South East

What most Angelenos don't understand about Pasadena is that it is a large, diverse city with numerous neighborhoods encompassing a wide range of socioeconomic factors. There are some crime-ridden sections with old, dilapidated homes that make South Central look inviting, butting up against picturesque communities where you could easily imagine that little old lady in the Beach Boys song parking her infamous car. Southeast Pasadena lies in between those two extremes. It contains some excellent neighborhoods with beautiful single family homes and nicely planned condo communities, but the seediness of neighboring Northeast Pasadena and Altadena creeps in the closer you get to the 210 freeway.

This area includes Pasadena City College and Cal Tech, so your neighbors could easily be scientists and academics. It's also close to downtown Pasadena and Old Town, so business people and young professionals flock here for the nice quiet neighborhoods and good location. Most of South East Pasadena is residential; Colorado Blvd is the "main street", and the farther west you travel the more you'll find in way of higher-end shops and restaurants. The businesses tend to be geared mostly tpwards the two colleges on eastern side of Colorado, so there are some great thrift stores and other college town "necessities" like bookstores and coffeshops.

All in all, Southeast Pasadena is the "real" Pasadena - a definite mix of luxury, educational elite and working class elements, historic homes with newer condo developments, and small town feel mixed with big city vibe. Neighborhoods vary block by block, but overall, this is a fantastic place to call home, with all the amazing amentities that Pasadena has to offer.