As we become parents and our kids get closer to school age, the question of where they will go to school comes up. If you live in or around Pasadena, several public school districts are heard over and over again as having the best schools. Unfortunately, Pasadena Unified School District is still struggling especially if your kids are middle or high school age. But communities next to Pasadena like San Marino, South Pasadena, Arcadia and La Canada have stellar schools and kids attending them rank extremely well when taking state exams with API scores being the “proof in the pudding” as they say.
San Marino has been ranked as the #1 School District in Southern California year after year. However, great public schools come with a high home price tag. An average priced home in San Marino sold for $1.6 million year to date.
READ MORE: San Marino real estate information – home sales statistics
When my kids were little, we were living in Monterey Hills – a community of condominiums and town houses next to South Pasadena. A friend of mine suggested that we look for schools in neighborhoods around San Marino where houses were listed as being part of the San Marino School District. I didn’t know at that time that you could find a home in Pasadena or San Gabriel and still have your children attend SMUSD.
As I researched this more, I found out that when Carver Elementary (one of two elementary schools in San Marino) was built, they needed more kids to enroll. Kids of elementary age that lived in homes around Carver were extended the right to attend the school. Those houses were grandfathered and are now permanently on the list of qualified homes that are outside of the San Marino proper, but kids are still able to attend SMUSD.
When I work with families today whose goal is to get into a good school district at a deal of a price, I always see if there are any homes available in San Gabriel and Pasadena with San Marino Schools. Below, is a list of all these homes for your review. This home list will be updated “real time” as new homes come up on the market.
Homes with San Marino School District (outside of San Marino proper):
- Tue, 29 Apr 2025 20:08:00 +0000: $1,498,000 :: 6841 La Presa Drive, San Gabriel CA, 91775 - Homes in San Marino School District
2 beds, 2 baths
Home size: 1,344 sq ft
Lot Size: 5,676 sq ft
Added: 04/29/25, Last Updated: 04/29/25
Property Type: Single Family
MLS Number: AR25094118
Community: San Gabriel
Status: Active
Charming 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom home in the prestigious San Marino school district, perfect for families, investors, or first-time buyers! This over 1300 sq ft gem features a spacious primary suite with a private bathroom and ample closet space. Step outside to a large lot with endless potential—expand the home or build an ADU for extra income. The 2-car garage adds convenience, while the prime location is just a short walk to KL Carver Elementary and Howie’s Market. Versatile for personal use or as a rental investment, this property won’t last long—schedule your tour today!
Listed with Daniel Wong CalDRE: 01272311 | 626-287-9636, Coldwell Banker Dynasty T.C.
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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Thinking of selling your home? Interested in finding out the current market value of your single family home, condo or investment property? Then call Irina Netchaev at (626) 629-8439 to discuss what is happening in today’s Southern California Real Estate Market.
