College HIlls, Glendale

Updated · 1,197 residents

College Hills is a hillside community in the San Rafael Hills of Glendale, offering residents scenic views and a low-density residential environment. While the area is highly regarded for its visual appeal and excellent dog-friendliness, it experiences significant noise levels from nearby highway traffic.

Key Highlights

Moderate Resident PrivacyMostly WalkableUpscale Scenic ViewsGreat for Dog OwnersSemi-rural CharacterQuiet and SuburbanHigh Noise LevelsClean AirPurely ResidentialHigh Insurance CoverageModerately LiberalDiverse Age GroupsUncertain Flood RiskExtreme Fire Risk
Map showing the location of College HIlls, Glendale, CA

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About College HIlls

Situated in the San Rafael Hills of Glendale, California, just south of Glendale Community College, College Hills is an upscale hillside neighborhood largely developed in the late 1960s. The area is historically defined by the devastating College Hills Fire of June 27, 1990. Driven by 110-degree temperatures and dry winds, the firestorm destroyed dozens of homes and caused roughly $40 million to $50 million in damage. The disaster was later revealed to be the work of Glendale Fire Captain and notorious serial arsonist John Orr. Culturally, College Hills has evolved into a diverse community with a particularly prominent Armenian-American presence, representing more than 20% of the neighborhood's population.

This upscale neighborhood is defined by its elevated position in the San Rafael Hills, providing residents with expansive views and a secluded, suburban atmosphere. The area is characterized by low-density housing and ample green spaces, creating a distinct separation from the urban core of Glendale. It is positioned near Glendale Community College, making it a convenient location for those connected to the institution. Prospective residents should consider the trade-offs between the area's visual charm and its acoustic environment. Data indicates that the neighborhood faces elevated noise levels from nearby road traffic, which significantly impacts acoustic comfort. Furthermore, while the area is highly rated for its dog-friendliness and overall air quality, it remains in a zone with specific fire safety considerations. It is best suited for those who prioritize scenic, quiet residential streets and pet-friendly amenities over central urban walkability.

Neighborhood Scores Across 15 Qualities

Privacy Index
Score: 6 out of 10

Homes feature varying levels of separation, with hillside properties offering more buffer than denser commercial zones. According to iHuus data, this level of spacing provides more privacy than the typical Glendale neighborhood.

Ranked #12 in Glendale →
Walkability
Score: 8 out of 10

Residential streets feature established sidewalks and low traffic, though hilly terrain and freeway barriers may impact ease of movement. This area is slightly less walkable than the Glendale average.

Ranked #24 in Glendale →
Visual Appeal
Score: 8 out of 10

Large hillside residences with private pools and manicured landscapes characterize the area. According to iHuus data, the visual quality of the neighborhood is notably higher than the Glendale average.

Ranked #15 in Glendale →
Dog Friendliness
Score: 8.4 out of 10

Abundant access to large hillside nature preserves and wooded trails provides significant opportunities for pet exercise. According to iHuus data, these connected green spaces and safe, traffic-free paths make the area much more dog friendly than the Glendale average.

Ranked #5 in Glendale →
Urban-Rural Index
Score: 7.2 out of 10

Frequent open land and significant hillside vegetation provide a more open, semi-rural feel than most parts of Glendale. Residents will find scattered homes situated among woodland and hilly terrain according to iHuus data.

Ranked #12 in Glendale →
Neighborhood Vibe
Score: 2.9 out of 10

Low-density residential blocks and significant open spaces create a tranquil environment, though social activity and commercial density are notably lower than the Glendale average. Most residents will find the area revolves around essential local services and quiet streets rather than high-energy social hubs.

Ranked #29 in Glendale →
Acoustic Comfort
Score: 2.1 out of 10

Frequent noise from nearby freeway traffic and rail lines characterizes the area. This level of acoustic disturbance is notably higher than the Glendale average, according to iHuus data.

Ranked #32 in Glendale →
Air Quality
Score: 8 out of 10

Air quality in this area is consistently good with only rare instances of elevated readings. This level of air cleanliness is consistent with the average found throughout Glendale.

Ranked #10 in Glendale →
Industrial Proximity
Score: 10 out of 10

Industrial activity and warehouses are entirely absent from this area, making it more residential-focused than the Glendale average. According to iHuus data, the neighborhood consists solely of residential and recreational spaces with no detected industrial hazards.

Ranked #1 in Glendale →
Health Insurance Coverage
Score: 8.9 out of 10

Health insurance access is widespread among residents, sitting well above the Glendale average according to iHuus data.

Ranked #13 in Glendale →
Ideological Lean
Score: 7.8 out of 10

Political leanings in this area are primarily liberal, though the concentration is slightly lower than the average found throughout Glendale. According to iHuus data, a modest opposing presence exists within the community.

Ranked #25 in Glendale →
Population Age Profile
Score: 5.3 out of 10

Residents live alongside a balanced mix of young professionals, families, and seniors. This age distribution is consistent with the average seen across Glendale.

Ranked #20 in Glendale →
Flood Safety
Score: 4 out of 10

Flood risk levels remain undetermined due to a lack of detailed federal studies, though the area shows a slightly higher risk profile than much of Glendale. Residents should remain aware of potential vulnerabilities as official assessments are currently unavailable according to iHuus data.

Ranked #20 in Glendale →
Fire Safety
Score: 0.2 out of 10

Fire hazards in this area are significantly higher than the Glendale average, necessitating extreme precaution and robust protection measures. According to iHuus data, the surrounding landscape presents a severe risk level for residents.

Ranked #16 in Glendale →

Compare with Any Neighborhood

Compare with
DimensionCollege HIllsAdams Hill
🚶
Walkabilityavg 8.69
Score: 8 out of 10
Score: 9.2 out of 10
🔊
Acoustic Comfortavg 3.71
Score: 2.1 out of 10
Score: 4.6 out of 10
🤫
Privacy Indexavg 4.65
Score: 6 out of 10
Score: 3.9 out of 10
🎨
Visual Appealavg 6.99
Score: 8 out of 10
Score: 6.3 out of 10
🐕
Dog Friendlinessavg 5.3
Score: 8.4 out of 10
Score: 5.5 out of 10
🗺️
Urban-Rural Indexavg 6.32
Score: 7.2 out of 10
Score: 6.8 out of 10
✨
Neighborhood Vibeavg 5.1
Score: 2.9 out of 10
Score: 5.6 out of 10
🏥
Health Insurance Coverageavg 7.89
Score: 8.9 out of 10
Score: 7.1 out of 10
🌿
Air Qualityavg 8.01
Score: 8 out of 10
Score: 8 out of 10
🏭
Industrial Proximityavg 8.92
Score: 10 out of 10
Score: 9.1 out of 10
🌊
Flood Safetyavg 2.96
Score: 4 out of 10
Score: 1.1 out of 10
🗳️
Ideological Leanavg 8.52
Score: 7.8 out of 10
Score: 9.5 out of 10
👥
Population Age Profileavg 5.28
Score: 5.3 out of 10
Score: 5.1 out of 10
🔥
Fire Safetyavg 0.5
Score: 0.2 out of 10
Score: 1.2 out of 10
🏫
School Quality
Score: not available
Score: not available

Frequently Asked Questions

Is College Hills a noisy neighborhood?
The neighborhood experiences significant noise from nearby highway traffic, with average noise levels reaching 71 decibels. This makes it less suited for those sensitive to ambient road sound.
Are there good schools in the area?
Residents are served by the Glendale Unified School District, which holds a 7/10 rating. The district is known for its stable academic foundation and specialized magnet programs.
Is College Hills a good place for dog owners?
Yes, the neighborhood is exceptionally dog-friendly. Its low-density streets and proximity to open green spaces make it an ideal environment for pet owners.
What should I know about fire safety in College Hills?
Due to its location in the San Rafael Hills, the area has historically been vulnerable to wildfires. Prospective residents should be aware of the ongoing fire safety profile of this hillside environment.

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