Los Angeles neighborhood guide
East Pasadena
Vertical tick marks the LA neighborhood median.
Rent in East Pasadena
Rent control: East Pasadenahas no local rent-stabilization ordinance we track, so California's statewide cap (AB 1482) is the main protection. It limits annual increases on most buildings at least 15 years old, with exemptions. Verify a building's status before signing.
General information, not legal advice.
How East Pasadena scores for you
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East Pasadena is an unincorporated community in the San Gabriel Valley, a quiet residential area about 10 miles northeast of downtown Los Angeles. With a population around 6,000, it retains a small-town feel while sitting within the broader urban fabric of Los Angeles County. The area is primarily known as a place for those seeking a more low-key, neighborhood-oriented lifestyle away from the bustle of central LA.
Day-to-day life here centers on local parks, neighborhood shops, and family-friendly amenities. The community has modest walkability, meaning you can handle some errands on foot but will rely heavily on a car for most trips. There is no rail transit nearby, so having reliable transportation is essential for getting around the region.
Living here
East Pasadena's pace is deliberate and quiet. You'll find local parks like Eaton Blanche Park and Hugo Reid Park within reach, plus a scattering of restaurants, coffee shops, and grocers within a short walk depending on where you settle. The area ranks well for traffic exposure, sitting 29th of 317 neighborhoods in the region with relatively light congestion compared to nearby areas.
The main tradeoff is transportation dependence. With minimal transit and a car-dependent layout, you will need to drive for most activities and work commutes. Air quality is below the California median for diesel PM exposure, so those sensitive to pollution may want to consider this. Overall, East Pasadena suits renters who prioritize quiet residential living and don't mind a longer commute to job centers.
Who it's for
East Pasadena works best for renters seeking a calm, suburban environment with lower traffic pressure and a tight-knit community feel. It's ideal if you have a car and work nearby or don't mind a regional commute. If walkability and public transit access are priorities, or if you need frequent access to urban amenities, you may find the area isolating.
Environment & livability
Air quality: moderate diesel PM exposure for California.
Above the state median, linked to mild long-term respiratory risk in some studies. Worth considering for sensitive households.
Traffic exposure: above-average traffic corridor exposure.
Higher traffic proximity correlates with elevated noise, diesel emissions, and reduced pedestrian comfort on nearby streets.
Tree cover: limited tree cover, mostly open streetscape.
Less canopy means more heat exposure and less visual greenery on daily walks. LA County median is around 14% canopy coverage.
Walkability: walkable for some errands, car useful for others.
A mixed walkability area. Good for quick trips on foot, but some destinations will require driving or transit.
Transit: minimal transit access, car strongly recommended.
Very infrequent or no meaningful transit nearby. Car dependency is high in this area.
Environmental data from CalEnviroScreen 4.0 and the EPA Smart Location Database. Informational only, not professional advice for a housing decision.
Schools in East Pasadena
2 public schools sit inside this area · 2 with published results. Figures are the share of students who met or exceeded state standards.
| School | Grades | English | Math |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carver Elementary Elementary | K-5 | 89% | 87% |
| Aveson Global Leadership AcademyCharter Elementary-High Combination | 6-12 | 41% | 27% |
Source: California Dept. of Education (directory) and CAASPP Smarter Balanced, 2025. We publish these figures as the state reports them and show the same table for every neighborhood. Saktoo does not rate schools, and school data is never part of a neighborhood match score. Attendance boundaries change — confirm the assigned school with the district before relying on it.
Around East Pasadena
Grocery Outlet · Sprouts Farmers Market · Trader Joe's · Whole Foods Market
Corner Bakery · Dots Cafe · Half and Half Tea House (Express) · Klatch Coffee
B-Man's Teriyaki & Burgers · Bella Italia · Bhanu Indian Cuisine And Market · Birria Master
Eaton Blanche Park · Hugo Reid Park
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What the census says about East Pasadena
Facts about the neighborhood from the American Community Survey. These describe East Pasadena; none of them feed the scores above.
- Typical commute
- 32 min
- one way, residents who work
- Settled households
- 76%
- moved in before 2018
- Housing built
- ~1956
- average year of construction
- Above 1 per room
- 5%
- a measure of housing pressure
- Vacant units
- 7%
- of all housing units
- Broadband
- 97%
- of households subscribe
- Detached houses
- 73%
- the rest are attached or apartments
- Typical size
- 3 bed
- median across all homes here
- Homes here
- 3,414
- total housing units
Averaged across 6 areas of about a kilometre each. ACS 5-year estimates.
East Pasadena in the regional index
How East Pasadena places when every neighborhood in LA and Orange County is scored the same way.
- Where growing up led to higher adult earnings
Ranks #35 of 263 neighborhoods on this weighting.
- Tree cover, clean air, little traffic
Ranks #59 of 263 neighborhoods on this weighting.
- Where police report the fewest incidents
Ranks #80 of 254 neighborhoods on this weighting.
Finding a place in East Pasadena
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Frequently asked questions
How do I get around East Pasadena without a car?+
East Pasadena has minimal public transit options and no nearby rail stations. A car is strongly recommended for daily life and commuting. Walking is possible for some local errands, but most destinations will require driving.
What is the air quality like?+
Air quality is below the California median for diesel PM exposure (40.9th percentile). If you are sensitive to air pollution, this is a consideration, though the area does not rank among the most polluted in the region.
Is East Pasadena a safe, quiet place to live?+
Yes, East Pasadena is known as a quiet residential community with below-average traffic exposure compared to the region. It has a small-town feel despite being part of Los Angeles County, making it appealing to those seeking a calmer environment.
What amenities are within walking distance?+
You will find local restaurants, coffee shops like Klatch Coffee and Corner Bakery, and grocery options including Trader Joe's and Whole Foods within a short walk depending on location. Parks like Hugo Reid Park are also nearby, though a car is useful for reaching most destinations regularly.
Is East Pasadena walkable?+
East Pasadena ranks #231 of 346 LA neighborhoods for walkability. In practice, walkable for some errands, car useful for others.
What is the average rent in East Pasadena?+
Current residents of East Pasadena pay a median rent of about $2,682 per month (Census ACS). Asking rents for new leases typically run higher.
How is the air quality in East Pasadena?+
East Pasadena has moderate diesel PM exposure for California, based on CalEnviroScreen 4.0 diesel particulate data (percentile 54 of 100, lower is cleaner).
Which LA neighborhoods are similar to East Pasadena?+
Based on walkability, rent levels, amenities, and environment, the most similar neighborhoods to East Pasadena are Fullerton Foothills, Laguna Hills, Playa del Rey and Mission Viejo Foothills.