$1,810,472Average Value$978Average Price per Sq Ft12Homes For Sale
A calm and convenient neighborhood
Exemplifying Pasadena’s rolling terrain, the San Rafael Hills neighborhood features winding residential streets full of midcentury architecture. Despite a convenient location in city limits, it’s secluded from tourists and crowds due to few businesses and events. It's also relatively safe, scoring a 2 out of 10 on the CAP Index. This gives San Rafael Hills a peaceful and quiet atmosphere, where residents often choose to settle down for many years.
West San Rafael Hills doesn't fall short on beautiful architecture and modern designs.
San Rafael Hills
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Midcentury homes along hilly roads
Composed of winding roads and cul-de-sacs of single-family homes, San Rafael Hills has a suburban feel. Houses with unique structures are built into hillsides dense with vegetation. “I think the interesting part about San Rafael Hills is the homes here are a little more vertical,” says local Realtor Jeff Botsford, who has over 40 years of experience in the area and works with Compass Real Estate. There’s a mix of midcentury modern styles from ranch-style homes to split-levels, many with renovations, and sales prices in the are typically hover between $1 million and $3 million. “I think what’s attractive is the affordability compared to nearby San Rafael Flats,” Botsford says. Inventory tends to be low because residents often hold on to their properties. “I think people are staying in their houses longer, so it creates a lack of inventory,” Botsford says.
Large three story homes can be found higher in the hills of West San Rafael Hills.
Luxury midcentury modern houses are prelevant inside West San Rafael Hills neighborhood.
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Convenient commutes to Old Town and downtown LA
San Rafael Hills is almost exclusively residential, but one of its top assets is its proximity to downtown Pasadena. “It’s pretty centrally located,” Botsford says. “There’s accessibility to downtown LA and the freeway systems.” Residents can reach Old Pasadena, the city’s original business district, in about 10 minutes or 2 miles. They can also hop on California State Route 110 to get to downtown LA in less than half an hour or about 10 miles. Those looking for public transportation can find a few Metro bus stops by Colorado Boulevard. For further travel, residents can access the Hollywood Burbank Airport.
San Rafael Hills
San Rafael Hills
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Pasadena Unified Schools
Students in the area go to the Pasadena Unified School District, which earns a B rating according to Niche. San Rafael Elementary serves kindergarten through fifth grade. From there, students transition to Blair High, which includes both a middle school and a senior high. Rated a B-plus on Niche, San Rafael Elementary has a dual-language immersion program in Spanish and English. Blair High, given an A-minus grade, offers both the International Baccalaureate Middle Years and Diploma programs.
Welcome to San Rafael Elementary School in San Rafael Flats.
Front of Blair High School, notice the schools modern design.
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A couple of local eateries
Being quiet and residential, San Rafael Hills doesn’t have a bustling business district, but it does have a couple of sit-down dining spots. Little Flower is a café known for its charming sidewalk seating and renowned pastries, although patrons can also order from full breakfast and lunch menus. Stoney Point Bar & Grill is down the road from Little Flower and serves Italian food in an intimate dining room complete live piano music. To go shopping for groceries, residents can go to Vons, a nearby supermarket with sections from prepared foods to home goods.
Little Flower is a cute local cafe with outdoor seating in San Rafael Hills.
Stoney Point in San Rafael Hills is a local bar & grill with an old world charm.
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A parklet and walking trails
On Colorado Boulevard, parents and children gather in San Rafael Park, a neighborhood parklet that offers a playground geared towards toddlers and picnic tables shaded by trees. Lower Arroyo Park is a much larger recreation space where locals can go for scenic walks under the historic Colorado Street Bridge. They can also practice their aim at an archery range or go fly fishing at a man-made pond.
Welcome to San Rafael Park in San Rafael Flats.
Brookside Park is a quick ride for San Rafael Hills residents.
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Events in San Rafael Hills
For small community gatherings, residents can visit Arroyo Seco Regional Branch Library, which has events like storytimes and poetry in the park. At The Fig House, locals can go to private events like weddings and corporate parties in a midcentury modern building with a large courtyard.
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.
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On average, homes in San Rafael Hills, Pasadena sell after 37 days on the market compared to the national average of 52 days. The median sale price for homes in San Rafael Hills, Pasadena over the last 12 months is $1,535,000, down 1% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Nestled in Southwest Pasadena, this single-story cottage blends privacy, character, and modern updates. The home's hidden garden offers a rare sense of seclusion while still being minutes from city conveniences—and even close to the San Rafael Hills.Inside, the classic center-hall floor plan leads to three comfortable bedrooms and two stylish baths (one shower/tub combo and the other a
The Laing House | Harwell Hamilton Harris, 1935. The architect's second built home, which came after he had spent several formative years in the office of Richard Neutra. One of the many things he learned there was the importance of the module, having witnessed Neutra's design and assembling of the Lovell Health House. Harris found that he could create harmony and rhythmic patterns working within
Nestled in the peaceful San Rafael Hills of beautiful Pasadena, this completely reimagined 3-bedroom, 3-bath home is a private contemporary retreat with a touch of Spanish flair. Designed for privacy, comfort, and seamless indoor-outdoor living, it offers treetop views from nearly every window—creating a tranquil, treehouse-like ambiance that feels worlds away from the city.Step into the
Tucked into the trees on a quiet street, this home is a striking architectural that balances bold modern design with natural serenity. Walls of glass and custom wood-and-metal ceilings define the dramatic main living spaces, where natural light pours in and every room flows seamlessly outdoors. The chef's kitchen opens to the living and dining areas, with sightlines to bamboo groves and lush
Located in the desirable San Rafael Hills, this charming Cape Cod–style home offers breathtaking panoramic views and thoughtful updates throughout. The formal entry opens to an elegant living room with a fireplace, French doors, and a separate dining area featuring built-in cabinetry, hardwood floors, and recessed lighting.With a split-level design that highlights the sweeping foothill views,
Tucked away in the serene San Rafael Hills of Southwest Pasadena, this enchanting 2-bedroom, 1-bathroom home offers a true escape into nature, while still being just minutes from the vibrant heart of the city. Perched like a treehouse, the property is enveloped by lush greenery and towering old-growth trees, creating an incredibly peaceful, private atmosphere.Entering into the home, the florplan
Nestled in the historic San Rafael Hills, 1685 Poppy Peak sits in one of Pasadena's most sought-after enclaves--Poppy Peak, known for its rich architectural heritage and striking mid-century modernist homes. Originally built in 1961 and recently restored and expanded, this architectural gem offers sweeping 270-degree views of Pasadena and the majestic San Gabriel Mountains.Showcasing bold
Perched in the San Rafael Hills, this reinvented 1948 modern home delivers space, style, and panoramic viewsstretching from Downtown LA to the San Gabriels. Fully renovated in 2021, it spans over 4,000 square feet with 5 bedrooms and 6 baths, including four en-suites and three with private balconies overlooking the city. The main floor is bold and open, featuring dramatic 20-foot ceilings, a
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