A community of 135,000, Pasadena sits in a comparatively serene and gracious corner of the lively and diverse southern California landscape.
Rainfall is infrequent and limited mostly to the winter months.
Life in Pasadena is easy, even if you don't have a car. The recently renovated Old Town Pasadena district has many boutiques, cafes and world-class restaurants, making it a popular spot for evening outings. Lake Avenue, located just 2 blocks from Caltech, has a shopping district with everything from trendy restaurants and Starbuck's Coffee to fashionable clothing stores and Tower Records, making it a favorite spot for consumer therapy. If you want the ultimate pop-culture experience, downtown L.A. is only 10 miles away, and can easily be reached by car or bus. Recreational opportunities in the Pasadena area are also abundant.