South Pasadena 81 Exceptional
South Pasadena Livability #41 ranked city in California#1,541 ranked city in the USARanks better than 94% of areas
Is This the Right Place for You? Local Insights Report
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Pros and Cons of Living in South Pasadena

PROS
  • Amenities Amenities

    Conveniently located, the area boasts a variety of amenities, including grocery stores, shopping, coffee shops and entertainment options all within walking distance.

  • Commute Commute

    The high commute score in this area could imply easy access to public transportation, as well as shorter-than-average commute times to your workplace.

  • Employment Employment

    With higher than average median household income, income per capita and lower unemployment rates, this area scores extremely well in the employment category.

  • Schools Schools

    The high score in the schools category can be attributed to outstanding test scores, elevated graduation rates and the convenient placement of elementary and high schools in this area.

  • Ratings Ratings

    According to recent surveys and polls, locals had excellent ratings for walkability to nearby amenities, safety, access to public transit and the overall sense of community in the area.

CONS
  • Cost Of Living Cost Of Living

    This area is known for its high cost of living, which means you should anticipate higher costs for everyday goods and services, housing, groceries, and health care.

What's it like Living in South Pasadena?

South Pasadena, California is a medium-sized city with a population of 26,308 inhabitants. South Pasadena has a population density of 7,725 people per square mile. This would be considered well above the national population density level. Individuals of White (51%) and Asian (32%) backgrounds make up a significant portion of the population of South Pasadena. When traveling to work, spending unnecessary time in your vehicle is not ideal and downright frustrating. Across all of America, the average one way commute time is 26 minutes, unfortunately, living in South Pasadena offers up a higher than average one way commute time of 33 minutes.

Whether you’re moving to a new area to be closer to family, friends or for a new job, living in South Pasadena could be a positive experience compared to other cities in California if you know where to look. Don't forget to determine what matters most to you in a neighborhood. Consider factors such as safety, proximity to work or school, access to amenities (like parks, fitness facilities, grocery stores, restaurants), public transportation options, community atmosphere and the overall vibe you're looking for. To help you find the best places to live in and around South Pasadena, AreaVibes has created a livability score using key metrics like amenities, cost of living, health & safety and more.

Using data and statistics South Pasadena has received a livability score of 82/100. This score is ranked in the 96th percentile when compared to all other cities. This is a fantastic score, as South Pasadena ranks well in multiple categories! Another exciting tidbit, is that South Pasadena ranks better than 90% of all US cities! If we probe a little deeper into each category within the livability score, we see that South Pasadena has higher than average grades for the following: crime (B+). On a more negative note, South Pasadena does not have favorable scores for the following: cost of living (F). If we take a look at the data, we can find out why.

The mantra of real estate, "location, location, location," underscores the importance of where a property is situated, making it a pivotal factor in your quest for a new home. Fortunately, when you're living in South Pasadena, you'll discover an abundance of exceptional local amenities and lots of things to do. Among these are conveniently located grocery stores, charming coffee shops, diverse dining options and plenty of spacious parks. These local amenities contribute significantly to its overall appeal, ensuring that your daily needs are met and offering ample opportunities for leisure and recreation. When considering your next move, the thriving local scene in South Pasadena undoubtedly enhances its desirability, affirming the significance of its prime location.

Test scores serve as a vital gauge of a school's academic prowess and the proficiency of its students. They play a pivotal role in assessing whether local schools can deliver a robust educational foundation for children. In South Pasadena, the schools boast an impressive average test score of 82%, significantly higher than the national average. This outstanding academic achievement not only reflects the excellence of the local educational system, but also indicates the potential for students to thrive academically, making it an attractive destination for families seeking a high-quality education for their children.

Assuming that South Pasadena meets all of your requirements like low crime rates, good schools and great local amenities, the next most important item to examine is the affordability of real estate in South Pasadena. Everything else becomes a lot less important if it turns out that home prices in South Pasadena are simply unattainable. Median real estate prices in South Pasadena come in at $2,008,170, which is 174.5% higher than the California average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In South Pasadena, the home price to income ratio is 12.1, which is 57.1% higher than the California average.

Best Places to Live in and Around South Pasadena

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How Do You Rate The Livability In South Pasadena?

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Compare South Pasadena, CA Livability

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      South Pasadena transportation information

      Statistic South Pasadena California National
      Average one way commute33min28min26min
      Workers who drive to work72.3%73.5%76.4%
      Workers who carpool5.1%10.6%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit5.4%5.2%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle1.8%1.1%0.6%
      Workers who walk2.3%2.7%2.8%
      Working from home11.5%5.4%4.6%
      Source: The South Pasadena, CA data and statistics displayed above are derived from the United States Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS) and include 2026 modeled data developed using proprietary methodologies.