North East, Pasadena

Updated June 22, 2026 · 5,695 residents

The North East neighborhood of Pasadena is an affluent, visually appealing suburban community characterized by well-maintained homes and private backyard pools. While the area offers high air quality and consistent walkability, residents should anticipate notable noise levels from nearby road traffic.

Key Highlights

Moderate PrivacyHighly NavigableManicured and SpaciousPet FriendlySemi-rural feelQuiet and Low-KeyHigh Noise LevelsExceptional Air QualityPurely ResidentialHigh Insurance CoverageModerately LiberalGenerational MixModerate Flood RiskExtreme Fire Risk
Map showing the location of North East, Pasadena, CA

About North East

North East is a predominantly residential enclave that balances suburban quietude with convenient access to local retail and green spaces. The area features a mix of single-family homes and light commercial structures, maintaining a clean environment with excellent air quality and no significant industrial activity. Residents enjoy a grid-based street layout that supports pedestrian activity, although the presence of a major freeway bisecting the northern section introduces consistent road noise.

The neighborhood is well-suited for families and professionals seeking a stable, established community with access to reputable local schools like Don Benito Fundamental. While the area provides a serene atmosphere with ample greenery, potential residents should be aware of the trade-offs, including the acoustic impact of traffic and the necessity of fire safety awareness given the local environment. It is an ideal choice for those who prioritize a well-kept, visually attractive setting with proximity to essential services and regional transit corridors.

Neighborhood Scores Across 15 Qualities

🤫 Privacy Index

Detached homes and fenced backyards provide more separation between neighbors than the Pasadena average. According to iHuus data, property spacing remains consistent with standard suburban layouts.

🚶 Walkability

Tree lined streets and a dense grid system provide high connectivity for pedestrians, though a large freeway bisects the northern section of the area. This level of walkability is slightly below the Pasadena average.

🎨 Visual Appeal

Large lots with well-maintained lawns and private pools characterize the landscape. According to iHuus data, the visual quality of this area is higher than the Pasadena average.

🐕 Dog Friendliness

Continuous sidewalks and nearby athletic fields provide reliable walking routes for pets. This area offers slightly more accessible green space and safer street crossings than the Pasadena average, according to iHuus data.

🗺️ Urban-Rural Index

Open land and rugged hills create a more spread out environment than the Pasadena average. This area features a mix of low-density residential fringes and vast green spaces according to iHuus data.

Neighborhood Vibe

Suburban streets and significant open spaces create a serene environment, though the area lacks the commercial density found in other parts of Pasadena. While some pockets offer walkable dining and social hubs, much of the neighborhood is more car-oriented and quiet.

🔊 Acoustic Comfort

Frequent disturbances from nearby railroad tracks and heavy freeway traffic characterize this area. Acoustic comfort is notably lower than the Pasadena average, according to iHuus data.

🌿 Air Quality

Air quality remains consistently high with minimal health concerns, performing even better than the Pasadena average according to iHuus data.

🏭 Industrial Proximity

Industrial activity is virtually non-existent here, offering a cleaner environment than much of Pasadena. The area consists of residential streets and light commercial zones without the presence of warehouses or manufacturing hazards.

🏥 Health Insurance Coverage

Health insurance accessibility is strong in this area, sitting slightly above the Pasadena average according to iHuus data.

🗳️ Ideological Lean

Political leanings in this area are largely liberal, though the neighborhood is slightly less progressive than the Pasadena average according to iHuus data.

👥 Population Age Profile

Residents experience a balanced age distribution across young adults, families, and seniors. This demographic spread is slightly more varied than the typical profile found elsewhere in Pasadena.

🌊 Flood Safety

Residual flood risk exists within some parts of this area due to its location in a 500-year floodplain. According to iHuus data, this level of safety is notably higher than the average found across the rest of Pasadena.

🔥 Fire Safety

Wildfire hazards are exceptionally high in this area, representing a greater risk than the Pasadena average according to iHuus data. Residents should be prepared for stringent fire safety protocols and heightened seasonal vigilance.

Block-Level Insights for North East

iHuus Neighborhood Intelligence Insights

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Compare with Any Neighborhood

Compare with
DimensionNorth EastEast Central
🚶
Walkabilityavg 9.09
🔊
Acoustic Comfortavg 4.22
🤫
Privacy Indexavg 5.22
🎨
Visual Appealavg 7.32
🐕
Dog Friendlinessavg 6.14
🗺️
Urban-Rural Indexavg 6.51
Neighborhood Vibeavg 5.09
🏥
Health Insurance Coverageavg 8.22
🌿
Air Qualityavg 9.38
🏭
Industrial Proximityavg 9.06
🌊
Flood Safetyavg 3.86
🗳️
Ideological Leanavg 9.52
👥
Population Age Profileavg 5.18
🔥
Fire Safetyavg 0.14
🏫
School Quality

School Districts Serving North East

Arcadia Unified School District school district map
Arcadia Unified School District
Grades K–1210/10
11 schools Rating range: 710 / 10

Arcadia Unified School District (AUSD) epitomizes a 'Blue Chip' educational institution, characterized by top-tier academic performance and consistent 9/10 and 10/10 school ratings across its entire portfolio. As a destination district with a terminal high school ranked in the top 1% nationally, AUSD demonstrates exceptional operational health, strong community financial support, and a prestigious reputation for STEM and performing arts. While the environment is highly competitive, the district has maintained its stability and trust by actively expanding mental health resources and wellness initiatives to balance its rigorous curriculum. Its status as a multiple California Distinguished School recipient and its ability to attract families via sustained academic excellence make it a premier model of public education.

Schools

Arcadia HighHigh
10/10
Camino Grove ElementaryElementary
10/10
Richard Henry Dana MiddleMiddle
10/10
Highland Oaks ElementaryElementary
10/10
First Avenue MiddleMiddle
9/10
Baldwin Stocker ElementaryElementary
9/10
Foothills MiddleMiddle
9/10
Hugo Reid ElementaryElementary
8/10
Longley Way ElementaryElementary
7/10
Holly Avenue ElementaryElementary
7/10
Rancho Learning Center (Alternative)Other
7/10
Pasadena Unified School District school district map
Pasadena Unified School District
Grades K–125/10
23 schools Rating range: 18 / 10

Pasadena Unified School District is a 'Mixed' system defined by high-performing specialized magnets and fundamental schools operating alongside a significant number of struggling neighborhood campuses. While the district is a regional leader in Dual Language Immersion and Arts programming—successfully retaining families who might otherwise opt for private schools—it faces systemic challenges including declining enrollment and the looming necessity of school consolidations. With terminal high schools performing at or near state averages and a stark performance gap across its elementary portfolio, the district offers high-quality pockets of excellence but lacks the universal consistency and demographic stability required for a higher tier rating.

Schools

Don Benito FundamentalElementary
8/10
Sierra Madre ElementaryElementary
8/10
Sierra Madre MiddleMiddle
8/10
Willard ElementaryElementary
7/10
Field (Eugene) ElementaryElementary
7/10
Hamilton ElementaryElementary
7/10
Pasadena HighHigh
6/10
Blair HighHigh
5/10
Washington Elementary Stem MagnetElementary
5/10
Marshall FundamentalHigh
5/10
Norma Coombs ElementaryElementary
5/10
John Muir HighHigh
5/10
Cis AcademyOther
4/10
Webster ElementaryElementary
3/10
Altadena ElementaryElementary
3/10
San Rafael ElementaryElementary
3/10
Longfellow (Henry W.) ElementaryElementary
2/10
Octavia E. Butler MagnetMiddle
2/10
Mary W. Jackson Steam Multilingual Magnet ElementaryElementary
2/10
MckinleyElementary
1/10
Charles W. Eliot MiddleMiddle
1/10
Madison ElementaryElementary
1/10
Rose City High (Continuation)High
1/10

School Insights for North East

School Insights

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  • Full demographics breakdown — ethnicity and gender composition for every school in the enrollment zone
  • Every school in the district — all schools within the enrollment boundary ranked by rating, not just the closest one
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Frequently Asked Questions

Is North East Pasadena a walkable neighborhood?
Yes, the area features a consistent grid system with sidewalks, resulting in high walkability. However, a major freeway bisects the northern section, which can impact pedestrian routes and connectivity.
What is the noise level like in North East Pasadena?
The neighborhood experiences moderate noise levels, primarily due to road traffic. While residential streets are generally quiet, the proximity to major roadways contributes to a population-weighted average noise level of approximately 62 decibels.
Are there good schools in this area?
The neighborhood is served by the Pasadena Unified School District, which includes options like the highly-rated Don Benito Fundamental. Families may also find access to specialized programs and magnet schools within the broader district.