Pasadena Neighborhoods/Chapman Woods advice needed (San Rafael, Rosemead: crime rates, townhouse, safe neighborhood)

[pasadena]

Hello,

My wife and I (and our dog) are looking to move to Pasadena in the next 6 months and are looking to buy a single family home or townhouse. Coming from the East Coast, we loved the Madison Heights neighborhood because we could walk to everything and the neighborhoods is great. But the costs are high.

We are now looking at the Chapman Woods area because your dollar goes much further. Can anyone give me an idea what this area is like?

How does it compare to the Cal Tech / Pasadena City College area that is also less than Madison Heights.

Also it would be really helpful if anyone can tell me which areas to avoid in Pasadena and where the crime rates are higher. Is the NE and NW areas less desirable? Am I correct to assume the SW and SE areas are preferable?

We looked at the San Rafael Hills area but felt too isolated (residue from growing up in suburbia).

Thanks for all your help in advance. We're having a hard time getting up to speed.

[Rats]

I live 5 miles from Pasadena and I've never heard of Chapman Woods or Madison Heights. Can you maybe give a main intersection of that area and I can tell you what I know about it.

[dtrain]

Chapman Woods is a great neighborhood with large homes on huge lots..... safe, secluded and very close to town..... great area I grew up about 2 minutes from Chapman Woods......

[dusesean1986]

Wait until you see our summer, your going to wonder where the humidity and bugs are.

[3tulips]

I grew up in this area so I'm very familiar with it. Chapman Woods is a beautiful neighborhood, with gorgeous homes, but it is backed by Rosemead Blvd., which is NOT nice. I can't stand that street, and knowing I'd have to use it if I lived in Chapman Woods makes me never want to live there, nice as it is. So if you are asking between the two, I would choose Madison Heights. I have to say, though, that San Rafael is my top choice (as are the prices).
Are you open to looking beyond Pasadena? Arcadia - especially the north end - is really nice, as is San Marino but you might get that "suburbia" feeling there and the cost is definitely high. Monrovia is an up and coming town that has some beautiful neighborhoods along with the small community feel. Also, it is very walk friendly too. The old town is booming. Definitely not the east coast, however!
Anyway, good luck to you!

[lucero32]

Another area you might consider is the Bungalow Heaven historic district. It is in the NE and has a strong neighborhood association. Yes, Madison Heights is gorgeous, but very expensive. I really like the Cal Tech area. You can still find a somewhat afforadable home, it is just north of San Marino, and Lake ave. is still within walking distance. Out of the choices you mentioned, that would be tops.

[VillageLife]

Chapman Woods is a beautiful much sought after area.Very exclusive.On the other side of Rosemead Blvd. is also a reall nice million dollar area.Long term residence on either side of Rosemead Blvd.,but it is worth it.

[Stuff Shredman]

I currently live in Chapman Woods and love it. Beautiful old homes on large lots... (quarter acres to several acres). As the name suggests, the neighborhood feels very wooded with many very large/ old trees. It's a walking neighborhood where neighbors get to know each other. Many older retirees and younger families (like mine). Very convenient to shopping, freeway, etc without feeling near. There's an informal home owners group which publishes a quarterly newsletter keeping all the residents abreast of neighborhood news/ issues, and several annual parties (Easter, summer bbq, etc). My only gripe would be the school on the north end of the neighborhood. Very few neighborhood kids attend and evening city sponsored sports events with associated issues.

[sallyelizabeth]

I have fond memories of growing up in Chapman Woods, very safe neighborhood, knew all of the neighbors.