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:
- Tue, 21 May 2019 07:32:00 +0000: $10,500,000 :: 2001 S S Oak Knoll Avenue, San Marino CA, 91108 - San Marino Homes for Sale
6 beds, 8 baths
Home size: 9,867 sq ft
Lot Size: 76,705 sq ft
Added: 05/20/19, Last Updated: 05/21/19
Property Type: Single Family
MLS Number: WS19118317
Community: 655 - San Marino
Status: Active
Located in prestigious Lacy park area of San Marino, this exquisite estate blends attracting natural views with impeccable design to create an unparalleled living environment. Within proximity of the famous Langham hotel, this magnificent French Contemporary Estate sits behind private gates with a circular driveway on 1.76 acres (76,703 sqft) of flat, lush, park-like lot. Grounds feature guest house, a N-S tennis court, sparkling swimming pool, SPA and built in BBQ area, spacious 4-car garage. Impressive interiors reveal dramatic foyer with high ceilings, sweeping staircase, beautiful formal living room with a fireplace, state of art wood-paneled library. Bright and airy formal dining room, large eat-in kitchen with separate cook's kitchen and butler's pantry, a family room/theater with a drop down screen and fireplace, two bedroom suites, a laundry room finished the first floor. Upstairs are 4-bedroom suites with an additional family room/theater with its own powder room. Luxurious master suite, with a large balcony that overlooks the estate, provides a true sense of retreat with a spa-like bathroom and ample walk-in closets. Separate guest house has its own kitchen, a full bathroom complete with a sauna. Award-winning San Marino School District.
Listed with HE GEORGE GAO CalDRE: 01422025, RE/MAX ELITE 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, 20 May 2019 13:04:00 +0000: $4,980,000 :: 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: 03/06/19, Last Updated: 05/20/19
Property Type: Single Family
MLS Number: WS19050411
Community: 655 - San Marino
The price of this listing was last reduced on 5/20/2019 by 6%
Status: Active
Price Reduction!! Located in the exclusive Huntington Library Gardens neighborhood, this elegant single story Country French style home features a warm 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 newly 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/! - Fri, 17 May 2019 11:47:00 +0000: $1,528,000 :: 1630 Staats Place, Pasadena CA, 91108 - San Marino Homes for Sale
3 beds, 3 baths
Home size: 2,188 sq ft
Lot Size: 8,712 sq ft
Added: 05/17/19, Last Updated: 05/17/19
Property Type: Single Family
MLS Number: 819002300
Community: 648 - Pasadena (SE)
Tract: Not Applicable - 1007242
Status: Active
Set in the gorgeous Old Mill neighborhood, adjacent to San Marino's quaint Mission District, this immaculate contemporary home features 3 bedrooms and 3 full bathrooms in a bright, streamlined floorplan. With the updated kitchen, bar area, family and dining rooms opening out onto the backyard patio and pool area, this home provides the perfect space for entertaining with seamless indoor-outdoor living. Beautiful vaulted ceilings and a stone fireplace grace the living room, leading to three upstairs bedrooms, including a master suite with two spacious closets, double sinks and separate shower and jacuzzi tub. This home has wonderful storage, spacious, light-filled rooms, and a finished garage with loft storage and built-in cabinetry. What makes this home incredibly special is truly the location, within blocks of Lacy Park, Mission Street shops and cafes, and The Langham Huntington Hotel, offering a lifestyle surrounded by beauty, tranquility, and a vibrant community.
Listed with Michael Maloney CalDRE: 01216091, 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/! - Fri, 17 May 2019 08:59:00 +0000: $1,498,000 :: 1915 Robin Road, San Marino CA, 91108 - San Marino Homes for Sale
3 beds, 3 baths
Home size: 2,117 sq ft
Lot Size: 11,762 sq ft
Added: 05/16/19, Last Updated: 05/17/19
Property Type: Single Family
MLS Number: 819002295
Community: 655 - San Marino
Tract: Not Applicable - 1007242
Status: Active
On the market for the first time in nearly 34 years, this charming English cottage is situated on an amazing lot located in the prestigious City of San Marino. An inviting living room is anchored by a handsome corner fireplace and picturesque corner French windows. The formal dining room connects to the kitchen w/ a sunny breakfast nook. An adjoining hallway is equipped w/ pantry cabinets, a utility closet, a door that leads to the driveway, access to a California basement & a 3/4 bath. The craft/utility room houses the washer & dryer & provides access to the detached 2-car garage & carport. The den/family room is centrally located; it showcases built-in cabinets & a wall of striking French doors that lead to a covered patio & the amazing backyard. The master bedroom serviced by a full bath concludes the first level of this lovely home. On the 2nd floor, 2 good sized bedrooms highlighted by gable windows & window seats are serviced by a hall bath. The enormous backyard featuring an indoor BBQ area housed by a captivating gazebo, a lighted sports court, & a vast grassy area w/ fruit trees, presents the perfect backdrop for all-year-round outdoor activities & gatherings. This exciting property w/ endless possibilities truly embodies the California lifestyle!
Listed with Janice Lee CalDRE: 00874257, 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/! - Thu, 16 May 2019 14:34:00 +0000: $4,580,000 :: 2225 Montecito Drive, San Marino CA, 91108 - San Marino Homes for Sale
4 beds, 3 baths
Home size: 3,514 sq ft
Lot Size: 19,123 sq ft
Added: 05/16/19, Last Updated: 05/16/19
Property Type: Single Family
MLS Number: TR19112061
Community: 655 - San Marino
Status: Active
A hidden gem in the Poet's Quarter of San Marino conveniently located near The Huntington Library Botanical Gardens and walking distance to the highest ranked San Marino High school designed by noted architects William & Smith. The home's thoughtful design presents itself throughout with a lush garden, waterfalls and Koi stream welcoming quests at the entry. An expansive interior floor plan with high angled ceiling,wood beams and large stained glass windows allowing ample natural lighting to illuminate the spacious open floor plan. This house has been extensively & meticulously updated with top of line materials, craftsmanship & design in 2012-2013. The four-bedroom estate(included three suites) features a spacious master suite and generous Jr. suite that has the flexibility to convert into another bedroom, adding a 5th room to the home. Each room provides direct access to the rear garden. The State-of-the-art kitchen features custom made cabinetry and finest line appliances. The massive rear yard is surrounded by trees, fruit orchard, new heated rim, pool & spa, fire glass pits and wood deck. This is a one of kind contemporary estate with park like yard, perfect for gracious entertaining and quiet resort living!
Listed with Jill Cheng CalDRE: 01070957, Encore Realty & 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/! - Wed, 15 May 2019 13:48:00 +0000: $2,580,000 :: 1400 Granada Avenue, San Marino CA, 91108 - San Marino Homes for Sale
3 beds, 3 baths
Home size: 2,419 sq ft
Lot Size: 10,978 sq ft
Added: 05/15/19, Last Updated: 05/15/19
Property Type: Single Family
MLS Number: WS19113246
Community: 655 - San Marino
Status: Active
Welcome home! Live an abundant life in this home that has been tastefully remodeled throughout. Originally built in 1954, this single story home is just north of Huntington Drive with a high walkability to shops and stores. It features 3 bedrooms 3 full baths including the master suite. The contemporary design of the home starts with an open and inviting floor plan. The formal living room has a fireplace with marble trim and hearth and oak floors. The family room has a built-in entertainment area and looks out to the patio and rear yard. It also opens to the remodeled kitchen with Juparana granite counters, custom wood cabinets, and high end appliances. The spacious formal dining room opens to the kitchen, there is a good separation of space. The rear yard has grass for play, a sleek contemporary pool, outdoor cook area and a patio ideal for outdoor entertaining, good Fengshui. Award winning schools and it's ready to move in!
Listed with DE PING GU CalDRE: 01428679, 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/! - Wed, 15 May 2019 10:33:00 +0000: $3,188,000 :: 1305 Oxford Road, San Marino CA, 91108 - San Marino Homes for Sale
3 beds, 4 baths
Home size: 4,196 sq ft
Lot Size: 12,803 sq ft
Added: 05/15/19, Last Updated: 05/15/19
Property Type: Single Family
MLS Number: WS19112816
Community: 655 - San Marino
Status: Active
LOCATION!LOCATION!LOCATION! This fabulous Spanish home located in the highly desirable San Marino and award-winning San Marino School district. Built in 1937, the home was designed around a large usable corner lot,south of Huntington Library,north of Huntington Drive and west of Sierra Madre Blvd. First time on the market in decades.This Remodeled in 2016 with updated kitchen,bathrooms and swimming pool home features open floor plan:Spacious living room, dining room, Gorgeous Kitchen with custom cabinetry, granite counter-top, center island, and wine cellars. Recess lighting, hardwood floor throughout. Second floor: Master bedroom w/walking in closet and own bath at one side has more privacy. 2 good size bedrooms share a full bath located in other side. Maid room and recreation room downstairs.
Listed with MIKE LEE CalDRE: 01350312, MIKE ZHENG LEE
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, 14 May 2019 17:36:00 +0000: $3,660,000 :: 1259 Sherwood Road, San Marino CA, 91108 - San Marino Homes for Sale
4 beds, 5 baths
Home size: 3,600 sq ft
Lot Size: 12,393 sq ft
Added: 04/21/19, Last Updated: 05/14/19
Property Type: Single Family
MLS Number: AR19092398
Community: 655 - San Marino
The price of this listing was last reduced on 5/14/2019 by 1%
Status: Active
Welcome to this elegant Spanish style home located on a prime tree-lined street in the prestigious neighborhood of San Marino. This exquisitely updated 4 bedroom, 4.5 bathroom south facing home features hardwood floors throughout, gourmet kitchen with granite counters and Viking, Wolf and Subzero appliances. Master bedroom suite with private balcony over looking a park like backyard and pool area. Large show case style master walk-in closet perfect to store most of your fashionable shoppers needs. Downstairs living room and family room has sliding doors that opens up to connect both rooms when opened and when closed creates separate private area with cozy fireplace. Ranked #9 best public school district in California by NICHE 2019.
Listed with Jenny Ma CalDRE: 01882851, 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/! - Tue, 14 May 2019 11:51:00 +0000: $3,100,000 :: 1865 Rose Avenue, San Marino CA, 91108 - San Marino Homes for Sale
4 beds, 5 baths
Home size: 2,650 sq ft
Lot Size: 9,775 sq ft
Added: 10/15/18, Last Updated: 05/14/19
Property Type: Single Family
MLS Number: AR18245613
Community: 655 - San Marino
The price of this listing was last reduced on 5/14/2019 by 3%
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, 13 May 2019 21:44:00 +0000: $1,498,000 :: 2270 Brentford Road, San Marino CA, 91108 - San Marino Homes for Sale
3 beds, 3 baths
Home size: 1,704 sq ft
Lot Size: 9,148 sq ft
Added: 04/23/19, Last Updated: 05/13/19
Property Type: Single Family
MLS Number: 819001823
Community: 655 - San Marino
Tract: Other
Status: Active
Located on a cul de sac street, this stylish San Marino traditional has charm with a mid-century flair. The living room has a bay window, crown moldings and a hip custom stone fireplace surround that goes to the ceiling. The dining area is open to a bright sun room which lends itself to a flexible and relaxing space. The large kitchen with separate laundry room creates a great space ready to customize to individual needs and/or desires. All three bedrooms are bright and well proportioned. Both baths are cheery and the master bath has a contemporary feel. The backyard is a dream. A grassy lawn is surrounded by mature plantings and trees and leads to a fenced in pool with cascading spa. The ''cabana'' is designed for relaxation, fun and entertaining. A large covered arched space for lounging or dining it includes a massive counter space with sink and under-counter refrigerator, ample cabinetry including a lockable television cabinet, recessed lighting, ceiling fan and even a convenient half bath. The home also boasts beautiful hardwood floors, updated electrical panel, and updated central air/heat. This house feels like a home in the truest sense of the word.
Listed with Christopher Palmer CalDRE: 01276811, Sotheby's International Realty, 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/!
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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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