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:
- Fri, 18 Aug 2017 16:44:00 +0000: $4,870,000 :: 2463 Ridgeway Road, San Marino CA, 91108 - San Marino Homes for Sale
4 beds, 5 baths
Home size: 4,255 sq ft
Lot Size: 29,185 sq ft
Added: 08/18/17, Last Updated: 08/18/17
Property Type: Single Family
MLS Number: 817001420
Community: 655 - San Marino
Tract: Not Applicable - 1007242
Status: Active
Located on one of San Marino's most elegant streets near Huntington Library, this immaculate traditional 2- story estate has great curb appeal. It sits atop a gentle hill on a 30,000 square feet lot with a spectacular Park-like garden view. Beautifully remodeled and updated, this beautiful 4 bedrooms and 5 bathrooms home, has been lovingly maintained and is bright with ideal floor plan. Double glassed windows/doors and Hardwood flooring are throughout the house. The home features a Hanson entry, a grand living room, a formal dining room, a lovely family room, a gorgeous kitchen with center-island, and a large entreating room and resort-like master bedroom suite.A spacious large balcony brings gentle wind from the south side overlooking a magnificent scenery park-like garden. There a
Listed with Coldwell Banker Residental 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/! - Fri, 18 Aug 2017 11:04:00 +0000: $1,948,888 :: 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: 08/18/17
Property Type: Single Family
MLS Number: OC17097985
Community: 655 - San Marino
The price of this listing was last reduced on 8/16/2017 by 2%
Status: Active
Price reduced! Bring your offer! 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. Decorating allowance of $10,000 is offered by the sellers! We want you to make this home your own. This house is extremely energy efficient. The large expanse of grass in the yard is a special low water variety and most 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 supplements. Lawn is drought tolerant Verde Buffalo grass, needs 75% less water(see internet). It was developed by the University of California. Newer, thicker roof with reflective layer over plywood!
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/! - Fri, 18 Aug 2017 10:10:00 +0000: $1,360,000 :: 665 Old Mill Road, Pasadena CA, 91108 - San Marino Homes for Sale
2 beds, 2 baths
Home size: 1,476 sq ft
Lot Size: 13,939 sq ft
Added: 04/01/17, Last Updated: 08/18/17
Property Type: Single Family
MLS Number: AR17069022
Community: 646 - Pasadena (NE)
The price of this listing was last reduced on 4/3/2017 by 9%
Status: Active
HUGE PRICE DEDUCTION !!!!!! Very delight area of Pasadena, just couple walks away from San Marino city. Walking distance to the beautiful The Langham Huntington Hotel. minutes drive to the Lacy Park. Specious 2 bedrooms and two full bathrooms, with roomy living room and dinning area, kitchen in a wide strip style, convenient for household to use and enjoy the cooking. Sunshine runs in every tiny space in this house. There has the most proud back yard, with hiking steps bring you to the great view spot and touch the wind and smell the flowers. Don't miss out this great opportunity to own this resort-like home.
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/! - Thu, 17 Aug 2017 09:05:00 +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: 08/17/17, Last Updated: 08/17/17
Property Type: Single Family
MLS Number: 317006069
Community: 655 - San Marino
Tract: Not Applicable-655
Status: Active
One of a kind contemporary California luxury living in San Marino. Welcome to this unique mid-century modern oasis. The property has been re-imagined and updated with impeccable style and taste. An entertainer's dream, this estate offers comfort and elegance with sleek lines and luxurious finishes. The creation of one of San Marino's most prominent home designers, it boasts multiple patios and outdoor entertainment areas, top of the line kitchen cabinets and appliances, exquisite counter tops, and exotic bathroom designs. The features within the home are too numerous to mention, and will impress the most discerning of buyers. Don't miss this great opportunity to secure an enviable property in the heart of San Marino.
Listed with Coldwell Banker Residential Br
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, 17 Aug 2017 05:37:00 +0000: $1,850,000 :: 1442 San Marino Avenue, San Marino CA, 91108 - San Marino Homes for Sale
3 beds, 2 baths
Home size: 1,885 sq ft
Lot Size: 11,325 sq ft
Added: 08/17/17, Last Updated: 08/17/17
Property Type: Single Family
MLS Number: WS17190490
Community: 655 - San Marino
Status: Active
This lovely traditional single story home. Vintage features include, gleaming oak floors throughout and original glass hardware on most interior doors. Light filled living room with fireplace and bay window. Spacious formal dining room with private french doors. Breakfast nook in the kitchen. Service porch provides a convenient laundry area with additional cabinet space. Inside access to basement offering ample storage. Separate den leads into a sun room with views of a secluded patio and garden area with mature fruit trees and vintage roses. Built on a generous lot with many possibilities! A gated driveway with generous parking and a two car detached garage. Sprinklers, central air and heat along with a new roof and paint. Located on a beautiful tree lined street close to library and the award winning San Marino school district. Maybe possible to rebuilt for two story. Sell as is.
Listed with 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, 17 Aug 2017 00:35:00 +0000: $1,995,000 :: 1539 Mirasol Drive, San Marino CA, 91108 - San Marino Homes for Sale
3 beds, 2 baths
Home size: 2,276 sq ft
Lot Size: 6,969 sq ft
Added: 08/16/17, Last Updated: 08/17/17
Property Type: Single Family
MLS Number: 817001383
Community: 655 - San Marino
Tract: Other
Status: Active
Located in a charming neighborhood, this is an excellent example of the character-style-homes found throughout San Marino. Lovingly restored and maintained by the current owners, the property features many stylish updates and system enhancements sure to delight today's discriminating buyer. The enviable chef's kitchen features the latest design: Upscale stainless-steel appliances, beautiful quartz counters, and Italian tile flooring, all tied together by the color de jour - White! Conveniently adjacent to the kitchen is a formal dining room, connected by a lovely beveled-glass door. A graceful arch leads to a large living room accented with a wood beam ceiling and character fireplace. There are three bedrooms (one currently used as an office), including a private master suite, where....
Listed with 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/! - Wed, 16 Aug 2017 18:34:00 +0000: $1,550,000 :: 597 San Marino Avenue, San Marino CA, 91108 - San Marino Homes for Sale
3 beds, 3 baths
Home size: 2,462 sq ft
Lot Size: 5,227 sq ft
Added: 07/03/17, Last Updated: 08/16/17
Property Type: Single Family
MLS Number: WS17150624
Community: 655 - San Marino
The price of this listing was last reduced on 7/3/2017 by 9%
Status: Active
Huge Price Reduction! Price to Sell! Next door was sold for $2,353,000 in 2015. This charming 2 story Spanish style home is located in a highly desirable area of north San Marino. This gracious home reflects the comfortable, charm and elegance of Spanish architecture.The home is bright, airy and features 3 Bedrooms ,and 3 full Bathrooms, with 2,462 square feet of spacious living space. A welcome entry leads to a gracious living room with a handsome fireplace, beautiful hardwood floors , and beamed ceiling. The cozy family room with French doors opens to the lovely patio and gated back yard. An updated kitchen has custom crafted cabinetry and Corian countertops. There is a formal dining room, breakfast area and a separate laundry room.One bedroom and one bathroom are downstairs.Beautiful wood stairs lead to the two master suites upstairs. The master bedroom is spacious with a walk-in closet and study/entertainment room. The other suite has a Jacuzzi tub, walk-in closet , spacious cozy retreat area, a nice balcony overlooking the lovely front yard and mountain views. There is a California basement, detached two car garage with automatic gated driveway , alarm system, and central air-conditioning. Close to the Huntington Library and Caltech. Award winning San Marino Schools!
Listed with COLDWELL BANKER/GEORGERLTY/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/! - Tue, 15 Aug 2017 18:00:00 +0000: $1,398,000 :: 1935 Montrobles Place, San Marino CA, 91108 - San Marino Homes for Sale
3 beds, 2 baths
Home size: 1,753 sq ft
Lot Size: 6,098 sq ft
Added: 08/15/17, Last Updated: 08/15/17
Property Type: Single Family
MLS Number: AR17188223
Community: 655 - San Marino
Status: Active
This charming 1926 single-story Spanish-style home is located on a quiet street in the popular Mission District of San Marino. It features 3 bedrooms, 1.5 bathrooms, sizable living room, formal dining room, sunny family room, cozy breakfast room, kitchen with plenty of cabinet space, and laundry room in the main house. Behind the main house and adjacent to the detached garage is a bonus room with 3/4 bathroom. Other noteworthy features include a backyard deck, double pane windows, hardwood flooring, dual-zoned Central air and heat, and automatic sprinkler system. This is a great opportunity to live steps away from the Mission Street shops and restaurants, and in the award-winning San Marino School District!
Listed with Coldwell Banker San Marino
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, 15 Aug 2017 18:00:00 +0000: $2,580,000 :: 1310 Vandyke Road, San Marino CA, 91108 - San Marino Homes for Sale
5 beds, 4 baths
Home size: 3,116 sq ft
Lot Size: 11,325 sq ft
Added: 08/15/17, Last Updated: 08/15/17
Property Type: Single Family
MLS Number: 817001360
Community: 655 - San Marino
Tract: Not Applicable - 1007242
Status: Active
Beautifully designed, unique and renovated traditional with bright and open floor plan. Located on a corner lot, lined with Italian Cypress for privacy, and close proximity to top rated San Marino schools and shops. The entry opens into a spacious living room with warm fireplace, gleaming hardwood floors, and windows overlooking front yard. The great room is adjacent to the gourmet kitchen with wood cabinetry, and opens to the dining area, all with floor to ceiling windows & French doors overlooking the serene backyard. This single level home features 5 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, one being a master suite with sitting area/office, walk-in closet and skylight. There are 2 addtl bedrooms on the south side with ample closet space. On the north side, are 2 more bedrooms sharing a bath w/skylight
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/! - Mon, 14 Aug 2017 13:08:00 +0000: $2,180,000 :: 2981 Gainsborough Drive, San Marino CA, 91108 - San Marino Homes for Sale
5 beds, 4 baths
Home size: 3,119 sq ft
Lot Size: 14,810 sq ft
Added: 06/25/17, Last Updated: 08/14/17
Property Type: Single Family
MLS Number: WS17143284
Community: 655 - San Marino
The price of this listing was last reduced on 7/20/2017 by 8%
Status: Active
This charming south facing single-story traditional home sits on a corner lot located in a quiet neighborhood north of Huntington Drive. The 2619 sqft main house features 4 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms, formal dining room, living room,and family room has an open floor plan with sling door leading to the beautiful back yard. There is a fireplace in the living room. Hardwood floor in most areas. There is a nice office with build-in desks and cabinets.Two central AC units. The property has a 14,890 sqft lot which offers a big size back yard includes a Sparkling pool,spa that is perfect for out door entertaining. A 500 sq ft Guess House includes bedroom area and full bathroom. The property is also close to San Marino High School, super markets, banks and transportation. Award winning San Marino School District!
Listed with RE/MAX ADVANCED 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/!
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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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