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:
- Thu, 22 Jun 2017 17:14:00 +0000: $5,900,000 :: 1580 Chelsea Road, San Marino CA, 91108 - San Marino Homes for Sale
6 beds, 7 baths
Home size: 6,047 sq ft
Lot Size: 23,522 sq ft
Added: 03/01/17, Last Updated: 06/22/17
Property Type: Single Family
MLS Number: WS17045910
Community: 655 - San Marino
The price of this listing was last reduced on 6/12/2017 by 1%
Status: Active
A rare opportunity to own a BRAND NEW home at the most prestigious neighborhood in North San Marino. This grand two-story estate offers extraordinary living space include 6 bed and 6.5 bath, double-story high foyer, formal dining room, office/library, cigar room, great room with gourmet kitchen, large island and breakfast nook on the first floor. There are 2 bedrooms with full bath downstairs, 4 bedroom suites upstairs. The centrally located Master suite with spacious balcony overlooking backyard features marble spa tub, separate shower and double sink. There is a large finished 1050 square foot basement awaiting for new owner’s imagination, perfect for wine room and home theater. An expansive front and back lawn also provide comfortable California indoor/outdoor lifestyle, professionally landscaped outdoor space feature covered patio, outdoor dining area, pool & spa, sports court, 4 car garages and gated driveway.
Listed with PG 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/! - Wed, 21 Jun 2017 23:08:00 +0000: $1,998,000 :: 400 Pilgrim Place, San Marino CA, 91108 - San Marino Homes for Sale
4 beds, 3 baths
Home size: 2,206 sq ft
Lot Size: 8,712 sq ft
Added: 11/30/16, Last Updated: 06/21/17
Property Type: Single Family
MLS Number: OC17097985
Community: 655 - San Marino
The price of this listing was last reduced on 6/9/2017 by 1%
Status: Active
The sellers love the flexible indoor/outdoor entertaining space. From an intimate dinner for 6 to sit down gathering for 40…this house and yard has easily handled it. They also love the paving stone hardscape that ties the front and back patios, the lovely outdoor “living room” complete with a disappearing fountain. This house is extremely energy efficient. The large expanse of grass in the yard is a special low water variety and most of the plants are drought tolerant. Attic fans keep the attic cooler, which keeps the whole house cool. Double-pane windows keep the house cool in the summer and warm in the winter. And even when the sellers run the heater or air conditioner, because of the solar power system which is owned, not leased they are still able to have little to no electric bill. They love that they have fewer, bigger rooms. Having four bedrooms plus a large living room and den/dining combo gives them a lot of options. At times over the years they have used a bedroom as an office, den, sewing room and playroom as their needs changed. And finally, they feel the neighbors are wonderful. Floor plan and foundation plan are in the supplements. Lawn is drought tolerant Verde Buffalo grass, needs 75% less water(see internet). It was developed by the University of California.
Listed with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServic
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, 21 Jun 2017 19:03:00 +0000: $2,530,000 :: 1571 Wembley Road, San Marino CA, 91108 - San Marino Homes for Sale
4 beds, 4 baths
Home size: 2,927 sq ft
Lot Size: 13,068 sq ft
Added: 06/02/17, Last Updated: 06/21/17
Property Type: Single Family
MLS Number: WS17123443
Community: 655 - San Marino
The price of this listing was last reduced on 6/2/2017 by 1%
Status: Active
Well-kept one story home located in prime location of San Marino, north of Huntington Dr. Formal entry way, spacious living room with recessed lights, house was originally built in year 1948 and with addition in year 1986, kitchen was tastefully remodeled by current owner, granite counter top, custom cabinets, center island, 4 nice sized bedrooms, ( 3 are suites), master bedroom with walk in closet, jacuzzi, shower, and newer wood floor, all bathrooms have been updated by current owner in year of 2010, dinning room with built-in work area and fireplace, family room with doors lead to professionally landscaped back yard, grassy area, gazebo, and patio.
Listed with 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/! - Wed, 21 Jun 2017 14:11:00 +0000: $2,698,000 :: 2205 El Molino Place, San Marino CA, 91108 - San Marino Homes for Sale
4 beds, 4 baths
Home size: 3,073 sq ft
Lot Size: 11,325 sq ft
Added: 06/21/17, Last Updated: 06/21/17
Property Type: Single Family
MLS Number: AR17140500
Community: 655 - San Marino
Status: Active
Graceful colonial style home located North of Huntington Drive in beautiful San Marino. Stunning curb appeal with lavish greenery, and charming brickwork with white picket fence. Bright and airy with plenty of windows in every room. Newly painted inside and out, new tile floors in kitchen and breakfast room; features rich amenities including peg-and-groove hardwood floors, plantation shutters, and built-in corner vanity. Four bedrooms and four bath, with one en-suite bedroom downstairs. Also downstairs is the large living room and family room with striking stone mantel fireplaces, kitchen with granite counters and abundant cabinets, and a sweet breakfast room overlooking the backyard. Up the elegant circular stairs, you’ll find an over-sized master bedroom and bath, and bedrooms joined by a charming Jack-and-Jill bathroom. The very private backyard is perfect entertaining: whether it’s a pool party with friends or a relaxing night with the family. Pool house includes fireplace and wet bar, custom built-in BBQ grill, and gated pool with spa. Convenient 3-car garage. Close to the Lacy park, library, charming boutiques and restaurants, and best school district in California!
Listed with Keller Williams 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/! - Wed, 21 Jun 2017 02:34:00 +0000: $3,780,000 :: 2131 Homet Road, San Marino CA, 91108 - San Marino Homes for Sale
4 beds, 5 baths
Home size: 3,343 sq ft
Lot Size: 8,276 sq ft
Added: 06/20/17, Last Updated: 06/21/17
Property Type: Single Family
MLS Number: AR17139117
Community: 655 - San Marino
Status: Active
Completed in 2013, this magnificent custom-built home is the epitome of San Marino's architecture at its finest. Nestled in one of San Marino's exclusive neighborhoods, this south-facing property has mountain views and easy access to shopping as well as San Marino's award winning school district. The 4 bedroom, 4.5 bath property comes complete with downstairs guest bedroom perfect for nanny or overnight guest. Master suite has jet soaking tub, sauna, shower; voluminous walk-in closet has been strategically designed with the potential to be used as nursery. Designed with features for the discerning buyer including grand chandeliers, marble flooring, and a gourmet main and wok kitchen, complete with Wolf and Sub-Zero appliances. Elegant built-in cabinetry, wet bar, exquisite imported quartzite jade counter tops, and two laundry areas. A rare find and must-see!
Listed with Keller Williams 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/! - Tue, 20 Jun 2017 13:49:00 +0000: $2,980,000 :: 2764 Carlaris Road, San Marino CA, 91108 - San Marino Homes for Sale
5 beds, 3 baths
Home size: 3,076 sq ft
Lot Size: 7,405 sq ft
Added: 06/20/17, Last Updated: 06/20/17
Property Type: Single Family
MLS Number: AR17139492
Community: 655 - San Marino
Status: Active
Wonderful Spanish with architectural integrity located in the Mission District on one of San Marino's most beautiful streets. The formal entry features hardwood floors and a grand staircase. The living room has a fireplace, handsome beamed ceilings and wide planked pegged wood floors. An oversized dining room has French doors to the front patio. The kitchen has been designed with a flair of sophistication, including a large center island and counters with elegant Calcutta Gold marble from Italy, custom solid wood cabinets, beveled glass cabinetry with lighting, hand milled crown molding and solid wood floors. his home has five bedrooms and three baths,breakfast room, basement with storage, and a wonderful private yard. Central air/heat has been installed
Listed with Re/Max 888
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, 20 Jun 2017 13:13:00 +0000: $2,198,000 :: 573 Los Arboles Lane, San Marino CA, 91108 - San Marino Homes for Sale
3 beds, 3 baths
Home size: 2,600 sq ft
Lot Size: 11,761 sq ft
Added: 03/29/17, Last Updated: 06/20/17
Property Type: Single Family
MLS Number: AR17065275
Community: 655 - San Marino
The price of this listing was last reduced on 3/29/2017 by 8%
Status: Active
Impeccable Turnkey beautifully renovated home situated on a lovely quiet Cul De Sac. Award winning San Marino Schools. Desirable North San Marino area. Fabulous contemporary Mid Century single level home of approx. 2,600 sqft living area includes a detached studio/ guest room or home office or gym for multi usage approx. 250 sqft. with separate central A/C and heating system. Lot size 12,052 approx. 70 X 173 with 3 br. 3 ba, 2,383 sqft. Living room with plantation shutters, Formal dining room. Living room with fireplace. Family room has a vaulted ceiling, french doors views to colorful gorgeous back yard has a mature landscape opens to an architect designed newer gourmet kitchen has a high ceiling with two sky lights creates such a natural lightings, large center island with granite counter top and two sinks and high end appliances, large pantry cabinets and tile floor. Bathrooms have granite counters and updated Large Master suites with french door opens to a large patio and views to large back yard feels like botanical gardens with beautiful flowers and many fruit trees. Newer remodeled with bathrooms with Jacuzzi tub, sky lights. Hardwood floors throughout. Dual pane windows. Automatic gated long driveway accommodates 4 more cars plus 3 car garage building is newer building. New water heater, Central A/C, Soft water system. There is a large extra basement for storage area.
Listed with Coldwell Banker Arcadia
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, 19 Jun 2017 22:55:00 +0000: $1,850,000 :: 734 WINTHROP Road, San Marino CA, 91108 - San Marino Homes for Sale
4 beds, 3 baths
Home size: 2,285 sq ft
Lot Size: 8,712 sq ft
Added: 05/12/17, Last Updated: 06/19/17
Property Type: Single Family
MLS Number: 17230586
Community: 655 - San Marino
Status: Active
What do you do when a house hits the market that checks all your boxes? Let's start with the award winning San Marino School District. Then the perfect location, mid-block on a quiet horseshoe street in the sought after Mission District. Here sits an ideal 4 bedroom 3 bath, character filled, yet thoughtfully updated Ranch home. The living room features hardwood floors, a lovely fireplace mantel, crown molding and is adjacent to the family room with French doors to the patio and backyard, making for a seamless flow between spacious public rooms and the backyard. Your friends and family will enjoy wonderful dinner parties in the open kitchen/dining room, again with French doors leading outside. Summer BBQs will be the preferred theme for many family parties as your guests enjoy the perfectly shaded backyard. There's much to love here including a master suite with private bath, updated plumbing and electrical and a detached 2 car garage.
Listed with Keller Williams Realty Los Fel
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/! - Sun, 18 Jun 2017 02:00:00 +0000: $3,499,800 :: 1617 Old Mill Road, San Marino CA, 91108 - San Marino Homes for Sale
5 beds, 5 baths
Home size: 2,990 sq ft
Lot Size: 15,681 sq ft
Added: 06/17/17, Last Updated: 06/18/17
Property Type: Single Family
MLS Number: 817000283
Community: 655 - San Marino
Tract: Not Applicable - 1007242
Status: Active
California Luxury Living in San Marino... Be prepared to swoon over this Mid-Century modern sanctuary. Newly re-imagined and impeccably updated, this 5 bed/5 bath home is a modern entertainer's dream come true. Nearly 3,000 square feet of sleek lines and luxurious finishes thoughtfully adorn this estate. The kitchen equipped with Sub Zero refrigerator, 60' Wolf range and custom stone counters will satisfy even the most discerning chef. Enjoy memorable backyard shindigs on your private patio with outdoor kitchen. Host your friends and family in the guesthouse, complete with private bath and 6 panel sliding doors. Welcome home to perfect melding of classic architecture and the most modern amenities.
Listed with John Aaroe Group Inc
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, 16 Jun 2017 19:32:00 +0000: $1,818,888 :: 2705 Monterey Road, San Marino CA, 91108 - San Marino Homes for Sale
4 beds, 4 baths
Home size: 2,792 sq ft
Lot Size: 7,405 sq ft
Added: 06/05/17, Last Updated: 06/16/17
Property Type: Single Family
MLS Number: 817000032
Community: 655 - San Marino
Tract: Not Applicable - 1007242
The price of this listing was last reduced on 6/6/2017 by 6%
Status: Active
Reduced Price!!!Two Story Spanish Style Home in the desirable Mission District.Covered porch w/seating bench & arches to entryway.Spacious living room w/high ceilings,fireplace & crown moldings.Glass doors opening to covered sunlit atrium.Many possible uses.Formal dining rm w/built-in cabinets,shelves & wainscoting.Breakfast rm.1 Downstrs bedrm.Downstrs bathrm.Paneled study w/shelves(possibly 4th bedrm as title shows 4 bedrms).Laundry rm.Californian basement.Upstrs-Mstr suite w/main closet area.Mstr bathrm-tub & shwr.2nd Bedrm is spacious w/adjoining rm-could be used as nursery/sitting rm/office.Hallway bathrm.Patio behind garage.1/2 Bathrm in garage.Trust sale.Elderly owner passed away in the house.A Masterpiece waiting to be updated to its full potential.Award Winning San Marino Schools!
Listed with Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage Company
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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