For those considering a move to Pasadena, the most common question is likely, "Which neighborhoods have good schools and are safe?" The answer is that the San Rafael area meets those criteria best.

San Rafael is a neighborhood situated on hilly terrain along the Arroyo Seco Canyon, where large mansions began to be built in the early 1900s. The median home price ranges from $2.5 million to $3.5 million, and lots with good canyon views can sell for much higher.

Linda Vista is also a nearby upscale residential area adjacent to San Rafael, offering good access to the Rose Bowl Stadium while maintaining a quiet atmosphere. The median home price is reported to be around $1.8 million to $2.5 million.

Madison Heights and Oak Knoll are also worth noting. Madison Heights is a historic district with Craftsman-style homes designed by Greene & Greene, and the architectural value is reflected in the prices. Oak Knoll is located near the Huntington Library and features many large lots with excellent landscaping, with median home prices often exceeding $2 million.

The establishment of these neighborhoods as affluent areas can be attributed to Pasadena's unique architectural history. As a region that led the California Craftsman style in the early 20th century, many old mansions are well-preserved, and the presence of academic and cultural institutions like Caltech and the Huntington Library has helped maintain an intellectual and quiet image over the years.

• San Rafael: Arroyo Seco Canyon, median $2.5 million to $3.5 million
• Linda Vista: Near Rose Bowl, $1.8 million to $2.5 million
• Madison Heights & Oak Knoll: Historic district & near Huntington, over $2 million

Among Korean families, many consider Pasadena for their children's school districts. While the La Cañada Flintridge school district is generally preferred over the Pasadena Unified School District, the San Rafael and Linda Vista areas within Pasadena are regarded as having relatively stable school assignments.

I would also like to mention the price gap compared to other areas. The overall median home price in Pasadena is around $1 million to $1.2 million, which is more than double that of the affluent neighborhoods mentioned above. Even within the same city, there is a noticeable price difference between the eastern lowlands and the western hillside areas.

The first concern that comes to mind is whether you can afford to renovate an older home. Since many of Pasadena's upscale homes have nearly a century of history, I recommend considering structural inspections and remodeling costs before making a purchase.