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, 23 Aug 2019 21:42:00 +0000: $2,098,000 :: 2930 Kinghurst Road, San Marino CA, 91108 - San Marino Homes for Sale
3 beds, 2 baths
Home size: 2,245 sq ft
Lot Size: 10,586 sq ft
Added: 08/23/19, Last Updated: 08/23/19
Property Type: Single Family
MLS Number: AR19202174
Community: 655 - San Marino
Status: Active
This home is a must see. Located in the exclusive Huntington Library Gardens neighborhood, This one story single family has 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. Large lot size. Beautiful well maintained single story home is located in the the highly sought-after San Marino, close to San Marino High School and Carver Elementary School. Formal entry greets you to the bright living room with fireplace, spacious family room and formal dining room. The kitchen has bright and colorful tile and decor, newer stove and dishwasher and garbage disposal and a cozy breakfast area with built-in storage. The laundry room is separate and also leads to the rear yard. The master suite with its own bathroom and walking closet. Walking distance to Trader Joe's and Howie"s Market, less than 10 minutes drive to H Mart, Westfield Shopping Mall and fine restaurants, bus lines, Post Office, Banks and etc. Enjoy living in this charming comfortable home.
Listed with Shirley Tang CalDRE: 01845722, 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/! - Fri, 23 Aug 2019 21:29:00 +0000: $3,280,000 :: 2305 Ridgeway Road, San Marino CA, 91108 - San Marino Homes for Sale
4 beds, 3 baths
Home size: 4,030 sq ft
Lot Size: 15,795 sq ft
Added: 06/22/19, Last Updated: 08/23/19
Property Type: Single Family
MLS Number: AR19148174
Community: 655 - San Marino
The price of this listing was last reduced on 8/23/2019 by 3%
Status: Active
Surrounded by quiet, tree-lined streets in the prestigious San Marino community, this Luxurious and Elegant 4 bedrooms, 3.5 baths estate of 4,030 sqft rests on a Lot almost 16,000 sqft with Award winning San Marino Schools. A private walk-way leads you up to this English Tudor-style exterior, which opens up to a sitting area to greets guests, tasteful wood staircase, and an oversized formal Living Room with hand carved Oak Mantle Fireplace and high Beams Ceiling. On the left is the formal Dining Room with classic leaded glass windows and a gorgeous front Garden view, next to it is the Butler Pantry, along with an exclusive Breakfast Nook room, followed by the spacious updated Chef's Dream Kitchen with Viking Stove, built in Subzero refrigerator, and Granite Countertops. 1st Floor completes with a Powder Room, a generously sized Bedroom, a Bath, and a Laundry Room. 2nd Floor consists of 3 spacious Bedrooms with 2 Baths, a private Library for studying, a Sunroom, and a Patio with a Backyard View. A sparkling outdoor Pool with an extra large Patio frame for the sweeping landscape backyard with fruit trees and BBQ area which is perfectly suited for outdoor entertainment. Centrally located nearby Banks, Stores, Restaurants, etc. Please don't miss out on the opportunity to call this Home!
Listed with Maggie Ly CalDRE: 01385106, Re/Max Premier Prop SanMarino
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, 22 Aug 2019 09:31:00 +0000: $3,888,000 :: 1725 Sharon Place, San Marino CA, 91108 - San Marino Homes for Sale
4 beds, 5 baths
Home size: 3,527 sq ft
Lot Size: 16,749 sq ft
Added: 06/01/19, Last Updated: 08/22/19
Property Type: Single Family
MLS Number: 319002200
Community: 655 - San Marino
Tract: Not Applicable-655 (NA655)
The price of this listing was last reduced on 8/22/2019 by 3%
Status: Active
Large Price Reduction!!!! Rare new construction in San Marino, designed by renowned architect Philip Chan, this elegant home sits in a charming location close to restaurants, schools, entertainment and business areas. The exterior of the house retains the traditional San Marino style but the interior is open, modern and designed to meet the demands of today's buyers. The large lot is professionally landscaped and contains a heated pool and spa. As you walk through the entrance way of the house you are greeted by a living and dining room with high ceilings, designer light fixtures, and herringbone marble tile floors. The luxurious master suite is on the ground floor along with two other bedroom suites, with a fourth guest bedroom suite upstairs. The basement area contains a wine galley, and can be used for wine tasting, exercising or relaxation. The gourmet kitchen opens on to a spacious family room and the open floor plan lends itself to entertaining in a modern but cozy environment. There is a wok/butler's kitchen, and a SONOS smart system with integrated camera security system. This is a unique home - don't miss out.
Listed with Christian Stillmark CalDRE: 01920024, 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/! - Mon, 19 Aug 2019 18:10:00 +0000: $3,550,000 :: 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: 08/19/19
Property Type: Single Family
MLS Number: AR19092398
Community: 655 - San Marino
The price of this listing was last reduced on 8/19/2019 by 0%
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/! - Fri, 16 Aug 2019 16:30:00 +0000: $1,198,000 :: 3000 Lorain Road, San Marino CA, 91108 - San Marino Homes for Sale
2 beds, 2 baths
Home size: 1,318 sq ft
Lot Size: 7,406 sq ft
Added: 08/16/19, Last Updated: 08/16/19
Property Type: Single Family
MLS Number: 819003846
Community: 655 - San Marino
Tract: Not Applicable - 1007242
Status: Active
Situated along the highly coveted tree-lined Lorain, this charming 1939 traditional San Marino home offers great living comforts with tremendous opportunity. Recent improvements, including a Cedarlite roof and a bolted foundation, have already initiated the possibility for further upgrades, expansion, additional improvements, and overall potential. Measured at 1,318 sqft, the opportune floor plan features a spacious formal living room, which showcases a handsome fireplace and fantastic natural light. The home also contains two nicely sized bedrooms, one full bathroom, a separate powder room within the master suite, a light and bright family room adjacent to the sizeable kitchen, and an alternate dining area. A well-positioned attached garage, which houses a bonus/storage room, completes the floor plan. A sliding glass door serves as a gateway to the vast backyard. The professionally designed and landscaped grounds incorporate a completely enclosed large rear yard, mature trees, and drought-tolerant landscaping with new drip systems. Given a little TLC, the 7,462 sqft lot and well-designed single-story home has tremendous potential. Enjoy a short stroll to Starbucks, Trader Joe's, and of course the award-winning national blue-ribbon San Marino Schools.
Listed with Erik Larsen, 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/! - Wed, 14 Aug 2019 13:00:00 +0000: $4,280,000 :: 1560 Old Mill Road, San Marino CA, 91108 - San Marino Homes for Sale
3 beds, 3 baths
Home size: 2,637 sq ft
Lot Size: 29,312 sq ft
Added: 08/14/19, Last Updated: 08/14/19
Property Type: Single Family
MLS Number: WS19194277
Community: 655 - San Marino
Status: Active
Great potential to build a luxury residence in the most desired northern part of San Marino, which is close to schools, City Library, Lacy Park, Worldly renowned Huntington Library and Botanical Garden. A hard-to-get close to 10,000 square feet approved by the City of San Marino. Interested buyer to build your dream home, its your one of its kind opportunity. Don't miss it! Details of the approved plan is ready for you to preview. for the new house, it has 6 suites, 8 baths, 4-car garage, classic entry, grand foyer, light filled library, open floor plan, formal dining with direct access to the covered patio, spacious family room with sliding doors, extending to a big covered patio that brings the outside in as additional living space. Gourmet kitchen, breakfast nook overlooking the beautiful backyard, separate wok room and butler's pantry, first floor junior master suite with huge walk-in closet. open Balcony, home theater and wine cellar, etc....
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/! - Wed, 14 Aug 2019 05:38:00 +0000: $3,180,000 :: 933 S S Santa Anita Avenue, San Marino CA, 91108 - San Marino Homes for Sale
4 beds, 4 baths
Home size: 3,546 sq ft
Lot Size: 16,492 sq ft
Added: 08/14/19, Last Updated: 08/14/19
Property Type: Single Family
MLS Number: TR19194007
Community: 655 - San Marino
Status: Active
Welcome to this stunning home in San Marino. With close proximity to award-winning schools and famous Crowell library, Santa Anita Avenue is in one of San Marino's most sought-after areas. The home features four bedrooms and four baths, A great living room with a fireplace flows nicely into the gourmet kitchen, featuring custom cabinets, gleaming granite countertops and professional grade appliances. The exceptional master suite offers custom cabinets, cedar-lined walk-in closet, private water closet and a luxurious spa-like marble bath with dual sinks, built-in vanity, heated marble floor and towel bar, triple-head shower room and a bath tub. Upstairs are two comfortably sized bedrooms with abundant storage closets and a full bath off of the hallway. The spectacular rear yard is surrounded by beautifully landscaped featuring lush plantings, blooming flowers, lovely courtyard, rear terrace with brick ribbons, fruit orchard, pool & spa. This is a one of kind classic estate with beaufitul yard, perfect for gracious entertaining and quite resort living! This is San Marino living at its best!
Listed with Poming Chen CalDRE: 01992046, KW Executive
Brought to you by Irina Netchaev, Pasadena Views Real Estate Team Inc. Call me today at 626-627-7107, or visit my website at www.pasadenaviews.com/free-home-search/! - Fri, 09 Aug 2019 22:21:00 +0000: $1,888,000 :: 2520 Cumberland Road, San Marino CA, 91108 - San Marino Homes for Sale
3 beds, 2 baths
Home size: 1,937 sq ft
Lot Size: 7,667 sq ft
Added: 08/08/19, Last Updated: 08/09/19
Property Type: Single Family
MLS Number: WS19191032
Community: 655 - San Marino
Status: Active
English style house in beautiful street north of Huntington Drive with award winning San Marino School District. Walking district to San Marino High School. Completely renovated both interior and exterior. Brand new roof. Professional painting both inside and outside. Brand new kitchen with granitte counter, custom cabinet, center island and high end appliances. Floor plan includes three bedrooms, two brand new bathrooms, formal dining room and a bring open concept living room with fireplace. Also feature a finished attic area about 300 SF which is not included in SF.
Listed with YVONNE MATLOFF CalDRE: 00908463, TSE REALTY & MANAGEMENT SERVIC
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, 08 Aug 2019 10:11:00 +0000: $1,875,000 :: 2900 Monterey Road, San Marino CA, 91108 - San Marino Homes for Sale
4 beds, 3 baths
Home size: 2,813 sq ft
Lot Size: 11,034 sq ft
Added: 04/03/19, Last Updated: 08/08/19
Property Type: Single Family
MLS Number: AR19074433
Community: 655 - San Marino
Status: Active
This charming & updated Mediterranean home is situated in the heart of San Marino’s Mission District. This turnkey home features 4 spacious bedrooms, including 2 suites (one on each level), and 3 remodeled bathrooms w/ a total of 2,813 sq ft of living space. The 1st level features a large formal living room w/ beamed ceilings, fireplace, and adjacent office nook, formal dining room, breakfast room, kitchen, interior laundry room, and a bedroom suite w/ a full bath. The 2nd level features 3 beds, including a large master suite w/ walk-in closet, and 2 baths. There is a large upstairs balcony/deck overlooking the lovely backyard. The 11,000+ sq ft lot features an oversized 600 sq ft. 2-car garage w/ ample storage, a tranquil backyard w/ large grass area, mature trees & landscaping, and a lovely shaded patio area ideal for dining/entertaining. Some of the many upgrades include dual zone HVAC system, new Spanish tile roof, refinished hardwood floors, copper plumbing (partial), upgraded electrical (panel & wiring), tankless water heater, bolted foundation, water softener, and drip irrigation system. Located just blocks from the Langham Hotel and Mission Street’s shopping & dining, this property is in an ideal location. Also nearby are Valentine Elementary, Huntington Middle School, Lacy Park, Crowell Library & the Huntington Library. This home provides the ideal combination of a convenient location and an updated, move-in ready home.
Listed with Dean Griffith CalDRE: 01452542, 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/! - Wed, 07 Aug 2019 17:27:00 +0000: $1,588,000 :: 1650 Las Flores Avenue, San Marino CA, 91108 - San Marino Homes for Sale
3 beds, 2 baths
Home size: 1,912 sq ft
Lot Size: 7,841 sq ft
Added: 08/07/19, Last Updated: 08/07/19
Property Type: Single Family
MLS Number: 819003683
Community: 655 - San Marino
Tract: Other
Status: Active
There's no place like this perfectly located 3 large BR, 2 BA family home over the rainbow in San Marino's hip Mission District! Landscaped yard leads to marbled entry off spacious living room. Fireplace framed built in cabinetry, hardwood floors & crown molding. LR opens to dining room next to kitchen on 1 end, or to large family room on other. From FR, French doors lead to flat, fully enclosed back yard with room for parties & projects. Detached 2 car garage opens to large hardscape & gated driveway street access. Copper plumbing, attic fan, fruit trees (loquat, seedless tangerines and lemon) & mature shrubbery. Situated in neighborhood of families whose kids attend San Marino Unified School District's award-winning schools and nearby private schools. Children safely learn to ride bikes in the U-shaped neighborhood where dogs enjoy walking their owners to the nearby gym and unique Mission street restaurants, salons & eclectic retail/service shops, yet convenient to surrounding cities & freeways (110, 210, 134, 710 & 10). Buyer to satisfy as to condition BEFORE making offer as list price reflects condition; Sellers will make no repairs. One owner holds attorney & brokers' licenses. Per SM, lot can accommodate up to a 2700 total sq.ft upon City approval.
Listed with Robert Graham CalDRE: 01231958, Graham 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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