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Living in Altadena, CA

mendocino lane altadena california

Long-time residents are most likely to know the meaning behind Altadena, CA’s name. “Alta” is Spanish for “upper,” while “dena” is an offshoot of the name of its neighbor to the south, Pasadena. At an elevation of 414 meters, this unincorporated and census-designated place is situated high over the Los Angeles County landscape along the foothills of the Angeles National Forest. Thus, it’s clear why the City of Altadena is so aptly named.

A remote but not-so-remote feel

Living near the mountains and wide-open green spaces, you’d almost forget that this suburb is only a 20- to 40-minute drive to Downtown Los Angeles. This almost-rural, outdoorsy feel and its proximity to urban conveniences make Altadena one of the best places to live in the country.

Whether on barefoot, by car, or by public transport (via the Metro-Los Angeles buses), moving around Altadena is a breeze. You can complete your day-to-day tasks by just walking or biking to your intended destinations within the city. For more cosmopolitan offerings, there’s nearby Pasadena, which is almost 4 miles and barely 10 minutes away.

Tranquil suburbia

Altadena is where you can be in touch with your chi — your vital life force — given the majesty of nature as your backdrop. You have a host of nearby scenic nature spots to choose from, the more popular of which are the 4.1-mile Altadena Crest Trail and Echo Mountain.

Around town, you’ll be greeted by friendly faces in the numerous coffee shops and food spots here. Come to The Coffee Gallery for your cuppa neighborhood Joe and pair it with wonderful pastries. Or have your fill of healthy meal options at Amara Kitchen.

Altadena is not without its own unique attractions, though. There’s the Bunny Museum for all things cute, cuddly, and floppy-eared. For thrills and chills, you can go ghost hunting in the “haunted” Cobb Estate. And for a holiday feel, just visit the old cedar trees decked in Christmas lights every December along Santa Rosa Street — popularly known as Christmas Tree Lane.

Historic heritage and real estate

The City of Altadena is not only known for its abundance of nature spots and peaceful community vibe but also for its rich history. As part of the effort to identify and preserve historical landmarks in the city, several areas here have been officially listed in the National Register of Historic Places — including the Cobbs Estate and Christmas Tree Lane.

The recognition of Altadena’s place in American history manifests itself even in the architectural styles of many homes here. You’re still bound to find well-preserved Victorian mansions interspersed with craftsman, revival, and modern homes.

Of the city’s almost-45,000 population, a large majority (72%) consists of homeowners. Thus, you’ll also find that homes for sale in Altadena, CA are mostly single-family homes. Home values have also been increasing in recent times as many people now see Altadena as a better option, considering the fierce bidding wars for real estate in the metropolitan area below.

Take your home search to Altadena to find the loveliest abodes with the most spectacular views of both the mountains and the cityscape. Let me, Kathy Seuylemezian, guide you toward home-buying success here. Contact me at 818.949.5205 or email me at kathy(at)imuragent(dotted)com for more information on Altadena and the surrounding areas.

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