Pasadena, CA

Pasadena CA scores 50/100 on safety (well below average). Crime is about 37% above the national average. Research block-level crime data and visit after dark before you commit.

Detail: overall crime index 137 (100 = avg); violent crime index 134; property crime index 139. Indexes near 100 track a typical U.S. load. Higher means more crime pressure on that category.

School quality varies by neighborhood in Pasadena. Check GreatSchools.org or your local district for current ratings before you choose a ZIP.

Typical rent in Pasadena is about $2,265/month (expensive). At $2,265/month for a typical unit, you need about $81,540+ in household income to rent comfortably without stretching (3× rent × 12). Typical home value: $1,093,300.

Median household income is $105,192, property taxes run about 1.45%, and homes typically sell in around 28 days. Local median income ($105,192) clears the $81,540 comfort line for that rent.

Walk Score 68 (Somewhat Walkable); transit score 42 (Some Transit).

Average temperature is about 84°F (highs near 92°F, lows near 76°F).

Midafternoon outdoor time is limited most of summer without shade and water. Plan on summer electric bills around $200–$300/month for a typical apartment if you run AC hard. If you visit, go in July or August. That is the real test.

Who tends to thrive in Pasadena: (1) Dual-income households (at $2,265/month, the rent math works much better with two salaries) (2) People who genuinely love heat and do not mind living indoors June through September (highs near 92°F) (3) Tech and finance workers (the job market is real and local pay near $105,192 helps carry housing costs) (4) Households earning $81,540+ who can clear the 3× rent rule at $2,265/month

Who should look elsewhere: (1) People with young kids who want to let them roam freely (crime pressure is real here; safety 50/100) (2) Single earners under $70k (the rent-to-income ratio is tight at $2,265/month) (3) People who need outdoor time year-round for their mental health (summers lock you inside for 3–4 months; highs near 92°F)

Income sniff test: clear about $81,540 household income for $2,265/month rent. Under that, pick a cheaper ZIP or a different city.

Pasadena is a mixed picture. Safety is average and rent at $2,265/month is on the high side. It works for the right household but is not an obvious choice.