Blog: Historic Pasadena Neighborhoods: Plenty to Explore

If you're a history or architecture enthusiast, there are many historic Pasadena neighborhoods to see in the city. Pasadena was the center of the Craftsman era – also called the American Arts and Crafts Movement – that resulted in architectural gems such as the Gamble House designed by the renowned Greene and Greene architects. But you can also find historic neighborhoods featuring homes with more global influences, as well as period revival homes.

Here are just a few of the neighborhoods you might enjoy exploring.

Historic Pasadena neighborhoods

Bungalow Heaven: This neighborhood is a showcase of Craftsman era homes. It also was the first Landmark District created in the city, in 1989. It has more recently been listed in the National Register of Historic Places and designated as one of the “10 great places in America” by the American Planning Association.

Orange Heights: This area also features the Craftsman era. In 1995, “Orange Heights – Barnhart Tracts Historic District” became the first Pasadena neighborhood to be added to the National Register of Historic Places. Once known as “Pill Hill” because of the large number of physicians and caregivers living there, it has always been at the heart of Pasadena’s civic life. Some of the city’s most prominent citizens have lived there, according to the neighborhood website. 

Madison Heights: The neighborhood was laid out in the 19th century, and the oldest house still standing dates to 1890. This area also includes examples of the Craftsman era. It’s one of the most popular filming sites in the nation. This area’s neighborhood association provides updates on news and events in the area.

Historic Highlands: You can see influences from all over the world in the homes of this neighborhood, from the work of Greene and Greene to designs influenced by both European and early American architecture to period revival homes. Colonial revival became popular in the wake of the country’s 1876 Centennial, and the Mission revival style recognizes California’s cultural heritage.

Oak Knoll: The area was developed in 1905 by a corporate partnership between prominent Northeasterners and Californians A. Kinsley Macomber, Henry E. Huntington and William R. Staats. Many of the neighborhood’s original homes were built in the bungalow style, and in many cases, famous architects were employed and no details were spared.

To read more about Pasadena’s neighborhoods, visit Classic Pasadena Homes. Historic Pasadena neighborhoods are plentiful, but you’ll also find plenty of choices for modern, urban living too.