$2,949,858Average Value$1,020Average Price per Sq Ft4Homes For Sale
Vintage character and quiet winding streets
Minutes from downtown Pasadena, San Rafael Flats is a high-end neighborhood of early-to-mid-20th-century character homes with park access and great schools. “This area is second only to Oak Knoll in terms of prestigious properties in Pasadena,” says agent Kevin Kwan, founder and CEO of Realiv with almost two decades of experience. The topography is one of the community’s assets, a winding network of leafy residential streets lined with handsome homes. The undercurrent to this atmosphere that residents hold dear is the culture of camaraderie among neighbors, who take the time to build relationships with one another. “We look after each other,” says local Realtor and San Rafael Flats resident Jeff Botsford, senior estates director with Compass. “I know that that is something that is definitely attractive.”
San Rafael Hills east of Avenue 64 in Pasadena, CA is known for flatter streets and sidewalks.
Mission Ave offers plenty of shopping for locals of San Rafael Flats.
1/2
Great architectural mix in San Rafael Flats
San Rafael Flats' housing inventory includes houses built in the 1920s all the way through the 2000s, "so there's a great architectural mix here," Kwan says. There are also some beautiful custom estates that take advantage of the area's lush and inviting terrain, accented by assorted trees and meticulously landscaped vegetation. "Pasadena is really old school — they don't like a lot of contemporary stuff, so you're not going to see anything glassy and modern," Kwan says. As indicated by its name, San Rafael Flats' streets tend to be flatter than the neighboring area of San Rafael Hills, making the area more walkable. Single-family homes in the neighborhood are priced broadly between $1 million for something vintage, potentially needing some updates, to over $5 million for an upscale estate property with tennis courts and a pool. However, most homes are priced between $2 and $4 million.
The former Vista del Arroyo Hotel is a great example of the historic architecture of the area.
San Rafael Flats has a number of historical sites for locals to visit.
1/2
Open enrollment in public schools but many buyers go private
Pasadena United is an above-average public school district graded B-plus by Niche. It offers open enrollment into its magnet, dual-language and out-of-zone schools. Students in San Rafael Flats are zoned to attend the McKinley School, which earns a C-plus rating. They may also apply to the B-plus-rated San Rafael Elementary School, a dual-language (Spanish-English) immersion school that rests within the neighborhood. The A-minus-rated Blair High School provides continued dual-language education for sixth through 12th graders. "A lot of buyers here are going to be looking at private options," Kwan says. In nearby San Marino, Southwestern Academy is one of the best boarding high schools in the state. It is graded A-plus by Niche and celebrated its centennial in 2024.
San Rafael Park has a playground and grassy area
Situated at the corner of Colorado Boulevard and Melrose Avenue, San Rafael Park is a quiet oasis on about an acre. The pocket-sized community park has a walking path, benches, playground equipment, picnic facilities and a grassy area to spread out and relax in the SoCal sunshine. On the eastern border of San Rafael Flats is Lower Arroyo Park, which expands over 70 acres until it reaches the edge of the city. "You've got Arroyo Park right there, which is a big draw and a wonderful place for a walk," Kwan says. The park offers outdoor amenities like an archery range, a bridle path for horseback riding, several cross-country trails and benches. For flyfishing enthusiasts dedicated to the art of angling and casting, there’s even a casting pond.
There are a number of parks to enjoy the weather around San Rafael Flats.
Welcome to San Rafael Park in San Rafael Flats.
1/2
Mom-and-pop businesses along Mission Street
San Rafael Flats is entirely residential, but there is a Trader Joe’s 2 miles south and a Target 3 miles east for stocking up on groceries and essentials. Near Trader Joe’s on Mission Street, there are many mom-and-pop commercial businesses and restaurants. Mission Wines is a vino merchant that specializes in artisanal wines from all over the world; it's owned by a former sommelier and also has a wine club. Mike & Anne’s is a buzzy local favorite with a large, shaded patio and a popular brunch. Customers swear by the bloody marys and ricotta pancakes. Aro Latin has Latin classics from birria tacos to ceviche and is open for dinner during the week, but serves lunch and dinner on the weekends.
Mission Ave offers plenty of shopping for locals of San Rafael Flats.
There are a number of coffee shops in and around San Rafael Flats.
1/2
Direct highway access and crime at half the national rate
Situated just south of the Ventura Freeway, also known as state Route 134, San Rafael Flats has direct highway access. But there is enough space between the walled-off freeway and residential streets that traffic noise isn’t a big issue even at the neighborhood’s northern end. The streets of San Rafael Flats are quiet, with few outlets for through traffic. Downtown Pasadena is about 3 miles east via the 134, and downtown Los Angeles is about 10 miles south. It’s a sneaky long drive that can take 45 minutes during rush hours — the same can be said of the 15-mile drive to Hollywood Burbank Airport. The closest medical facility is Huntington Health hospital, about 3 miles east via West Colorado Boulevard. The nearest public transportation is the bus stops along West Colorado Boulevard and Avenue 64, along the edges of the neighborhood.
Both property crime and violent crime happen at half the national rate in San Rafael Flats. The neighborhood’s CAP Index score for property and violent crime is a 2 (out of 10), compared to 4 nationally.
Written By
Amber Steinmetz-Cole
Photography Contributed By
Jonathan Quinones
Video By
Jordan Sain
Was this overview helpful?
Agents Specializing in this Area
Amalia Khachikian
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties
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
On average, homes in San Rafael Flats, Pasadena sell after 34 days on the market compared to the national average of 52 days. The median sale price for homes in San Rafael Flats, Pasadena over the last 12 months is $2,804,000, up 33% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Set on nearly three acres in Pasadena's most coveted neighborhood, the property is a remarkable showcase of 1920s Mediterranean Revival architecture. Designed by renowned architect Gordon Kaufmann--celebrated for some of Southern California's most iconic estates, and landmarks, including the Hollywood Palladium, Los Angeles Times Building, and Cal Tech Athenaeum--this residence is among his
Nestled on a tranquil, tree-lined street in Pasadena’s coveted San Rafael Flats, a classic white picket fence frames this captivating English cottage, harmoniously blending timeless character with modern comforts. The entire second story is dedicated to the serene primary suite, a private retreat featuring abundant natural light, multiple closets, a storage room, and a newly remodeled
This classic Colonial Revival home is in the desirable San Raphael Hills of southwest Pasadena. Designed by notable Pasadena Architect Theodore L. Pletsch in 1937. It is situated on a generous 14,804 sq ft lot with mature trees and well maintained gardens. With a massive chimney supporting 3 fireplaces, this home offers numerous opportunities for expansion. Bring your imagination and consider the
Nestled on a tree-lined street in a highly desirable area in southwest Pasadena, this traditional home boasts 4 bedrooms and 3 baths with fantastic curb appeal and a convenient bedroom and bath on the main floor. The front entry welcomes you to a desirable floorplan with a beautifully appointed living room with fireplace, a formal dining room, spacious family room with wet bar, and an updated
Nestled at the tranquil end of a cul-de-sac, 1344 Marianna in Pasadena blends modern updates with timeless charm. This stunning multi-level home offers ample parking and panoramic views of Johnson Lake. Floor-to-ceiling windows throughout fill the interiors with natural light, including the vaulted, wood-paneled living room with a striking mosaic-tiled fireplace. The dining areas open to a lush
Nestled in the highly sought-after San Rafael neighborhood of Pasadena, 263 San Miguel Road is a timeless 1926 English Tudor residence that blends classic architecture with modern updates. Set on a beautifully landscaped 9,000-square-foot lot, this 3 bedroom, 2.5 bath home offers approximately 2,700 square feet of elegant living space filled with character and natural light. Inside, the formal
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.
