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):
- Sat, 03 Jun 2023 14:41:00 +0000: $1,799,000 :: 8502 Larkdale Road, San Gabriel CA, 91775 - Homes in San Marino School District
3 beds, 3 baths
Home size: 2,279 sq ft
Lot Size: 9,505 sq ft
Added: 06/02/23, Last Updated: 06/03/23
Property Type: Single Family
MLS Number: AR23097644
Community: San Gabriel
Status: Active
San Marino School! This North Facing lovely Ranch Style Home set on a large lot within the Prime Area of North San Gabriel. Located in the Award winning San Marino Unified School District, this 3 Bedrooms, 3 Baths and 2-car Garage Home with an Open Floor Plan and spacious Living Room, Family Room, Dining Room, and Kitchen with Breakfast Nooks. The Beautiful Backyard comes with a Koi Pond, Swimming Pool and Patio as sitting area for Family gathering and entertainment. Both Living Room and Family Room have Skylights and Hardwood Flooring throughout and the Backyard View of the gorgeous Swimming Pool. The Master Bedroom Suite overlooks the entire backyard for relaxation and enjoyment. Convenient location with Walking distance to Shopping Malls, Schools, and Parks. Must see to appreciated!
Listed with Maggie Ly CalDRE: 01385106 | 626-660-1100, 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/! - Wed, 22 Mar 2023 18:39:00 +0000: $4,680,000 :: 918 S San Gabriel Boulevard, Pasadena CA, 91107 - Homes in San Marino School District
7 beds, 7 baths
Home size: 5,268 sq ft
Lot Size: 17,760 sq ft
Added: 03/22/23, Last Updated: 03/22/23
Property Type: Single Family
MLS Number: WS23047667
Community: Pasadena (SE)
Status: Active
Stunning home newly constructed in the award-winning San Marino Unified school district. Meticulously designed, situated in one of the most desirable and exclusive areas of Pasadena. Sitting on a 17,700+ Sqft flag lot, with the main residence and an ADU, this property contains 7 bedrooms, 6.5 baths, and a 3-car garage. The home security system offers a motion-detect feature and records 4K high-definition video footage, connecting to the emergency line. The gated entrance provides not only a luxurious lifestyle but also security and privacy. Its south-facing direction is considered auspicious in Fengshui, also giving the best sunlight. The home’s interior is uniquely customized with a combination of practicality and art. The main residence is a two-story structure configuring 2 spacious Prime ensuites, 3 ensuite bedrooms, and an extra half bath. Entering the double front door, you are greeted by the curved staircase and a gorgeous chandelier attached to the high ceiling. The living room features a beautiful, coffered ceiling and fireplace. Two kitchens are perfect for different cooking and food preparation. Kitchen cabinets are made and imported from Italy. All kitchen appliances, including the refrigerator, wine cooler, oven, microwave, and stove, are supplied by one of the world’s top premium kitchen appliance brands – Miele. This German company product is well known for its great quality, performance, and patented technology. The Prime bedroom features a steam shower and a smart toilet. A detached ADU, with an open floor plan containing 2 beds and 1 full bathroom, is perfect for guest staying. A large backyard has well-designed landscaping, with a decent-sized swimming pool available at the corner of the yard. NO HOA and LOW property tax! Highly sought-after and quiet neighborhood, only a few blocks from shopping centers and restaurants. Less than a mile from the famous San Marino High School. This property has everything you could imagine to be called a home.
Listed with JACOB SUN CalDRE: 02147802 | 626-888-9808, Pinnacle Real Estate Group
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/!
Interested in more information about Greater Pasadena Area cities, check out our City Guides below:
And, if you are interested in fun activities to do, take a look at our 365 Things To Do in Pasadena® page.
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.
