Many people who are coming to the U.S. for the first time tend to look into Pasadena. After living here for a few years, I can say there are many good things, but there are definitely some realities to face as well. So today, rather than just talking about the positives, I'll share my honest feelings based on my experience as an immigrant.

First of all, what I like the most is the atmosphere. Pasadena is a city where a really diverse range of ethnicities live together, so as a foreigner, you don't stand out too much.

There are many Asian, Latino, European, and Black communities that blend together naturally. Because of this, many newcomers to the U.S. adapt more quickly than expected. Even if you're not yet comfortable with English, there are Asian markets, restaurants, and hospitals nearby, so daily life isn't too inconvenient.

The safety is also relatively good in Southern California, which is why many families with children choose to live here. Of course, there are areas in any city that you need to be cautious about, but overall, there are many people out walking, and the neighborhood feels stable. Especially with the many old trees and beautiful houses, there are many days when just walking around the neighborhood lifts your spirits.

The educational environment is also noteworthy. Public schools have well-run ESL programs, so children who struggle with English can get help adjusting to school. Libraries often offer free English classes and various cultural programs. With well-known educational institutions like Pasadena City College and Caltech nearby, there's a great environment for both children and adults to continue their education.

However, the reality is that money is a significant factor. Pasadena is a great place to live, but housing prices and rent are not easy to handle. New immigrants often struggle to find housing because they have no credit history, and landlords may require several months' rent as a security deposit. It can be quite a burden to have to spend a large amount of money before even starting to settle in.

One of the most common complaints I hear about living in Pasadena is the traffic congestion. The location is great because it's close to downtown LA, but it's not easy to avoid freeway traffic during rush hours.

The most commonly used road is the 210 Freeway (Foothill Freeway).

It's a key route that runs east-west through Pasadena, connecting Glendale and San Bernardino. From 6:30 AM to 9:30 AM and from 3:30 PM to 7:00 PM on weekdays, traffic volume increases significantly, and there are often stretches where the average speed drops to 20-35 miles per hour. The exits at Lake Avenue, Hill Avenue, and Arroyo Parkway are particularly known for their bottlenecks.

The 110 Freeway (Arroyo Seco Parkway) is one of the oldest highways in the U.S., directly connecting Pasadena and downtown LA. The distance is about 10 miles, but during rush hours, travel time can increase from the usual 15 minutes to 40-50 minutes. There are many curves and short on-ramps, which can make first-time drivers a bit nervous.

The 134 Freeway (Ventura Freeway) connects Burbank and Glendale to the 101 Freeway. It's a road frequently used by people in the entertainment industry, so traffic is heavy both in the morning and afternoon. The interchange where the 134 and 210 meet is considered one of the congested areas in Southern California.

If you move a little east, you connect to the 605 Freeway (San Gabriel River Freeway). This route is often used when heading towards Orange County or the Inland Empire, and on Friday afternoons, when weekend shoppers and travelers overlap, travel times can significantly increase.

Ultimately, Pasadena has an excellent transportation network, but it's a region with heavy traffic that can affect your daily condition depending on how well you avoid rush hour.

Many people ask, "Isn't it okay not to speak English since there's a Korean town nearby?" That's only half true.

It's fine for shopping or dining, but for school counseling, medical appointments, banking, tax filing, insurance enrollment, and government paperwork, you really need to have some level of English proficiency to make things much easier. For important contracts or legal issues, it's best to seek professional help for peace of mind.

In the end, I believe Pasadena is indeed a 'great city to live in.' However, if you come without any preparation, the cost of living can be much more challenging than expected.

If you prepare your English gradually, set aside enough initial settlement funds, and actively engage with the local community, there's a high likelihood that you'll find it a satisfying city to live in. I think the most important key to making life in Pasadena much more comfortable is to prioritize realistic preparations over glamorous images.