Is Altadena Safe, Pros and cons of living in Altadena
Altadena, California, nestled in the foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains, offers a unique blend of suburban tranquility and proximity to the vibrant energy of Los Angeles. This unincorporated community provides a distinctive lifestyle for its residents, characterized by its natural beauty and a strong sense of local identity. The area boasts a rich history and a diverse community, making it an appealing place for many seeking a particular Southern California experience.
The community’s location provides convenient access to major freeways and is a short drive from the cultural and economic hub of Los Angeles. Altadena is known for its charming neighborhoods, tree-lined streets, and a backdrop of majestic mountain scenery. This setting contributes to a desirable living environment for those who appreciate both natural landscapes and urban accessibility.
Is it Safe to Live in Altadena?
Altadena’s crime rate presents a complex picture, with some data indicating it is higher than the national average, while other reports suggest recent improvements. The chance of becoming a victim of crime in Altadena is reported to be 1 in 52 (according to NeighborhoodScout’s analysis of FBI crime data). Violent crimes have seen a notable decrease of 24% year-to-date, according to LA County Sheriff Dept. Captain Jabari Williams. However, property crimes, particularly residential burglaries, remain a concern, though rates are trending downward (as reported by Pasadena Now).
The safety of Altadena can vary by neighborhood, with residents generally considering the northeast part of the city to be the safest. Your chance of being a victim of crime can range from 1 in 25 in the south neighborhoods to 1 in 44 in the northeast (according to NeighborhoodScout). While overall crime rates are reported to be 48% lower than the national average by some sources (AreaVibes), others indicate a crime index of 17 out of 100, meaning it is safer than only 17% of U.S. cities (NeighborhoodScout). Package thefts and vehicle break-ins are noted as significant concerns, often occurring from unlocked vehicles (as reported by Pasadena Now).
Housing Costs in Altadena
The housing market in Altadena is characterized by high costs, with both home prices and rental rates significantly above national averages. The median home value in Altadena is approximately $1,117,759, showing a decrease of 14.7% over the past year (as of March 31, 2026, according to Zillow). Other reports indicate a median listing home price of $1,045,000 (according to Realtor.com®) and a median home value of $1,120,000 (according to Niche).
Rental prices in Altadena are also substantial, with the average rent for all property types being $3,400 per month as of May 2, 2026 (as reported by Zillow). This is approximately 70% higher than the national average rent of $2,000 (as reported by Zillow). Apartments show a wide range, with studios averaging $1,876, one-bedrooms at $1,909, and two-bedrooms around $2,254 per month (as reported by Apartments.com). Houses for rent command higher prices, averaging $3,995 monthly (as reported by Zumper).
Cost of Living and Salaries
Altadena’s overall cost of living is notably higher than the national average, driven significantly by housing expenses. The cost of living in Altadena is estimated to be 60% higher than the national average (as reported by Payscale). Housing expenses alone are 160% higher than the national average, with utility prices also being 9% higher (as reported by Payscale). Transportation costs are also elevated, at 38% higher than the national average (as reported by Payscale).
The median household income in Altadena is approximately $128,720 annually, which is considerably higher than the national median household income of $80,734 (as reported by Census Reporter). Despite the high cost of living, the median salary in Altadena is reported to be around $52,000 annually, or $25.00 per hour (as reported by Zippia). Other sources place the average annual salary at $77,798 (as reported by ERI Economic Research Institute) and the median income at $128,720 (as reported by Point2Homes).
Job Market and Employment
Altadena’s employment landscape reflects the broader economic conditions of the Los Angeles area. The employment rate in Altadena is currently 92.32% (as reported by BestNeighborhood.org). While specific major employers for Altadena are not detailed in the search results, its proximity to Los Angeles suggests access to a vast array of industries and companies. The unemployment rate in Altadena is reported to be 16% lower than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes).
The median household income in Altadena is substantially higher than the national average, standing at $128,720 (as reported by Census Reporter). This figure suggests a strong economic base within the community, even if the average salary for individual jobs may appear lower in some reports. The cost of living, particularly housing, significantly impacts the perceived affordability despite higher incomes.
Climate and Weather
Altadena experiences a mild Mediterranean climate, characterized by hot, dry summers and warm, mild winters. The average temperature ranges annually from a low of 42°F to a high of 89°F (as reported by myPerfectWeather). The hottest month is typically August, with average highs around 88°F, while the coolest month is December, with average lows around 44°F (as reported by myPerfectWeather).
Precipitation in Altadena averages about 21 inches annually, with the majority falling during the winter months. February is generally the wettest month, receiving an average of 3.1 inches of rain (as reported by myPerfectWeather). Snowfall is virtually nonexistent in Altadena, contributing to its appeal as a year-round desirable location. The area enjoys a significant amount of sunshine, with approximately 3,459 hours of sunshine annually (as reported by myPerfectWeather).
Education in Altadena
Altadena is served by the Pasadena Unified School District, offering a range of public schools. The top-ranked public schools in Altadena include Odyssey Charter, Aveson School Of Leaders, and Ocs – South (as reported by Public School Review). Altadena public schools demonstrate strong performance in math proficiency, with an average of 40%, compared to the California average of 34% (as reported by Public School Review).
Student diversity in Altadena’s public schools is notable, with minority enrollment at 74% of the student body, predominantly Hispanic (as reported by Public School Review). While some schools like Altadena Arts Magnet Elementary have received mixed ratings (a GreatSchools Rating of 4 out of 10), others like Odyssey Charter School have earned higher marks (a Niche grade of B- and a GreatSchools Rating of 4 out of 10 for Altadena Arts Magnet Elementary, as reported by Niche and GreatSchools). Altadena Elementary has shown significant improvement over the past decade, moving from a low-performing school to one that ranks above average within its district (as reported by SchoolDigger).
Demographics of Altadena
Altadena is home to a diverse population, with a total population of approximately 41,723 as of 2026, showing a slight annual decline (as reported by Population.com). The racial composition is varied, with White individuals making up about 43.14%, followed by Black or African American at 17.19%, and other races comprising significant percentages (as reported by Population.com). Other sources indicate the largest racial/ethnic groups as White (49%), Hispanic (29%), and Black (20%) (as reported by MySGV).
The median age in Altadena is around 46.4 years, with a slightly higher proportion of females to males (as reported by Population.com). A significant portion of residents, about 22.7% as of 2024, were born outside the United States, which is comparable to the national average (as reported by Data USA). The community tends to lean liberal, and most residents own their homes (as reported by Niche).
Pros and Cons of Living in Altadena
Altadena offers a compelling lifestyle, particularly for those who appreciate its natural setting and community character. The proximity to the San Gabriel Mountains provides abundant opportunities for outdoor recreation, such as hiking and biking. Its location also affords convenient access to the cultural attractions and employment centers of Los Angeles, making it a desirable place for those who want a balance between suburban peace and urban engagement.
However, the high cost of living, particularly in housing, is a significant factor to consider. Both median home prices and average rents are substantially higher than the national averages, which can present a financial challenge. While crime rates have seen some recent improvements, they are still reported to be higher than the national average in some analyses, requiring residents to remain vigilant about neighborhood safety.