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About South Pasadena
The community encompasses 3.44 square miles with a population of approximately 25,000.
Located in the San Gabriel Valley, just six miles from downtown Los Angeles, South Pasadena is known for it's tree-lined streets, historic California Craftsman-style homes, unique small businesses and it's outstanding public schools. Located on historic Route 66, the city's quaint stores and small town personality draw thousands of tourists each year as well as the Hollywood film industry. The community has become a Mecca for film and television productions who have used the area for everything from “Back to the Future“ to “Stanley and Iris“.
The first South Pasadena School District was established in 1878 and the first Post Office in 1882, the first newspaper in 1893 and the library in 1895.
One of the early landmarks, The Raymond Hotel, opened it's doors in 1886 and lasted until 1931, when it fell, a victim of the depression.
The city's historic Mission West district has gained a reputation as one of Southern California's most unique and charming shopping areas.
The opening of the Arroyo Seco Parkway in 1940 divided South Pasadena and marked the beginning of a battle that is still being fought to keep the town intact. Although we have won right now and the State of California has withdrawn support for the extension there is still a remote possibility of continued attempts to resurrect the plan. For over 40 years the residents of South Pasadena have opposed the 710 Freeway extension and further division of the town. South Pasadena is listed as one of America's most endangered places by The National Trust for Historic Preservation.
The real estate market is comprised of a diverse range of housing styles and prices. Condominiums and townhomes can be found in the $315,000 to $575,000 range. The single family home market starts at around $455,000 and ranges up to $2.5 million or more for estate properties with large lots.
About San Marino
The community encompasses 3.75 square miles with a poulation of approximately 12, 559. San Marino is nine miles from downtown Los Angeles but a world apart.
Originally a Mexican land grant in 1830 to Señora Victoria Reid, the widow of an Englishman, she deeded her grant to Don Benito Wilson in 1852 and later Wilson deeded the main portion to J. De Barth Shorb, who named his rancho after his grandfather's in Maryland, which received it's name from the Republic of San Marino in Italy.
In 1903 the Shorb Estate was purchased by Henry Huntington, of Pacific Electric and Los Angeles Railway fame and in 1913 the three main ranchos of Wilson, Patton and Huntington, along with several others were incorporated as the City of San Marino. The first mayor was General George S. Patton, Sr.
The Huntington Library is composed of Henry Huntington's residence and 207 acres of his old ranch. 150 acres are set aside for the Huntington Botanical Gardens.
The Huntington Library is composed of three branches; the Main Library, the Art Reference Library and the Botanical Library. Admission is open only to qualified scholars. A Ph.D in their field of research will allow most persons to obtain a readers card. The Art Reference Library contains about 30,000 volumes on British and American art.
The Art Gallery is famous for being the home of Gainsborough's “Blue Boy“
The average house price in San Marino is $960,000 and homes range from $790,000 to $8,000,000
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