Anonymous wrote:Republicans = La Canada
Liberals = South Pas

yes, I would say this is spot on
most conservative area nearby is Glendale which is kind of in the middle geographically

Republicans = La Canada
Liberals = South Pas

Look at the course offerings. South Pasadena drops a lot of the Social Studies AP classes in favor of Micro and Macro economics, for instance. We planned to live there but one of our kids is very into History so we moved elsewhere to permit that study through the end of HS.

Having lived in Pasadena and NOVA, I'll say South Pasadena is more like to Arlington and La Canada is more like McLean. Both great, but a different vibe.

South Pasadena is a much cooler city than La Canada. It has more personality and nicer/prettier neighborhoods. I grew up in Pasadena and La Canada always felt "new money" and kind of sterile, whereas South Pasadena has a ton of charm. That's what I'd pick if I were choosing between the two. The schools are likely quite comparable, although I would imagine La Canada schools may have more diversity.

South Pasadena schools are very strong. Just go with whatever town is your vibe. South Pas is on the light rail which is convenient, and it has a cozy, picture-perfect downtown.

It’s also very close to Pasadena (beautiful, much larger town, but less than stellar schools), Highland Park (LA) for all the trendy cafes and coffee shops, and of course downtown LA.

I wouldn’t stress out over which schools are better (La Canada or South Pas).

Anonymous wrote:Have you been to South Pasadena, walked around? visited thoroughly?

We lived in Santa Monica and considered the move to SP because of the good high schools. But you'll either fit with that area or you won't and you don't know til you visit.

From an outside perspective, South Pasadena seems like a typical well off, urban minded area with the usual liberal politics, while La Canada seems more conventionally conservative/suburban. The latter is probably a better fit even if I like the aesthetics of South Pasadena better, but this is going on the fly.

Have you been to South Pasadena, walked around? visited thoroughly?

We lived in Santa Monica and considered the move to SP because of the good high schools. But you'll either fit with that area or you won't and you don't know til you visit.

We're also looking to move to the area and looking at the South Pasadena school district. Curious to hear any thoughts on these two districts.

We prefer South Pas for personal reasons - closer to downtown and closer to family in the area.

Any strong thoughts favoring one over the other?

If you're familiar with a high performing school district in the DMV or Boston, would you be happy with either one?