Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Altadena, CA
Thinking of moving to Altadena, CA? With a population of about 42,800, Altadena combines a suburban feel with proximity to Los Angeles. The median home price sits around $1,070,000, and average rent for a 2-bedroom is $2,350, reflecting the high cost of living in this scenic foothill community. Residents enjoy a relatively low crime rate, a typical commute time of 30 minutes, and access to quality schools and healthcare. Altadena boasts a mild, sunny climate and a well-educated, diverse population—making it a great pick for professionals, families, and anyone seeking a blend of nature and city convenience.
Demographics - Altadena, CA
Demographics - Altadena, CA
Altadena is home to approximately 42,846 residents, featuring a diverse community with nearly half identifying as White, 16.5% as Black, and a significant portion speaking languages other than English at home. The median age is 45.2 years, giving the area a mature, established feel. The population density and balanced gender ratio contribute to a comfortable suburban environment.
Population:
42,846
Density:
4,300 per sq mi
Median Age:
45.2
Gender Ratio:
93 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
31.2%
Ethnic Composition
White:
47.8%
Black:
16.5%
Asian:
7.9%
Others:
27.8%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Altadena, CA?
Living in Altadena comes with a high cost of living, as reflected by a median home value of $1,070,000 and average rent around $2,350 for a two-bedroom. Utility and transportation costs are also above the national average, with a cost of living index of 176.8. Residents should expect higher expenses for housing and everyday necessities compared to other regions.
Median House Value:
$1,070,000
Gross Rent:
$2,350
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$110
Auto Insurance:
$2,250
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$3,950
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$930
State Taxes:
Low:
1%
|
High:
13.3%
Cost Of Living Index:
176.8
Grocery:
112.0
Housing:
275.0
Utilities:
110.5
Transportation:
132.2
Health Care:
108.3
Miscellaneous:
110.0
Crime
Is Altadena, CA a safe place to live?
Altadena experiences a relatively low violent crime rate, with 261 incidents per 100,000 people, and property crime is also moderate at 1,541 incidents per 100,000. Residents have about a 1 in 383 chance of being affected by violent crime, making it a generally safe suburban choice. These rates are lower than many neighboring urban areas, contributing to peace of mind for families and professionals alike.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
261
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,541
Crime Index:
1,802
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 383
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 65
Weather
What is the weather like in Altadena, CA year-round?
Altadena enjoys a mild and sunny climate, with winter temperatures ranging from 43°F to 68°F and summer highs reaching 91°F. The area receives about 21.7 inches of rainfall annually and benefits from sunshine roughly 75% of the year. This pleasant weather supports an active, outdoor lifestyle year-round.
Winter
Min:
43°F
Max:
68°F
Spring
Min:
51°F
Max:
78°F
Summer
Min:
65°F
Max:
91°F
Fall
Min:
56°F
Max:
82°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
21.7 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
75%
Neighbors
The Altadena community is well-educated and relatively affluent, with a household median income of $109,150 and a low poverty rate of 8.9%. Over 91% of adults have at least a high school diploma, and nearly half hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Residents experience an average commute time of just under 30 minutes, reflecting the area’s suburban convenience.
Median Income:
$49,600
Household Income:
$109,150
Family Income:
$123,800
Per Capita Income:
$51,500
Income Male:
$58,000
Income Female:
$46,500
Poverty Rate:
8.9%
Non English Speakers:
31.2%
Rent:
$2,350
Unemployment Rate:
5.1%
Public Transport Usage:
5.8%
Commute Time:
29.7 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
91.8%
Bachelors or More:
48.1%
Education
How are the schools in Altadena, CA?
Families in Altadena benefit from access to both public and private schools, including Altadena Arts Magnet and Saint Mark's School, with student-teacher ratios that support personalized learning. The area is also close to renowned institutions like Pasadena City College and Caltech, offering excellent higher education opportunities just a few miles away. The strong educational environment appeals to families and lifelong learners alike.
Public Schools
Name:
Altadena Arts Magnet
Street:
743 E. Calaveras St
Phone:
626-396-5650
Students:
420
Student Teacher Ratio:
18.5
Name:
Charles W. Eliot Arts Magnet Academy
Street:
2184 N Lake Ave
Phone:
626-396-5680
Students:
620
Student Teacher Ratio:
20.3
Private Schools
Name:
Saint Mark's School
Street:
1050 E. Altadena Dr
Phone:
626-798-8858
Students:
330
Colleges
Name:
Pasadena City College
City:
Pasadena
State:
CA
Distance:
4 miles
Students:
25,000
Name:
California Institute of Technology (Caltech)
City:
Pasadena
State:
CA
Distance:
6 miles
Students:
2,400
Healthcare
Altadena residents have access to quality healthcare, with major hospitals such as Huntington Hospital and USC Verdugo Hills Hospital nearby. The area boasts a high physician-to-population ratio of 3.2 per 1,000 residents and a health insurance coverage rate of 92.4%. These factors ensure comprehensive medical services are readily available to the community.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Huntington Hospital
Address:
100 W California Blvd, Pasadena, CA 91105
Phone:
(626) 397-5000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
USC Verdugo Hills Hospital
Address:
1812 Verdugo Blvd, Glendale, CA 91208
Phone:
(818) 790-7100
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
3.2
Health Insurance Coverage:
92.4%
Health Care Index:
78.3
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Altadena, CA?
The housing market in Altadena is robust, with a median home price of $1,070,000 and a high owner-occupancy rate of 74.1%. Rental vacancy is low at 4.5%, and the area has seen a steady home appreciation rate of 4.1% over the past year. These trends highlight a stable, in-demand market ideal for long-term investment.
Median Home Price:
$1,070,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$2,350
Owner Occupied Rate:
74.1%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
4.5%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.1%
New Construction Rate:
1.2%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.3%
DMV Information
Altadena residents can easily access DMV services at the California Department of Motor Vehicles in nearby Pasadena. The DMV provides a full range of motor vehicle services, including licensing and registration. For more information, residents can visit the official California DMV website or call the statewide customer service number.
State:
California
Department:
California Department of Motor Vehicles
Address:
49 S. Rosemead Blvd, Pasadena, CA 91107
Phone:
1-800-777-0133
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.