “Our markets are generally always a seller's market because inventory is always lower than the demand, and when we have a listing in such a desirable neighborhood like the Historic Highlands, it adds another layer of competitiveness because of the vintage architecture and great walkability that appeals to so many,” Mao says.
Local shops and restaurants on Hill Avenue
The southeast corner of the neighborhood features a retail district brimming with locally owned businesses. “It’s a really small but vibrant community of stores, restaurants and cafes,” Mao says. “It's a one-stop-shop, everything a family or neighbor could want in this little village.” The restaurants range from Millie’s Cafe, a popular vegan brunch spot, to Bacchus Kitchen + Wine Bar, a fine dining experience that serves global fusion dinners. Lavender & Honey Espresso Bar offers specialty lattes and pastries in a relaxed atmosphere with a patio.
The local shops include Octavia’s Bookshelf, a Black woman-owned bookstore that hosts story times. Next door is Lark Cake Shop, which bakes custom cupcakes and cakes. “Their cakes are delicious and creative. I love the cake shop,” Mao says. On the west side of Historic Highlands, Green & Bisque Clayhouse has ceramics lessons, while K Music Academy Pasadena teaches instruments from piano to guitar. “So many families with little ones love attending the music and art classes,” Mao says. For groceries, there’s a Food 4 Less.
Pasadena Unified Schools, including Pasadena High
On Niche, Longfellow Elementary School has a B rating. Charles W. Eliot Arts Magnet Academy earns a C, and Pasadena High School has an A. In 2024, the high school won AP Honor Roll Silver for excellent college readiness, plus the AP Access Award for making AP courses accessible to minority and low-income students. Higher education options include Pasadena City College and the California Institute of Technology, both located in Pasadena.
Charles W. Eliot Arts Magnet Academy
Pasadena High School
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McDonald Park and Washington Park
On Mountain Street, McDonald Park has scenery of the San Gabriel Mountains, a backdrop for its tree-shaded picnic tables and playground. “It’s a really great park because it sits in the center of Bungalow Heaven, which is another very desirable neighborhood just south of the Historic Highlands,” Mao says. It features soccer fields and pickleball courts. Less than a mile west of the community, Washington Park offers tennis courts and dog-friendly walking paths.
A pergola gives shade in Washington Park park in Pasadena, California.
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Only 10 miles to Glendale and downtown LA
The residential neighborhood of Historic Highlands is home to many commuters, who travel throughout Greater Los Angeles. Via state Route 134, Glendale is about 10 miles away. Downtown Los Angeles is also about 10 miles away using state Route 110. For public transportation, there’s the Lake Metro Station for light rail services and the Pasadena Transit bus system. The closest major airport is the Hollywood Burbank Airport, located about 20 miles away.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
David Nalbandyan,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Transit
Airport
Bob Hope
27 min drive
Bus
Washington Blvd & Lake Ave
Bus
Washington Blvd & Chester Ave
Bus
Washington Blvd & Mar Vista Ave
Bus
Lake Ave & Howard St
Bus
Lake Ave & Elizabeth St
Bus
Washington Blvd & Catalina Ave
Bus
Lake Ave & Rio Grande St
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Historic Highlands
US
Homicide
2
4
Sexual Assault
2
4
Assault with Weapon
2
4
Robbery
3
4
Burglary
3
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
3
4
Larceny
3
4
Crime Score
3
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Historic Highlands Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Historic Highlands, Pasadena sell after 55 days on the market compared to the national average of 70 days. The median sale price for homes in Historic Highlands, Pasadena over the last 12 months is $365,000, down 38% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Garfield Apartments is a well-located, 16-unit, value-add opportunity in the desirable city of Pasadena, CA. This gated community features an attractive unit mix of 1, 2, and 3-bedroom units. Property amenities include covered parking, gas cooking, individual gas and electric meters, and a shared laundry facility. Recent capital improvements include soft-story retrofitting, a new roof (2020),
Rare 4-Unit Residential Income property in North Pasadena. Ideal mix of 2 x (2B+2B), 1 x (2B+1B), 1x (1B+1B). Building Size is 3,793 SF situated on large 11,936 SF lot . Carport parking on site. All units are currently occupied and all tenants are current on rents.
Discover this unique 1-bedroom, 1-bathroom apartment located on the second floor in a prime Pasadena location.Hardwood flooring throughout for a timeless appeal.A cozy private balcony to enjoy the outdoors.Mini-split units for efficient heating and cooling.A vintage-style kitchen and bathroom for a touch of character.On-site common area laundry for your
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
David Nalbandyan,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Owners
Demographics
Total Population
1,922
Median Age
46
Population Density
11 ppl/acre
Population under 18
20.1%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
21.9%
On par with the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$77,778
Above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$120,689
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
88.7%
College Graduates
44.9%
Above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
18.8%
Above the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
67.8%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
20''
Average Winter Low Temperature
45°F
Average Summer High Temperature
90°F
Annual Snowfall
0''
Area Factors
Bikeable
Bike Score®
68/ 100
Somewhat Walkable
Walk Score®
65/ 100
Some Transit
Transit Score®
40/ 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score
Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
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.
