San Marino: An Affluent Suburb of Southern California
Nestled in the sprawling San Rafael hills between Pasadena and San Gabriel, the Californian city of San Marino is characterized by lavish properties surrounded by exquisite gardens. Occupying less than four square miles, the area is uniquely residential. Population was reported to be 13,147 in 2010 and climate is temperate with temperatures ranging from an average of 40 degrees during winter months to an average of 90 degrees in the summer.
Ranked by Forbes Magazine as the 63rd most expensive location to live in the United States in 2010, the average price of a typical family home in the area is around the $2 million mark.
History and Current Demographics
The original location of a village occupied by native Tongva Indians, the area of San Marino later played an important role in the early San Gabriel Roman Catholic Mission. The area that is now occupied by the landmark Huntington Library together with several ranchos were incorporated as the city of San Marino in 1913.
The 2010 United States Census showed that the population of San Marino was a little over 13,000 people. The racial makeup of the area was detailed as 53.5% Asian and 41.3% White, with very small percentages of Hispanic and Latino, Pacific Islander and African-American races making up the rest of the population. Of 4,330 households, approximately 42% had children under the age of 18. The average age of residents is 45 years and there is a slightly higher female to male ratio.
Main Attractions in San Marino
The Huntington Library, Art Collections and Botanical Gardens on Oxford Road is one of the most popular attractions in San Marino. Known collectively as ‘The Huntington’, this 207 acre landmark complex draws residents and tourists alike. The 18th century art collection housed here is said to be one of the most complete collections outside of London.
The Edwin Hubble House on Woodstock Road is a National Historic Landmark. It was the home of the American astronomer and “pioneer of distant stars,” Edwin Powell Hubble, between 1925 and 1953. The San Marino residence remained in the Hubble family until 1973.
Lacy Park is a vast 30-acre expanse of lush green space in the middle of San Marino. Originally known as Wilson Lake, it is considered one of the city’s best kept secrets. The park boasts six championship size tennis courts, walking loops, memorial gardens and a 60-year-old Rose Arbor. Also, when in Lacy Park, don’t overlook The Thurnher House which is located at the front entry of the park. This historic structure was built in 1929 and now serves as the headquarters for San Marino Historical Society.
The Crowell Public Library is a state-of-the-art building which opened in 2008. The new library provides books, magazines, DVD’s, electronic database, reference assistance and programs for all ages.
The Old Mill is the oldest commercial building in Southern California. Built in 1816, it served as a grist mill for Mission San Gabriel.
The Michael White Adobe is a small structure located on the campus of San Marino High School next to the athletic field, built in 1845 . Named for the owner of the original land where it was built, many say that San Marino’s roots in early California history began here.
Additional Information
– San Marino is divided into zones depending on lot size. Lots start at 4,500 square feet and reach over 30,000 square feet. The city’s strict views on historic preservation restrict larger developments.
– The San Marino government applies restrictions to commercial operations within the city. Commercial vehicles must be granted permits to enter and work within the city.
– The city is regularly featured in motion pictures and television shows. Famous examples include Father of the Bride, Mr & Mrs Smith, Starsky & Hutch and The Fresh Prince of Bel Air.
– According to the Academic Performance Index for 2011, the San Marino Unified School District is California’s best performing school district. The San Marino School District includes Carver and Valentine Elementary Schools, Huntington Middle School and San Marino High School.
– Private schools in San Marino include Southwestern Academy, a college preparatory school, and Saints Felicitas and Perpetua Grammar School, a Catholic elementary school serving students from kindergarten through 8th grade.
– The Crowell Public Library on Huntington Drive opened in 2008 and plays host to a range of activities and classes for residents of all ages and abilities.
See 2010 Home SOLD information for San Marino with List vs Sold Price, Date Sold and Price per Square Foot.
This community consists only of single family residences and there are no apartment buildings, condominiums or townhouses in the city.
This Pasadena adjacent has beautiful tree-lined streets and estates sitting on large lots, with many averaging over 30,000 sq. ft. Most of the San Marino homes were built between 1920 and 1950.
San Marino is regarded as having one of the best school districts in the Greater Los Angeles Area. In fact, San Marino School District was ranked as #1 district in California based on its API (Academic Performance Index) in 2008. All of its public schools are honored as a California Distinguished School and a United States National Blue Ribbon School.
The city includes the estate of Henry E. Huntington, who made a fortune in the development of Southern California and opened the library and art collections in his large neo-Palladian mansion to the public in 1919, best known as the Huntington Library. At the time, San Marino was some twelve miles (19 km) from Los Angeles.
Huntington Drive and Sierra Madre Boulevard serve as the main thoroughfares, leading to Pasadena, Alhambra and San Gabriel.
In the middle of San Marino, not too far from Huntington Library, lies Lacy Park. It is a huge 30-acre park filled with unique and hard to find trees and beautiful lush foliage. Not too many people know that back in 1875 it was a lake – Wilson Lake. The land was bought and converted to a park in 1925.
Families in San Marino have enjoyed Lacy park for years, and it remains one of San Marino’s best kept secrets. The park includes six championship tennis courts and pro shop, administered by the San Marino Tennis Foundation. At the west entrance of the park is the Rose Arbor, which is of special significance for the people of San Marino. It is 60 years old and has long been a source of beauty and tranquility to many residents.
The park recently built a memorial to General George S. Patton (a native of San Marino) and also a large memorial to Armed Forces along with a statue of a sad soldier. The memorial includes the names of all military personnel from San Marino that where killed in various wars.
San Marino Schools
Wikipedia says this about San Marino Schools: There are four public schools. They are Valentine Elementary School, Carver Elementary School, Huntington Middle School and San Marino High School. Stoneman Elementary School (named for the Governor who lived in San Marino) is no longer used for instruction by the School District. Southwestern Academy, a private college preparatory school, is also located in San Marino.
There is also a private Roman Catholic grammar school, SS. Felicitas and Perpetua. The city took the Archdiocese of Los Angeles to the Supreme Court to block the opening of this school.
The two elementary schools offer instruction for grades K-5, the middle school for grades 6-8 and the high school for grades 9-12.
In 2005 and 2006, the San Marino Unified School District ranked first among all 328 California unified school districts based on the California Academic Performance Index. San Marino High School is considered one of the best-performing public schools on Standardized Achievement Tests (as of 2004) in Southern California. It was also named a National Blue Ribbon School in 2006. Most of San Marino’s schools’ funds come from private donors and organizations.[citation needed].
In November 2007, U.S. News and World Report put San Marino High School in number 82 on its list of best high schools in the nation, giving SMHS the Gold Medal honor.
Asian-Americans are 70% of San Marino school enrollment as of December 2005. Strong support for education from the Asian community has bolstered the excellence of the school district.
The University of Southern California owns a house in San Marino which is used as the residence of the President of the University. The residence and grounds are large enough to allow events to be held there.
*Data gathered from San Marino Unified School District, California Department of Education Analysis, Measurement & Accountability Reporting Division and GreatSchools.org
San Marino Housing
On October 6, 2008, Forbes.com rated San Marino as the 47th most expensive zip codes (91108) to live in with the 2007 median home price being $1,552,500.
Even in the economic downturn, home prices have maintained their value and San Marino home sellers are still experiencing a higher demand than the surrounding cities.
San Marino Real Estate Listings by Price. These home listings are updated every few hours and feed directly from the Multiple Listing Service as real estate agents update and upload new homes for sale.
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San Marino Real Estate:
- Sat, 15 Feb 2020 14:39:00 +0000: $2,780,000 :: 2435 Sherwood Road, San Marino CA, 91108 - San Marino Homes for Sale
3 beds, 3 baths
Home size: 3,365 sq ft
Lot Size: 10,019 sq ft
Added: 02/15/20, Last Updated: 02/15/20
Property Type: Single Family
MLS Number: 820000623
Community: 655 - San Marino
Tract: Not Applicable - 1007242
Status: Active
Located in a charming neighborhood of wide street, shade trees, and large, well-kept homes, this property has been meticulously cared-for. Incorporated throughout are rich design details and upscale materials. The front door opens into a welcoming formal entry. From here, the spacious floor plan branches off into the living room, formal dining room, and great room. The impressive great room features a wall of floor-to-ceiling shelving and cabinets, able to display an abundance of treasures. In the chef's kitchen, Wolf appliances Subzero refrigerator, and granite counters add to the home's stylish theme. Upstairs, the master suite has private access to the balcony and therapeutic Spa. There two more sweet nice-size bedrooms and a beautifully remodeled full bath. Outdoors, a shady brick patio offer a delightful spot to enjoy an al fresco meal. A wide driveway leads to the 2-car garage, where a full attic provides plenty of storage. A second single car garage is currently used as a workshop. setting into this move-in home would be a breeze. JUST ADD FURNITURE!
Listed with Peter Loeffler CalDRE: 00913919, RE/MAX Premier Properties
Brought to you by Irina Netchaev, Pasadena Views Real Estate Team Inc. Call me today at 626-627-7107, or visit my website at www.pasadenaviews.com/free-home-search/! - Fri, 14 Feb 2020 11:55:00 +0000: $1,599,000 :: 589 S Berkeley Avenue, San Marino CA, 91108 - San Marino Homes for Sale
3 beds, 3 baths
Home size: 1,788 sq ft
Lot Size: 5,951 sq ft
Added: 01/10/20, Last Updated: 02/14/20
Property Type: Single Family
MLS Number: AR20007052
Community: 655 - San Marino
The price of this listing was last reduced on 2/14/2020 by 5%
Status: Active
Spanish Revival home is located within the City of San Marino. Charming two story home features hardwood floors and Tiles throughout, gourmet kitchen with granite counters and stove by Wolf. Two Bedrooms upstairs with decorative balcony's overlooking the gorgeous backyard. One extra suite (unknown permit status) downstairs by the Sun room with direct access to the backyard great for visitors. Long driveway leading to your two-car detached garage. Dining room with large window facing the welcoming front yard. Spacious kitchen with lots of cabinet spaces. House is within close proximity to SM High School, Colorado Blvd and Supermarkets.
Listed with Henry Liu CalDRE: 01378289, Coldwell Banker Dynasty Arc.
Brought to you by Irina Netchaev, Pasadena Views Real Estate Team Inc. Call me today at 626-627-7107, or visit my website at www.pasadenaviews.com/free-home-search/! - Fri, 14 Feb 2020 05:29:00 +0000: $3,610,000 :: 1045 Roanoke Road, San Marino CA, 91108 - San Marino Homes for Sale
5 beds, 5 baths
Home size: 4,490 sq ft
Lot Size: 18,283 sq ft
Added: 07/03/19, Last Updated: 02/14/20
Property Type: Single Family
MLS Number: WS19150716
Community: 655 - San Marino
The price of this listing was last reduced on 2/14/2020 by 2%
Status: Active
Welcome to this charming and classic colonial revival residence in a desirable San Marino location with a huge lot. Exterior walls were freshly painted. Artificial turf and sprinkler pipes were installed in January 2019. 1st floor features a formal living room, kitchen with center island, dining room, powder room, a full bathroom added in 2016. 2nd floor features 4 bedrooms with 3 baths, balcony overlooking rear gardens and pool. 3rd floor features newer wood floor with lots of storage space. Property located near schools, restaurants, stores, banks, etc. Property is staged with furniture. Motivated Seller.
Listed with JIARU MENG CalDRE: 01927752, IRN REALTY
Brought to you by Irina Netchaev, Pasadena Views Real Estate Team Inc. Call me today at 626-627-7107, or visit my website at www.pasadenaviews.com/free-home-search/! - Thu, 13 Feb 2020 20:08:00 +0000: $1,899,000 :: 1789 S Euclid Avenue, San Marino CA, 91108 - San Marino Homes for Sale
4 beds, 3 baths
Home size: 2,593 sq ft
Lot Size: 8,081 sq ft
Added: 02/13/20, Last Updated: 02/13/20
Property Type: Single Family
MLS Number: WS20022332
Community: 655 - San Marino
Status: Active
Charming elegant Spanish style home located in desirable renowned Mission District of San Marino. Featuring 4 bedroom 2 1/2 bath, spectacular high vaulted open beam ceilings living room with fireplace, formal dinning room, spacious family room, master suite with built-in sauna room and walk-in closet, central air conditioning, quality hardwood flooring, arched picture window, separate laundry area with cabinets, detached 2 car garage, professional landscaped yard with automatic sprinkler system, lots of storage area. The spacious wood deck is a perfect extension of space/flow for family gathering and entertaining. Just steps away from local coffee shops and all of Mission District's fabulous shops and restaurants, plus the wonderful neighborhood close to old town Pasadena and South Pasadena. Award winning San Marino School District!!
Listed with LORRAINE PON CalDRE: 01384340, COLDWELL BANKER NEW CENTURY
Brought to you by Irina Netchaev, Pasadena Views Real Estate Team Inc. Call me today at 626-627-7107, or visit my website at www.pasadenaviews.com/free-home-search/! - Wed, 12 Feb 2020 23:12:00 +0000: $2,998,000 :: 1760 Ramiro Road, San Marino CA, 91108 - San Marino Homes for Sale
4 beds, 4 baths
Home size: 3,953 sq ft
Lot Size: 11,326 sq ft
Added: 02/12/20, Last Updated: 02/12/20
Property Type: Single Family
MLS Number: 820000560
Community: 655 - San Marino
Tract: Not Applicable - 1007242
Status: Active
Beautifully renovated Spanish masterpiece located in the coveted tree-lined Mission District. A gorgeous 2-story foyer exuding tremendous natural light invites you into this elegant home. The grand formal living room features luminous hardwood floors, wood-beamed ceilings, a custom handsome fireplace, and quaint windows overlooking the lovely front yard. The updated gourmet kitchen features custom-designed cabinetry, marble countertops, an oversized island, a massive walk-in pantry, top of the line appliances, and a wonderful breakfast nook. The downstairs floor plan also includes a large dining room (currently utilized as a family room), office/den, bedroom suite, separate laundry room, a powder room, and an attached 2-car garage. Upstairs features a Jack & Jill bathroom and three sizable bedrooms, including an immense master suite with multiple closets (2 walk-in), a sitting area, and a luxurious custom-designed bathroom with dual sinks, and separate shower/tub. The property also showcases a plethora of storage, breathtaking views, and overall great detail and design. The private backyard is excellent for entertaining or tranquil relaxation. Enjoy the mature gardens, pool, spa, built-in BBQ, sports court, play area, and the ample patio/seating options.
Listed with Cordelia Wong CalDRE: 01001576, Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage
Brought to you by Irina Netchaev, Pasadena Views Real Estate Team Inc. Call me today at 626-627-7107, or visit my website at www.pasadenaviews.com/free-home-search/! - Wed, 12 Feb 2020 21:56:00 +0000: $4,880,000 :: 690 San Marino Avenue, San Marino CA, 91108 - San Marino Homes for Sale
5 beds, 4 baths
Home size: 4,973 sq ft
Lot Size: 22,525 sq ft
Added: 02/12/20, Last Updated: 02/12/20
Property Type: Single Family
MLS Number: WS20031543
Community: 655 - San Marino
Status: Active
Located in the exclusive Huntington Library Gardens neighborhood, this elegant single story Country French style home features a spacious floor plan and exceptional details designed by architect Don Crenshaw. Remodeled in 2007, this gracious and inviting home offers nearly 5,000 SF with 5 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, a library, gourmet kitchen, a 3 car garage with new epoxy floors with drive thru entry and exit, new exterior paint, and automatic gates on both sides of the home for privacy. Additionally, the 400 SF of finished attic space can be used as a media or playroom. The entrance hall of the home is a stunning focal point with 2 chandeliers, soffit ceiling and wood floors. The home also features top of the line fixtures, low voltage lighting, custom finishes, and built in speaker system. The spacious back yard includes beautiful landscaping and a recently painted deck. This very well maintained property is truly a wonderful home for gracious living and entertaining.
Listed with PETER LUI CalDRE: 00715284, KENT REALTY & INVESTMENT
Brought to you by Irina Netchaev, Pasadena Views Real Estate Team Inc. Call me today at 626-627-7107, or visit my website at www.pasadenaviews.com/free-home-search/! - Wed, 12 Feb 2020 09:56:00 +0000: $1,899,990 :: 2920 Sheffield Road, San Marino CA, 91108 - San Marino Homes for Sale
5 beds, 2 baths
Home size: 2,243 sq ft
Lot Size: 21,197 sq ft
Added: 02/12/20, Last Updated: 02/12/20
Property Type: Single Family
MLS Number: PF20029804
Community: 655 - San Marino
Status: Active
One owner home, a rare find with large lot at nearly 1/2 acre (21,000 sq.ft)! This well-maintained, single story, 5 bedroom home has newer roof and newer exterior paint. Open concept living room, dining room and kitchen. Spacious living room has a handsome floor to ceiling brick fireplace and connects openly to the dining room with bar. From the kitchen, it leads to a centralized family room with brick fireplace and branches into individual bedrooms throughout the home. The master suite looks out to the private garden with mature trees. Expansive backyard has a variety of fruit trees, a basketball court, swimming pool and private orchard. There is opportunity to redecorate the interior to one's liking and great potential for expansion. Updated features include newer garage door, newer dining room sliding door. Termite extermination was done in 2017.
Listed with Elizabeth Kho CalDRE: 00970729, Coldwell Banker
Brought to you by Irina Netchaev, Pasadena Views Real Estate Team Inc. Call me today at 626-627-7107, or visit my website at www.pasadenaviews.com/free-home-search/! - Tue, 11 Feb 2020 21:22:00 +0000: $6,700,000 :: 986 KEWEN Drive, San Marino CA, 91108 - San Marino Homes for Sale
5 beds, 7 baths
Home size: 6,355 sq ft
Lot Size: 28,761 sq ft
Added: 02/10/20, Last Updated: 02/11/20
Property Type: Single Family
MLS Number: 20552862
Community: 655 - San Marino
Status: Active
In the heart of exclusive San Marino; this ultra-private, gated Country English Estate sits beautifully amid towering pines, rolling lawns & manicured gardens on nearly 2/3 of an acre. Sophisticated & elegant with a touch of high-style whimsy the home features an open floor plan, high ceilings with various details, hardwood floors, grand scale public rooms, 5 fireplaces & wonderful surprises throughout. An abundance of French doors & windows allow for light filled rooms & serene verdant views. The stunning Great Room with coffered ceilings, wet bar & gracious Formal Dining Room are perfect for entertaining. A remodeled kitchen with center-island opens to lush park-like grounds. Also included is a cozy den with fireplace, a large private study, wine cellar & downstairs office with separate entrance off the motor court. A lovely Master Suite features a spa-like bath, fanciful tub & huge walk-in closet. The backyard is complete with pool, spa, multiple terraces, Guest House & private Gym.
Listed with Fred Holley CalDRE: 01249468, Core Real Estate Group
Brought to you by Irina Netchaev, Pasadena Views Real Estate Team Inc. Call me today at 626-627-7107, or visit my website at www.pasadenaviews.com/free-home-search/! - Tue, 11 Feb 2020 07:43:00 +0000: $1,580,000 :: 710 Old Mill Road, San Marino CA, 91108 - San Marino Homes for Sale
2 beds, 2 baths
Home size: 1,765 sq ft
Lot Size: 8,277 sq ft
Added: 01/19/20, Last Updated: 02/11/20
Property Type: Single Family
MLS Number: 820000228
Community: 655 - San Marino
Tract: Other
Status: Active
Enchanting charmer perched atop a lushly landscaped knoll awaits a new steward! Offers a prestigious San Marino address and sited near the border of the sophisticated Madison Heights Pasadena neighborhood, this quaint home is less than half a mile from San Marino's Mission District, Lacy Park as well as the prestigious Huntington/Langham Hotel offering a plethora of amenities. It lends well to the first-time San Marino home buyer or for those long-time residents who love the area but are living in a nearby mansion/estate property and are looking to scale-down to a single-level, more manageable abode. The light filled living room boasts a fireplace flanked by bookshelves and is adjacent the dining area. A well-designed and updated kitchen with breakfast nook is open to the family room with French doors that open to a quaint brick patio. There is a spacious master suite with access to the rear patio. Features include: generous sized rooms, beautiful wood flooring, CA and Heat, electric driveway gate, auto garage door opener, new carpet, new exterior and interior paint and a basement that houses the furnace and water heater. This sweet property is sure to be a hot commodity!
Listed with Reni Rose CalDRE: 00975915, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties
Brought to you by Irina Netchaev, Pasadena Views Real Estate Team Inc. Call me today at 626-627-7107, or visit my website at www.pasadenaviews.com/free-home-search/! - Mon, 10 Feb 2020 06:21:00 +0000: $3,040,000 :: 2305 Ridgeway Road, San Marino CA, 91108 - San Marino Homes for Sale
4 beds, 3 baths
Home size: 4,030 sq ft
Lot Size: 15,795 sq ft
Added: 02/06/20, Last Updated: 02/10/20
Property Type: Single Family
MLS Number: WS20019511
Community: 655 - San Marino
Status: Active
ALL OFFERS DUE BY FEB 17. 2020 5PM (disclosures ready on request with pre-qual & proof of funds) Seller is also listing agent. Walking distance to Top Ranked San Marino high school. Call 6267156428 for private showing. Architect James A. Knaefler designed this beautiful half-timbered English Tudor home in 1929. Located in central San Marino, the property is in close proximity to shops, Starbucks restaurants and the High School. Enter into a large paneled foyer flanked by the Living and Dining rooms. The grand Living room has a beamed ceiling and a hand carved oak mantle. French Doors open to a lovely covered patio. The Dining room is gracious in size with sparkling leaded glass windows. The Kitchen is updated with a large Viking stove, built in Subzero refrigerator and granite counters. The home retains the charming original butler's pantry and spacious breakfast room with built in cabinets. A powder room and a bedroom and bathroom complete the floor. The upstairs contains 3 generously sized bedrooms, beautifully designed baths, a spacious library and a sunroom.
Listed with KE YUAN CalDRE: 02019594, KW Executive
Brought to you by Irina Netchaev, Pasadena Views Real Estate Team Inc. Call me today at 626-627-7107, or visit my website at www.pasadenaviews.com/free-home-search/!
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Interesting tidbits about San Marino:
- Overnight parking is not allowed
- All homes have to have a 2-car garage
- If you are driving around San Marino, be careful! A lot of streets do not have Stop signs. Slow down and look both ways!
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