Why Live in San Rafael Hills
San Rafael Hills in Pasadena is a serene neighborhood characterized by its midcentury architecture and winding residential streets. The area is relatively safe, with a crime rate lower than the national average, contributing to its peaceful atmosphere. The neighborhood is predominantly residential, featuring unique hillside homes with a mix of ranch-style and split-level designs, many of which have been renovated. Residents enjoy a suburban feel with single-family homes nestled among dense vegetation. Proximity to downtown Pasadena, just 2 miles away, and easy access to downtown Los Angeles via California State Route 110, about 10 miles away, make it conveniently located. Public transportation options include Metro bus stops along Colorado Boulevard.
San Rafael Hills is served by the Pasadena Unified School District, with highly rated schools such as San Rafael Elementary, which offers a dual-language immersion program, and Blair High, known for its International Baccalaureate programs. While the neighborhood lacks a bustling business district, it features dining spots like Little Flower café and Stoney Point Bar & Grill. For groceries, residents can visit the nearby Vons supermarket.
Recreational opportunities include San Rafael Park, a small park with a playground and picnic tables, and Lower Arroyo Park, which offers scenic walks, an archery range, and a fly fishing pond. Community events are hosted at the Arroyo Seco Regional Branch Library and The Fig House, a venue for private gatherings. The neighborhood's quiet, residential nature and proximity to key areas make it a desirable place for long-term residents.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is San Rafael Hills a good place to live?
San Rafael Hills is a good place to live. San Rafael Hills is considered car-dependent and somewhat bikeable with some transit options. San Rafael Hills is a suburban neighborhood. San Rafael Hills has 6 parks for recreational activities. It is somewhat dense in population with 8.2 people per acre and a median age of 51. The average household income is $192,598 which is above the national average. College graduates make up 71% of residents. A majority of residents in San Rafael Hills are home owners, with 8.8% of residents renting and 91.2% of residents owning their home. A
local real estate agent serving San Rafael Hills can help you decide if this neighborhood is the right one for you. Learn more on our
San Rafael Hills neighborhood guide.
How much do you need to make to afford a house in San Rafael Hills?
The median home price in San Rafael Hills is $1,698,000. If you put a 20% down payment of $339,600 and had a 30-year fixed mortgage with an interest rate of 6.35%, your estimated principal and interest payment would be $8,450 a month plus property taxes, HOA fees, home insurance, PMI, and utilities. Using the 28% rule, you would need to make at least $362K a year to afford the median home price in San Rafael Hills. The average household income in San Rafael Hills is $193K.
What are the best public schools in San Rafael Hills?
The best public schools that serve San Rafael Hills are:
- Eagle Rock High School has an A Niche grade, a student teacher ratio of 19:1 and an average review score of 3.8.
- Blair High School has an A- Niche grade, a student teacher ratio of 18:1 and an average review score of 3.5.
- San Rafael Elementary has a B+ Niche grade, a student teacher ratio of 25:1 and an average review score of 4.5.
What are the best private schools in San Rafael Hills?
The best private schools that serve San Rafael Hills are:
- Sequoyah School has an A+ Niche grade, a student teacher ratio of 10:1 and an average review score of 4.4.
- Westridge School has an A+ Niche grade, a student teacher ratio of 5:1 and an average review score of 4.4.
- Mayfield Senior School has an A+ Niche grade, a student teacher ratio of 6:1 and an average review score of 3.9.
What are the most popular zip codes in San Rafael Hills, Pasadena, CA?
What are the most popular neighborhoods near San Rafael Hills, Pasadena, CA?
Are home prices dropping in San Rafael Hills?
Yes, home prices in San Rafael Hills are down 1% in the last 12 months.
Home Trends in San Rafael Hills, CA
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 $1,532,500, down 1% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Median Sale Price
$1,532,500
Median Single Family Sale Price
$1,600,000
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$965
Number of Homes for Sale
11
Last 12 months Home Sales
32
Median List Price
$1,698,000
Median Change From 1st List Price
0%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
-1%