Altadena

 

A close-knit community on the outskirts of Los Angeles, Altadena is a charming residential neighborhood full of historic bungalows and Spanish-inspired villas. Neighbored by the San Gabriel Mountains to the North, Pasadena to the South, and the Sierra Madre to the East, Altadena has a nurtured, independent spirit born from its diverse population and history as a haven for artists and writers.

 

Altadena also has a rich agricultural past, since it was first developed in the early 20th century, when ranchers and business magnates from the Midwest came in search of warmer weather and favorable crop conditions, and it maintains much of its rustic character today.

 

After a prosperity boom in the 1950s, much of the land in Altadena was bought up and developed into grand estates and sprawling ranch-style homes, many of which have been modernized but still stand.

 

With large lots, a small-town feel despite easy access to the city, and an appealing lifestyle, Altadena has quickly become one of Los Angeles’ most sought-after suburbs.

 

• Ample green space
• Active lifestyle
• Elegant homes
• Scenic San Gabriel Mountains
• Family-friendly
• Artistic and historic
  
  

Altadena’s combination of suburban living and easy access to Los Angeles has made it an appealing neighborhood for young families looking for more space and livability, as well as retirees who want to take advantage of Southern California’s 284 days of sun per year. Surrounded by mountains and greenery, Altadena evokes serenity, so it’s no wonder its residents take advantage of the many hiking and biking trails nearby. 

 

Less busy than nearby Pasadena, Altadena has a more rustic feel. Instead of high-rises and modern condo buildings, you’ll find ranches among the foothills and wide residential streets dotted with parks and public green spaces.

Along Lake Avenue, you’ll find many of Altadena’s popular restaurants, cafes, and shops. Famed Los Angeles eatery Roscoe's House of Chicken & Waffles is a must-visit for locals and visitors alike, and nearby Pinocchio's Pizza and Pizza of Venice will not disappoint those looking for a taste of Italy. Lake Avenue is also home to Cafe de Leche, a hipster favorite packed with personality and delicious coffee.

 

A few streets over, you’ll find Hoopla! An Emporium Of Good Things, a quirky boutique loved by locals that sources its goods from the local artistic community, stocking its shelves with everything from fairy figurines to homemade hot sauce. Wellema Hat Co. creates beautiful bespoke hats and Mary Falkingham Floral Designs creates original floral designs. 

 

Whether Altadena is home or you’re just passing through, Lincoln, a café-style restaurant and bakery with a lovely outdoor seating area, should definitely be on your list. Outside of restaurants and shopping, Altadena also has a rich local arts scene. Theater Americana, which has been running since the 1930s, puts on both shows and workshops, while the local library organizes regular community-oriented events.

Altadena’s main draw is its ties to tradition and the small-town feel it delivers to its residents. One celebrated tradition is Christmas Tree Lane, Altadena’s annual holiday lights display along Santa Rosa Avenue. Celebrated since the 1920s, this array of lights is the country’s oldest large-scale Christmas lighting spectacle. Another community quirk is Altadena’s Bunny Museum, which is dedicated to displaying over 30,000 bunny-related objects, including books, toys, figurines, cutlery, as well as live bunnies.

 

Altadena is also known for its easy access to hiking trails like the Rubio Canyon Trailhead and the Echo Mountain Trail. The community is dedicated to preserving and educating residents on its surroundings through the Eaton Canyon Nature Center and The Cobb Estate, which features 107 acres of space—complete with a free botanical garden and hiking grounds operated by the US Forest Service.