Los Angeles neighborhood guide
Altadena
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Rent in Altadena
Rent control: Altadenahas no local rent-stabilization ordinance we track, so California's statewide cap (AB 1482) is the main protection. It limits annual increases on most buildings at least 15 years old, with exemptions. Verify a building's status before signing.
General information, not legal advice.
How Altadena scores for you
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Altadena is an unincorporated community in the San Gabriel Valley, situated directly north of Pasadena about 14 miles from Downtown Los Angeles. Home to roughly 43,000 residents, it offers a quieter, more suburban character than much of the region while maintaining proximity to the foothills and natural areas. In early 2025, the community was significantly impacted by the Eaton Fire, which affected many homes and neighborhoods.
The area is known for its cleaner air quality, ranking in the top 8% regionally, and notably low traffic exposure compared to surrounding communities. This makes it attractive to those prioritizing environmental quality and a slower pace of life, though it comes with fewer walkable amenities and limited public transit options.
Living here
Daily life in Altadena centers on a car-dependent rhythm. While you can walk to some errands, most destinations require driving. Within a short walk you'll find about one coffee shop, two restaurants, one grocery store, and one park per small area, but these are spread out enough that a vehicle is essential for most errands. The community has minimal public transit access and no Metro rail stations nearby, so car ownership is strongly recommended.
The neighborhood rewards those seeking quieter living and outdoor space. Access to Mount Lowe Park and other green areas provides recreation without urban congestion. The low traffic and clean air make it especially appealing for families and those sensitive to pollution, though you'll sacrifice the walkability and transit convenience of denser neighborhoods.
Who it's for
Altadena suits renters who prioritize air quality, a quieter suburban setting, and access to nature over walkability and transit convenience. It works well for families, remote workers, and anyone with a car who values a slower pace and lower traffic exposure. If you need to rely on public transportation or prefer to walk most places, look elsewhere.
Environment & livability
Air quality: cleaner air than most of California.
Long-term diesel PM exposure is linked to elevated respiratory and cardiovascular risk. This area is well below the state median.
Traffic exposure: low traffic corridor exposure.
Lower traffic proximity means less diesel exhaust, road noise, and pedestrian hazard from passing vehicles.
Tree cover: moderate tree cover for the area.
Some shade and green presence on most blocks, above average for dense urban LA neighborhoods.
Walkability: walkable for some errands, car useful for others.
A mixed walkability area. Good for quick trips on foot, but some destinations will require driving or transit.
Transit: minimal transit access, car strongly recommended.
Very infrequent or no meaningful transit nearby. Car dependency is high in this area.
Environmental data from CalEnviroScreen 4.0 and the EPA Smart Location Database. Informational only, not professional advice for a housing decision.
Who lives in Altadena
Population
36,471
Renters
27%
of households rent
Median age
43
Median income
$130k
per household
Census ACS 5-year estimates.
Around Altadena
Stater Bros. · Armen · Grocery Outlet · Bo's Altadena Market
Starbucks · Coffee Gallery · Unincorporated Coffee Roasters · Callisto Tea House
Lucy's Place · HomeState · Jack in the Box · Miya
Mount Lowe Park · Charles S. Farnsworth Park · Charles White Park
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Finding a place in Altadena
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Frequently asked questions
Do I need a car in Altadena?+
Yes, strongly. There is no public rail access and minimal transit overall. You'll need a car for most errands, work, and activities outside your immediate neighborhood.
What is the air quality like?+
Altadena ranks in the top 8% of Southern California for air quality, with significantly cleaner air than the regional average. This is one of the area's strongest advantages.
Is Altadena walkable?+
It's walkable for some errands but not highly walkable overall. Basic services like coffee, groceries, and parks exist nearby, but they're spread out enough that walking to most destinations is impractical.
How is traffic compared to other parts of LA County?+
Altadena has notably low traffic exposure, ranking in the top 3% regionally for light traffic corridors. This is significantly better than the regional average.
What is the average rent in Altadena?+
Current residents of Altadena pay a median rent of about $2,416 per month (Census ACS). Asking rents for new leases typically run higher.
How is the air quality in Altadena?+
Altadena has cleaner air than most of California, based on CalEnviroScreen 4.0 diesel particulate data (percentile 18 of 100, lower is cleaner).
Which LA neighborhoods are similar to Altadena?+
Based on walkability, rent levels, amenities, and environment, the most similar neighborhoods to Altadena are Palos Verdes Estates, San Marino, Mission Viejo Hills and Sierra Madre.