How is Pasadena, California, in terms of being family-friendly and safe? And how close is it to Hollywood?

My family and I are moving to the L.A. area, but I don't want to live in the center of it all, as we're coming from a Chicago suburb. I want someplace a little quieter, a little nicer and a little safer than Hollywood, but semi-close to Hollywood if we need to drive there or take the train there.How is Pasadena, California, in terms of being family-friendly and safe? And how close is it to Hollywood?Pasadena is mostly very safe (much safer than Hollywood), with a variety of neighborhoods (flats, hills, ranch homes, mansions, condos, apartments) and environments. Of course, everywhere in LA has an issue right now with increased crime due to the economy. People in Pasadena tend to be very nice, and it seems like everyone knows everyone else, especially when you have kids. The saying goes, when you meet someone new, on the westside of LA people ask you What film are you working on? In Pasadena they ask, Where do your kids go to school? Pasadena is very diverse. One can live on the edge of the forest where it feels like the city is far away, but actually be just a mile from 7-11, McDonalds, Ralphs, etc. Lots of good community services in Pasadena.



Pasadena is about a 20 - 30 minute drive to Hollywood depending on locations and traffic, it's not bad for LA, it's a common commute. You can also take the Metro Gold Line which runs through Pasadena to downtown LA Union Station and then the Red Line to Hollywood, very easy, and there are buses, including one that runs from central Pasadena to Hollywood.



The Pasadena public schools are mostly OK (generally overall better than Hollywood schools), but about 30% of the kids attend private school, good schools range in costs from about $3500 to $25,000 for K - 8, and about $12,000 to $28,000+ for high school. (Catholic schools on the low end, many non-Catholics attend Catholic schools.) There is public school choice in Pasadena, but it's not guaranteed that students will be able to attend the public school families would like, unless it's a regular neighborhood school. Many of the public schools have students with a wide variety of abilities and the schools seem to handle it well. Lots of preschools.



The least desirable area of Pasadena/Altadena is bordered by the 210 to the west, the 210 to the south (it curves), Altadena Dr to the North, Los Robles Ave (as if it continued to Altadena Dr) to the East. That's a generalization, there are some OK neighborhoods in that area.



North of the 210 to the east has some very desirable neighborhoods, especially if you like hill property and a very open feeling. There are desirable neighborhoods all over Pasadena, from the Rose Bowl area, San Rafael, Kinneloa Estates, Sierra Madre Villa north of NY, Hastings Ranch, Caltech, near Marshall High School, and more.



Altadena borders Pasadena and has a variety of neighborhoods, very nice around the Altadena Town %26amp; Country Club and east, Farnsworth Park area, and La Vina gated community. Pasadena schools.



South Pasadena is only about 4 sq miles and very small town community. They have their own school district which is very good, one of the top in the state. Comparable homes tend to be a bit more expensive than in Pasadena. Main street with supermarkets, restaurants, fast food, etc. Typically harder to rent an apartment with kids.



Sierra Madre, to the east of northeast Pasadena, is very similar to South Pasadena, similar home costs, but Pasadena schools. Lots of the kids attend private school in Pasadena and La Canada. Much of the property is hill property, always get a soil/slope report before buying here. Nice people, but very protective over SM, so it can get weird if you want to remodel, etc. More apartments than usual for rent right now, not sure how kid friendly.



La Canada-Flintridge is west of northwest Pasadena and a very nice safe community. Great school district, top in the state, also great private schools. You'd worry the least about your kids walking around town in this city. Home prices similar to South Pasadena, plus lots of very expensive homes.



All the communities mentioned are very family friendly.



Public School info:

http://www.greatschools.org/

http://www.schooldigger.com



Private Schools listing:

http://pasadenaareaschools.org

http://www.privateschoolreview.com/



Real Estate:

http://www.realtor.com/

http://www.movoto.com/



LA Safety: http://www.lalife.com/



Good luck!How is Pasadena, California, in terms of being family-friendly and safe? And how close is it to Hollywood?Pasadena is VERY nice especially where it borders South Pasadena which is also very nice and family friendly. Lots of parks and houses in the area. Good for families. Word of caution, there's some nasty parts of Pasadena, most of it is usually above the 210 freeway. Your best bet is to find somewhere around colorado blvd, south of the 210. I used to live off Fair Oaks and Monterey and NEVER had any problems. Housing is very expensive. It's about a15 minute drive to Hollywood. Take the 110 South to the 101 north and that takes you to Hollywood.How is Pasadena, California, in terms of being family-friendly and safe? And how close is it to Hollywood?Pasadena is safer and nicer than Hollywood, although it's a suburb surrounded by other suburbs so you're still in the middle of a very busy city. You'll think you're just part of Los Angeles. Pasadena and South Pasadena are both good places to live, just busy.

Look into Sierra Madre if you want a safe, family friendly environment and a slower pace of life. It's still close to the rail line. They have a very cute downtown with independently owned businesses. Sierra Madre is at the foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains.How is Pasadena, California, in terms of being family-friendly and safe? And how close is it to Hollywood?
I would suggest looking at the Google maps feature - put in the area you want to see, and it will show that area and the surrounding areas as well.................Pasadena is generally nice, but you would need to inquire about homes and the prices there ( not cheap !! )