Nestled at the base of the San Gabriel Mountains, above Pasadena, Altadena, California offers the beauty and serenity of foothills living with the proximity and convenience of Los Angeles.  The town is unincorporated, putting it under the control of the Los Angeles County government.   During its early years, Altadena was a winter retreat for wealthy and well known families who came from across the country for health and rest.  Some former Altadena residents include Zane Grey and Andrew McNally, co-owner and president of Rand McNally & Company.  Altadena was founded when the Woodbury ranch was laid out as part of the Woodbury Subdivision in 1887.  The following description, albeit perhaps exaggerated, was used at the turn of the century to promote the sale of the Woodbury ranch land, which became Altadena:

“Lying on a sunny slope 500 feet higher, and three miles north of Pasadena, with the grand panorama of the San Gabriel Valley at her feet stretching southward to the sea, and eastward to the beautiful San Jacintos, sheltered from frost on the north by the Sierra Madre Range with their ever changing shadows, and with hill and vale on the west, affords the choicest spot for the artist, invalid or business man to make his home, that can be found in all Southern California.”

Median home prices in Altadena are around $685,000.  Numerous, delightful neighborhoods offer a variety of different styles and sizes.  Today, Altadena continues to be “the choicest spot” for its 42,000+ residents.

Contributed by: Dickson Podley Realtors