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The city of South Pasadena was originally part of Pasadena. In 1888, residents of the southern part of the city were angered and distraught over the fact that most of the cities saloons were located near their homes. In an attempt to take more direct control of their property and stop the onslaught of undesirable establishments they voted to incorporate. The name South Pasadena initially caused some consternation, many people believing it inferred inferiority to Pasadena by being located near the saloons they so desperately sought to escape. Despite suggestions like San Pasqual for it´s location on what had been the Rancho San Pasqual, or Raymond for it´s proximity to the Raymond Hotel the moniker South Pasadena prevailed. |
| Best known in the late 19th and early 20th centuries for its tourist attraction the Cawston Ostrich Farm, South Pasadena quickly became a neat grid of streets lined with Craftsman bungalows and native California trees. The absence of vast numbers of stucco clad Mediterranean inspired homes, such as those found in surrounding communities is most likely the reason there are so few Palm trees throughout the city. In modern times this has made it an ideal location for filmmakers seeking to duplicate the Northeast or mid-west parts of the U.S. |
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| The small town quaintness of the cities early days has been maintained to such an extent that the city is often fondly referred to as "Mayberry". In addition the great number of fine Craftsman homes the city boasts many 1920´s character English, Norman and Colonial homes. There are also an extraordinary number of mid-century modern homes in the Altos de Monterey hills above the city which divide it from the Garvanza area of Los Angeles to the west. |
| Prideful of their quality of life, citizens of "South Pas" have successfully fought a major highway project for over 20 years. Funds to fight the project have come from the cities general funds and have inspired an outpouring of additional subsidy from people around the country. |
| Both the nation´s first freeway, the 1939 Arroyo Parkway, built to connect Pasadena with downtown L.A. and the Metro Gold Line light rail mass transit system pass through the city making it an easy commute into Los Angeles. |
| South Pasadena has an excellent reputation for its high scoring school system. There are five schools, Monterey Hills, Marengo, and Arroyo Vista Elementary schools, and South Pasadena Middle and High Schools. The vast majority of students matriculating go on to earn degrees from institutions of higher learning. The highly desirable public school system makes homes in South Pasadena much sought after and home prices reflect this. |
