Baird Park, South Pasadena: A Walkable Neighborhood Near Great Schools
Additionally, baird Park combines accessible city living with family-friendly amenities and proximity to South Pasadena's top-rated schools.
About Baird Park in South Pasadena
Baird Park stands out as one of South Pasadena's more approachable neighborhoods for buyers seeking walkability without premium pricing. With a Walk Score of 81, the area supports car-light living, while median home values around $667,000 sit meaningfully below South Pasadena's citywide median of $1.45 million. The neighborhood draws families and first-time buyers who prioritize access to quality schools like Latona Avenue Elementary and proximity to parks, coffee shops like Holy Grounds Coffee & Tea, and everyday services along Huntington Drive.
Real Estate Market in Baird Park
| Median home price | $667k |
|---|---|
| Year over year change | stable |
| Price per sq ft | $485 |
| Median rent | $1,264 |
| Typical days on market | 18 to 24 |
| Buyer competition | Moderate |
| Walk Score | 81 |
| Transit Score | 47 |
| Bike Score | 53 |
Additionally, baird Park represents a value pocket within South Pasadena, with a median home value of $667,150 compared to the city's $1.45 million. The neighborhood's lower entry point reflects its more modest lot sizes and mid-century housing stock, making it accessible to a broader buyer pool.
Competition in Baird Park is less intense than in nearby premium neighborhoods. Realistic offers near list price, clean inspections, and flexible closing timelines typically succeed. The neighborhood attracts smart buyers aware of the South Pasadena school advantage without the trophy-neighborhood price tag.
Who Thrives in Baird Park
Baird Park offers entry-level pricing within South Pasadena while maintaining walkability and school access, making it ideal for young professionals and couples building equity.
Additionally, family-focused with 26.4% of the nearby population raising children, good schools like El Sereno Elementary, and parks including Rose Hill Recreation Center and Guardia Park.
Additionally, rental demand remains steady with median rents at $1,264 and 50.2% owner-occupied rates, offering modest but stable cash flow in a desirable school district.
Additionally, walk Score of 81 supports trips to coffee shops like Cycleway Coffee, though transit options (Score 47) limit spontaneous day trips outside the neighborhood.
Additionally, walkable streets and proximity to El Sereno Senior Citizen Center appeal to active retirees seeking low-traffic neighborhoods with community programs and medical facilities nearby.
Property Types in Baird Park
Classic mid-century and 1970s homes dominate, many with updated systems and modest lot sizes.
Owner-occupied duplexes and older apartment buildings offer lower entry points and rental income potential.
Selective new construction and fully updated homes command premiums within the neighborhood.
Living in Baird Park, South Pasadena
Daily life in Baird Park centers on accessible shopping, outdoor recreation, and school-district amenities. Additionally, the neighborhood's Walk Score of 81 means groceries at Fresco Community Market, coffee at Holy Grounds, and farmers markets are within walking distance. Rose Hill Recreation Center and Guardia Park provide green space and community programs, while Huntington Drive's retail corridor supports quick errands. The median age of 39.1 years reflects a mix of young families and established residents who value low-key, pedestrian-friendly routines over flashy nightlife.
- McDonald's · 8 min walk
- Jack in the Box · 9 min walk
- Monterey Donut · 33 min walk
- Domino's · 36 min walk
- Subway · 37 min walk
- Holy Grounds Coffee & Tea · 26 min walk
- Cycleway Coffee · 28 min walk
- Rose Hill Recreation Center · 14 min walk
- El Sereno Recreation Center · 18 min walk
- Budd Wiener Park · 20 min walk
- Ernest E. Debs Regional Park · 25 min walk
- Guardia Park · 27 min walk
- Fresco Community Market · 32 min walk
- El Sereno Senior Citizen Center · 22 min walk
- Montecito Heights Senior Citizen Center · 36 min walk
- Montecito Heights Community Center · 36 min walk
- Recreation Fitness Center · 38 min walk
- Art in the Park · 34 min walk
- State Playhouse · 38 min walk
- Perry Mansion · 39 min walk
- Arena Theatre · 39 min walk
- Hale House · 40 min walk
Annual events: Art in the Park, State Playhouse productions, South Pasadena school festivals and sporting events
Schools Near Baird Park, South Pasadena
Additionally, baird Park residents benefit from South Pasadena's exceptional school system, consistently ranked among California's top districts. Latona Avenue Elementary (score 47) and El Sereno Elementary (score 42) serve the neighborhood's youngest students, with feeder patterns routing students toward quality middle and high schools.
Elementary Schools
School Score 47 with 42% math and 52% reading proficiency
Proximitii 2026School Score 42 with 37% math and 47% reading proficiency
Proximitii 2026School Score 37 with 32% math and 42% reading proficiency
Proximitii 2026School Score 34.5 with 27% math and 42% reading proficiency
Proximitii 2026Middle Schools
School Score 37 with 37% math and 37% reading proficiency
Proximitii 2026School Score 36.5 with 34% math and 39% reading proficiency
Proximitii 2026High Schools
School Score 37 with 32% math and 42% reading proficiency
Proximitii 2026School Score 36 with 27% math and 45% reading proficiency
Proximitii 2026School Score 34.5 with 20% math and 49% reading proficiency
Proximitii 2026School Score 30 with 15% math and 45% reading proficiency
Proximitii 2026Private Schools Nearby
- All Saints Catholic School (KG-8) — 13-minute walk
- Bell Tower Trilingual School (PK-5) — 36-minute walk
Feeder pattern: Most neighborhood families feed into El Sereno Middle and Woodrow Wilson Senior High, both maintaining competitive academic standards and enrichment offerings.
Source: Proximitii 2026
Commute from Baird Park
Additionally, baird Park's central South Pasadena location offers reasonable commute times to major employment hubs across Los Angeles. Car-dependent commutes are typical, though local transit access has grown with improved Metro service along Huntington Drive.
Additionally, huntington Drive provides Metro bus stops (Huntington & Eastern, Huntington & Collis, and others), though transit score of 47 indicates car ownership remains practical for most residents.
Neighborhoods Near Baird Park
Not sure Baird Park is the right fit? Compare these nearby neighborhoods.
Frequently Asked Questions about Baird Park
What is the average home price in Baird Park, South Pasadena?
The median home value in Baird Park is approximately $667,150, making it significantly more affordable than South Pasadena's citywide median of $1.45 million. Single-family homes typically range from $600,000 to $850,000, while duplexes and multi-unit properties offer lower entry points around $550,000 to $750,000. Price variations depend on lot size, home condition, and proximity to parks and schools.
Is Baird Park a good neighborhood to live in?
Yes, Baird Park offers a strong combination of walkability, school quality, and affordability within South Pasadena. The neighborhood's Walk Score of 81 supports daily errands on foot, while median household income of $78,744 reflects a stable, working-professional demographic. Families and first-time buyers particularly appreciate the lower price point relative to other South Pasadena areas without sacrificing access to top schools and recreation.
Which schools serve Baird Park?
Latona Avenue Elementary (score 47) is the primary feeder school for the neighborhood, followed by El Sereno Elementary (score 42) for students on the eastern boundary. Students typically advance to El Sereno Middle (score 36.5) and Woodrow Wilson Senior High (score 34.5). All three schools maintain above-average performance within Los Angeles Unified School District standards.
Is Baird Park safe?
Baird Park benefits from South Pasadena's strong public safety infrastructure, with Los Angeles Fire Department stations (Fire Station 47 and Fire Station 16) nearby. The neighborhood's Walk Score of 81 reflects active street-level engagement, which typically correlates with good visibility and community oversight. Standard urban precautions apply, as with most Los Angeles neighborhoods.
What types of people does Baird Park suit best?
Baird Park is ideal for first-time homebuyers seeking South Pasadena school quality at accessible prices, families with school-age children, and investors looking for stable rental demand. The neighborhood also appeals to retirees and remote workers who value walkable errands and community programs at El Sereno Senior Citizen Center. The median age of 39.1 and 26.4% of residents with children confirm a family-oriented, multi-generational demographic.
What amenities and shops are within walking distance of Baird Park?
The neighborhood's Walk Score of 81 means most daily needs are accessible on foot. Fresco Community Market provides grocery shopping, while Holy Grounds Coffee & Tea and Cycleway Coffee offer local caffeine options. Additionally, rose Hill Recreation Center and Guardia Park provide outdoor recreation and fitness classes. Huntington Drive's retail corridor includes Dollar Tree, McDonald's, and local services like Rodriguez Market and LC's Beauty Salon.
Where this Baird Park data comes from
Numbers throughout this guide come from public, authoritative sources. Additionally, walk and transit scores come from Walk Score, neighborhood boundaries and POI data from OpenStreetMap and Proximitii, and parent-city demographics from the U.S. Census Bureau.
Find Your Home in Baird Park
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