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, 20 Oct 2018 06:20:00 +0000: $1,498,000 :: 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: 07/28/18, Last Updated: 10/20/18
Property Type: Single Family
MLS Number: AR18182397
Community: 655 - San Marino
Status: Active
Bow,New Price This classic Spanish Revival home is located in San Marino and designed by architect Wallace Neff.This two story property includes three bedrooms and two bathrooms(per appraiser not assessor) with wrought iron detailing windows and yard.The from living room area features wood-beamed ceilings and period style large fireplace with a connected glass encased sunroom/family area which leads to the tiled backyard surrounded in floral greenery ,adjacent to the two-car detached garage.Hardwood floors throughout.One bedroom and full bath located on lower level.Laundry room and storage alongside galley style kitchen.Dining room faces front yard with large French style windows.Located on architecturally significant block in close proximity to the Huntington Library,Cal Tech and desired San Marino Schools.
Listed with Ricky Seow CalDRE:01313493, RE/MAX 1000 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, 18 Oct 2018 19:53:00 +0000: $1,598,888 :: 884 Old Mill Road, Pasadena CA, 91108 - San Marino Homes for Sale
5 beds, 2 baths
Home size: 2,771 sq ft
Lot Size: 5,197 sq ft
Added: 09/18/18, Last Updated: 10/18/18
Property Type: Single Family
MLS Number: 818004636
Community: 648 - Pasadena (SE)
Tract: Not Applicable - 1007242
The price of this listing was last reduced on 10/18/2018 by 5%
Status: Active
Luxury with a casual elegance, this timeless gated 1926 English Cottage home sits in the most prestigious Oak Knoll Neighborhood. It offers incredible serenity, delightfully intimate interior and intricate landscaping. The inviting formal foyer welcomes you home. Main floor boasts bright and spacious living room with a brick fireplace. This well-designed living room has a view showcasing the beautiful front garden. Stunning formal dining room and breakfast room. Two comfortable bedrooms with 3/4 bathroom. Exceptional kitchen offers quartz counter top, custom-built solid wood cabinetry, stainless steel appliances, recessed lighting and designer kitchen tile flooring. A separate laundry where you can exit to the back and the two car garage. An elegant staircase with wrought iron banister leads you to the second floor where it has three bedrooms and one full bathroom. Enjoy the lovely office and a rooftop deck. There are hardwood floors throughout and a California basement. The Langham Huntington, an iconic Landmark Hotel is two blocks away. Other upgrades: new 220 electrical panel, copper plumbing, new electrical, dual zone central air & heat, sewer relined, exterior drainage and more.
Listed with Shanshan Lin CalDRE:01900299, Pacific Union International
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, 18 Oct 2018 11:05:00 +0000: $1,738,000 :: 2915 SOMERSET Place, San Marino CA, 91108 - San Marino Homes for Sale
4 beds, 3 baths
Home size: 2,644 sq ft
Lot Size: 9,810 sq ft
Added: 10/12/18, Last Updated: 10/18/18
Property Type: Single Family
MLS Number: 18396302
Community: 655 - San Marino
The price of this listing was last reduced on 10/18/2018 by 7%
Status: Active
Enjoy this classic Spanish home in a quiet neighborhood of San Marino and feel the serenity and peace as you enter the front courtyard and watch the koi in the pond. The front entry with refinished tiling welcomes you to the interior of the home, while the living room with high and exposed beams shows the Spanish style of this spacious home. Over 2600 square feet of interior space with beautiful hardwood floors, three bedrooms and two bathrooms downstairs and a master bedroom upstairs, 2915 Somerset also has a warm family room with bar to relax after a hard day at work and school. And on weekends, entertain your friends and family in the backyard, sit in the gazebo while eating fruit from the garden! Detached two car garage with bonus space for multiple uses. Award-winning San Marino school district.
Listed with Victoria Guasco CalDRE:01281302, Pacific Union International
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, 17 Oct 2018 15:09:00 +0000: $3,195,000 :: 1560 Wilson Avenue, San Marino CA, 91108 - San Marino Homes for Sale
5 beds, 5 baths
Home size: 4,774 sq ft
Lot Size: 26,315 sq ft
Added: 08/23/18, Last Updated: 10/17/18
Property Type: Single Family
MLS Number: 818004178
Community: 655 - San Marino
Tract: Not Applicable - 1007242
The price of this listing was last reduced on 10/17/2018 by 2%
Status: Active
Originally built in 1909 and located in beautiful San Marino, 1560 Wilson Ave is full of charm and potential. Upon entering the privacy gate, you find yourself in an estate-like atmosphere with landscaped grounds, a gazebo, fruit trees, and a swimming pool. The main house is 4 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms and is composed of a living room with fireplace, office/den with fireplace, sun room, formal dining room, open updated kitchen, and family room. Other amenities include hardwood floors, central heating and air, basement, and wood deck. Behind the two- car garage is a small office and 1 bedroom guest house perfect for family or guest. Centrally located near schools, shopping, and transportation, this truly is a special San Marino estate.
Listed with Brent Ballard CalDRE:01297151, Anderson Ballard Companies
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, 17 Oct 2018 13:11:00 +0000: $1,680,000 :: 2727 N Fleur Drive, San Marino CA, 91108 - San Marino Homes for Sale
2 beds, 2 baths
Home size: 1,748 sq ft
Lot Size: 6,482 sq ft
Added: 10/17/18, Last Updated: 10/17/18
Property Type: Single Family
MLS Number: AR18252366
Community: 655 - San Marino
Status: Active
Fabulous Spanish estate located in a very desirable prestigious Mission District of San Marino, the home offers a beautiful architecture with contemporary design. Red brick walkway leads to inviting covered front porch , Beautiful arched door opens to hallway with Batchelder tiled floors, closet, thick stucco walls. The entry opens to a stunning gracious living room, features unique high beamed ceilings, built-in display shelves and a handsome period fireplace. French doors opening to the dining room with beamed ceilings and Saltillo tiled floors. Vintage kitchen was newly updated Batchelder tiles, counter tops and wood cabinetries. There are 2 spacious bedrooms share a full bath, plus a den with connected a full bath could be used as a 3rd bedroom.Outdoor space includes grassy areas, lush plantings, mature trees and concrete slab patio. Other features include heavy mission tile roof, thick stucco walls and arches, dark hardwood floors and central air conditioning and heating systems.i
Listed with Yu Tu Milton CalDRE:01731169, David Milton, BROKER
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, 17 Oct 2018 12:12:00 +0000: $4,480,000 :: 765 Canterbury Road, San Marino CA, 91108 - San Marino Homes for Sale
5 beds, 5 baths
Home size: 4,653 sq ft
Lot Size: 16,800 sq ft
Added: 10/17/18, Last Updated: 10/17/18
Property Type: Single Family
MLS Number: 818005116
Community: 655 - San Marino
Tract: Not Applicable - 1007242
Status: Active
Manicured garden and circular driveway beckons you into this sophisticated Colonial Revival home in the most coveted location of San Marino. Old world charm throughout, this spectacular home was built in 1937 featuring crown moldings, wainscoting, hardwood floors, built-ins & generous windows creating light-filled rooms & highlighting the beauty of California living.Lower level features formal entry, spacious living room, family room, office/formal dining room, bedroom suite and a gorgeous chef kitchen with butler pantry, breakfast area & bar.2nd level offers two master en suites, a guest wing with an additional two bedrooms with private bathroom - all overlooking a beautiful, professionally landscaped, mature and well maintained yard . A peaceful retreat with brick patios, fountains, fenced pool with detached pool house, outdoor BBQ, potting area that is just as perfect for entertaining.3-car garage w/ a work/mud room, laundry room, finished basement perfect for a wine cellar. Sound and security systems, 4 fireplaces, dual-glazed windows, copper piping +++. This is truly a one of a kind home w/ tons of designer finishing touches throughout. Don't miss your chance to own this generous & elegant home on of the best streets in San Marino.
Listed with Irina Netchaev CalDRE:00872112, Pasadena Views Real Estate Team 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/! - Wed, 17 Oct 2018 05:29:00 +0000: $1,800,000 :: 980 Roxbury Road, San Marino CA, 91108 - San Marino Homes for Sale
3 beds, 3 baths
Home size: 2,577 sq ft
Lot Size: 10,551 sq ft
Added: 10/16/18, Last Updated: 10/17/18
Property Type: Single Family
MLS Number: 818005112
Community: 655 - San Marino
Tract: Not Applicable - 1007242
Status: Active
Built in 1936 for a Beverly Hills doctor, this charming French Normandy home on a tree-lined San Marino street has timeless grace and appeal. In the living room, a light-filled front bay window & a fireplace create a warm ambiance for family & guests. Across the room, a multi-pane window frames a view of the romantic walled stone patio & shaded lawn. In the airy kitchen, a large pass-through opens wide to the family room, making for easy gatherings. A full wall of windows & french doors link it smoothly to the stone patio beyond. A sunny formal dining room, a bedroom suite & laundry area complete the first level. An elegant curving staircase rises to the second floor, where two additional bedrooms share a full bath. The upstairs bedrooms are flanked by over 500 square feet of closet space/ storage. Off the Master Bedroom, a spacious office overlooks the patio and yard - an ideal setting for work and creativity with built-in desks, bookshelves and cabinetry. The mature landscaping is exceptional with old growth trees including a massive Podocarpus tree, ideal for a swing or tree-house. There is a two car garage. This beautiful jewel of a home is located in San Marino's award winning Blue Ribbon school district.
Listed with Ted Clark CalDRE:01074290, Pacific Union International
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, 16 Oct 2018 19:48:00 +0000: $3,600,000 :: 1272 Roanoke Road, San Marino CA, 91108 - San Marino Homes for Sale
5 beds, 4 baths
Home size: 3,889 sq ft
Lot Size: 12,370 sq ft
Added: 09/01/18, Last Updated: 10/16/18
Property Type: Single Family
MLS Number: WS18214148
Community: 655 - San Marino
The price of this listing was last reduced on 10/16/2018 by 5%
Status: Active
New Price!!! The timeless design of this English Tudor home is picture-perfect in many ways with an enchanting exterior. You will savor the elegance of the living room, arches, and exposed hand carved wood-beam vaulted ceilings. Every room has personality and is tastefully designed with crown molding, leaded windows, unique lighting fixtures, and finely detailed cabinetry. You will adore the soft light of the fireplace flames with the warm overhead wood, large windows and spacious rooms, creating a wonderful retreat throughout the home. Impeccable attention to detail, as marble, stone, tile, stucco, glass, granite countertops, arched wood doorways and wood floors embellish this home. There is a chef style kitchen with eating area, and also a formal wood coffered dining room. Generous, comfortable bedrooms with spa-like bathrooms bring comfort to your family and guests. The outside is just as captivating with a backyard sheltered patio, separate built-in BBQ area, a relaxing pool for entertaining, particularly manicured grounds front and back, and fencing for privacy. Come live life abundantly in this exclusive San Marino home!!
Listed with WILLIAM TONG CalDRE:01903501, GOLDEN LAND INV. & FINANCIAL
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, 15 Oct 2018 10:56:00 +0000: $3,285,000 :: 1865 Rose Avenue, San Marino CA, 91108 - San Marino Homes for Sale
4 beds, 5 baths
Home size: 2,672 sq ft
Lot Size: 9,775 sq ft
Added: 10/15/18, Last Updated: 10/15/18
Property Type: Single Family
MLS Number: AR18245613
Community: 655 - San Marino
Status: Active
Spectacular brand new two-story french country cottage is very rare in the city of San Marino. This meticulously custom built french estate has elaborately unique details including the excellent curb appeal, pavers driveway, brick walkway that passes a unique largest ash tree, and half round top mahogany front door that leads to your dream home. The free-flowing floor plan on the first floor features an inviting entry that leads to the high ceiling dining room and a formal living room with 2-way fireplace shared with the office. It connects to the light-filled formal family room, both have french door that opened to the picturesque backyard. The gourmet kitchen boasts quartz countertop and backsplash, custom built-in appliances, a large center island, with a laundry room next to it. The adjacent family room is spacious with a great view to the garden backyard. Enjoy the luxurious three bedroom suite on the second floor overlooking the San Gabriel mountains. The sumptuous master suite is generously fitted with a view filled large bathroom with the jacuzzi tub and a large walk-in closet. Protected by cedar wood fences and automatic wood gate, a long driveway with ample parking leads you to extraordinary grounds, hosting an exquisite main home along with a detached 2-car garage with attic, lush garden, covered patio, and a gazebo area. Call today, fall in love & make it yours!
Listed with Austin Ma CalDRE:01869433, Long Dragon Realty 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/! - Mon, 15 Oct 2018 09:58:00 +0000: $3,280,000 :: 1517 Wilson Avenue, San Marino CA, 91108 - San Marino Homes for Sale
4 beds, 3 baths
Home size: 3,889 sq ft
Lot Size: 16,513 sq ft
Added: 10/15/18, Last Updated: 10/15/18
Property Type: Single Family
MLS Number: 818005071
Community: 655 - San Marino
Tract: Not Applicable - 1007242
Status: Active
Stunning four-bedroom and three-bathroom San Marino Cape-Cod Traditional built in 1924 and sited on a private street on over one-third of an acre of lush and mature grounds with a pool and spa and located in the heart of the Mission District of San Marino. This gracious estate-style home is the perfect Southern California retreat. San Marino school District.
Listed with Rita Whitney CalDRE:01209004, The Agency
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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