Hey folks, I'm a teacher here and Poverty rate is 3.8%, which is pretty low. Rent is about $2,247/month for a decent place. With a population of 32,717, Pasadena is a smaller city. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. What do you all think? Thanks for reading. The city has invested a lot in new development. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Property taxes are high but you get good services. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting.
6 upvotes
4 Replies
Delilah R.
Weather-wise, the summers are decent and winters are manageable. You get used to it after the first year.
29 upvotes
Aubrey R.
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want outdoor recreation, then yeah this place is great. But if food scene matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
23 upvotes
Nathan C.
Weather-wise, the summers are challenging and winters are pricey. You get used to it after the first year.
21 upvotes
theodore_rider
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a real estate agent, 24, moved here 13 years ago from LA. I've lived in Old Town and Lakewood, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Low crime in most neighborhoods
2. Good internet infrastructure
3. Affordable housing options
4. The people are generally challenging - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Traffic during rush hour is rough
2. Can feel isolated
3. The job market situation is stable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Old Town: Great for remote workers. underrated vibes, walkable.
- Lakewood: More affordable, family-friendly.
**Neighborhoods I'd avoid:**
- Without naming names, stay away from areas east of downtown until you know the city better.
**Cost comparison:**
Coming from LA, everything felt tough. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are growing. Gas is pricey. You can live comfortably on $40K-$120K here.
**Final verdict:**
It's not for everyone but it works for us.. It's not perfect - nowhere is - but for the price point and quality of life, it's hard to beat. DM me if you have specific questions.
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