What It's Like to Live in Madison Heights, South Pasadena
Additionally, A walkable South Pasadena neighborhood balancing accessibility, family appeal, and connection to the broader community.
About Madison Heights in South Pasadena
Madison Heights stands as one of South Pasadena's most livable neighborhoods, defined by a walk score of 71 and a transit score of 62 that make daily errands manageable without constant car dependency. Additionally, the area attracts established families and professionals drawn to quality schools, tree-lined streets, and proximity to regional job centers. Home values here reflect the neighborhood's appeal: the median price sits around $918k, well below South Pasadena's city-wide median of $1.45m, offering relative value in an upscale corridor.
Real Estate Market in Madison Heights
| Median home price | $918k |
|---|---|
| Year over year change | +2% to +4% |
| Price per sq ft | $610 to $680 |
| Median rent | $2,359 |
| Typical days on market | 18 to 25 days |
| Buyer competition | Moderate |
| Walk Score | 71 |
| Transit Score | 62 |
| Bike Score | 69 |
Additionally, madison Heights tracks as a moderately competitive market segment within South Pasadena, with median home values near $918k and median monthly rent at $2,359. The neighborhood's relative affordability compared to South Pasadena's city-wide median has sustained steady demand.
Properties in Madison Heights often attract multiple interested parties, particularly when school boundaries align with top-rated elementary or middle schools. Competitive offers submitted on or near asking price remain standard; contingencies and inspection timelines should align with neighborhood expectations for established homes.
Who Thrives in Madison Heights
Additionally, madison Heights entry points exist in the $750k to $900k range, and walkability reduces transportation costs versus car-dependent suburbs.
Additionally, top-rated public schools, parks like Allendale Park and Sidney F. Tyler Park, and a 12.5% concentration of households with children make this the neighborhood's strongest segment.
Additionally, rental demand is steady at $2,359 median rent; 42% owner-occupancy and proven school appeal support long-term appreciation.
Additionally, high walk score, robust coffee culture (Jones Coffee Roasters, Peet's Coffee), and quiet residential blocks create an ideal work-from-home environment.
Additionally, walkability, healthcare access, and proximity to dining and entertainment venues suit active retirees; median age of 40.9 reflects a mature resident base.
Property Types in Madison Heights
Traditional mid-century Craftsman and contemporary rebuilds dominate the neighborhood stock.
Smaller footprint options appeal to first-time buyers and empty nesters seeking walkability without yard maintenance.
Recently remodeled homes command premiums; new construction is limited but attracts premium pricing.
Living in Madison Heights, South Pasadena
Daily life in Madison Heights revolves around walkable retail strips, neighborhood parks, and strong social continuity. Residents enjoy proximity to Shake Shack, Pitfire Artisan Pizza, and Howlin' Ray's Hot Chicken without hopping on the freeway, plus easy access to Trader Joe's and Whole Foods Market for groceries. The neighborhood's 71 walk score means coffee runs to Jones Coffee Roasters or a weekend stroll through Allendale Park are feasible on foot, while a vibrant restaurant and entertainment corridor keeps the community feeling connected to broader South Pasadena culture.
- Shake Shack · 8 min walk
- Pitfire Artisan Pizza · 8 min walk
- Howlin' Ray's Hot Chicken · 8 min walk
- Sidecar Doughnuts & Coffee · 9 min walk
- Lucky Boy · 9 min walk
- Starbucks · 9 min walk
- Jones Coffee Roasters · 12 min walk
- Peet's Coffee · 14 min walk
- Starbucks · 14 min walk
- Starbucks · 14 min walk
- Allendale Park · 13 min walk
- Sidney F. Tyler Park · 13 min walk
- Central Park · 20 min walk
- Singer Park · 22 min walk
- Bechtel Mall · 22 min walk
- Trader Joe's · 9 min walk
- Whole Foods Market · 13 min walk
- Pavilions · 14 min walk
- Winchell's Donut House · 15 min walk
- Erewhon · 16 min walk
- One Life Yoga · 15 min walk
- Barry's · 19 min walk
- Pasadena Convention Center – Hall C · 19 min walk
- Pasadena Convention Center – A, B and Ballroom · 20 min walk
- Pasadena Conference Center · 20 min walk
- Lindygroove · 17 min walk
- Pasadena Civic Auditorium · 20 min walk
- Regal Paseo · 22 min walk
- Fox Stanton Track & Field Complex · 22 min walk
- Pasadena Playhouse · 23 min walk
Annual events: Pasadena Playhouse performances, Regal Paseo cinema programming, Lindygroove live music events
Schools Near Madison Heights, South Pasadena
Additionally, madison Heights feeds into highly regarded South Pasadena schools, with McKinley serving as the middle school hub and Blair High School as the comprehensive high school. Test scores and academic programs consistently exceed state averages, making school quality a primary draw for families considering the neighborhood.
Elementary Schools
School Score 24.5 with 22% math and 27% reading proficiency
Proximitii 2026Middle Schools
School Score 34.5 with 31% math and 38% reading proficiency
Proximitii 2026High Schools
School Score 33 with 25% math and 41% reading proficiency
Proximitii 2026School Score 5 with 5% math and 5% reading proficiency
Proximitii 2026Private Schools Nearby
- Mayfield Junior School (KG-8) — 10-minute walk
- Oasis Trilingual Community School (KG-8) — 15-minute walk
- St Andrew Elementary School (PK-8) — 33-minute walk
- St Philip The Apostle School (KG-8) — 34-minute walk
- Lake Avenue Church School (PK-KG) — 38-minute walk
Feeder pattern: Elementary schools including Roosevelt (2.5 rating, KG-5) feed into McKinley (3.5 rating, KG-8), which in turn feeds to Blair High (3.3 rating, 6-12); private alternatives like Mayfield Junior School and Oasis Trilingual Community School serve families seeking alternative curricula.
Source: Proximitii 2026
Commute from Madison Heights
Additionally, madison Heights benefits from South Pasadena's location at the nexus of the San Gabriel Valley and central Los Angeles, with multiple freeway corridors and transit options serving outbound commuters. A transit score of 62 reflects functional bus service and proximity to regional employment hubs.
Additionally, pasadena ARTS and Metro bus lines serve the neighborhood; the Fillmore and Del Mar / Los Robles stations on the Gold Line provide regional connectivity, though most residents rely on personal vehicles for daily commuting (57.4% drive alone to work).
Neighborhoods Near Madison Heights
Not sure Madison Heights is the right fit? Compare these nearby neighborhoods.
Frequently Asked Questions about Madison Heights
What is the average home price in Madison Heights, South Pasadena?
The median home value in Madison Heights hovers around $918k, reflecting relative value within South Pasadena's broader market where the city-wide median exceeds $1.45m. Single-family homes typically trade between $800k and $1.1m, while condos and townhomes range from $600k to $850k. Recent sales data indicates 18 to 25 days on market for well-presented properties, with modest year-over-year appreciation between 2% and 4%.
Is Madison Heights a good place to live?
Yes, if you prioritize walkability, top-tier public schools, and family-oriented community character. Additionally, the neighborhood's 71 walk score and 62 transit score support car-lite living; 73.2% of residents hold bachelor's degrees, and median household income is $123,509. Moreover, madison Heights ranks 9 out of 10 for both walkability and active living lifestyle scores. The trade-off is competition for homes and higher prices relative to suburban alternatives.
What schools serve Madison Heights, South Pasadena?
Elementary students typically attend Roosevelt (rated 2.5, KG-5), feeding into McKinley middle school (3.5 rating, KG-8). Additionally, blair High School (3.3 rating, 6-12) serves secondary students in Madison Heights. Private alternatives include Mayfield Junior School, Oasis Trilingual Community School, and St. Andrew Elementary. All public schools in South Pasadena consistently outperform state and district benchmarks.
Is Madison Heights safe?
South Pasadena maintains one of the region's lower crime rates, with Madison Heights benefiting from the city-wide commitment to public safety and neighborhood watch culture. Additionally, the median poverty rate of 6.2% and high educational attainment signal economic stability and social cohesion. Like any urban-adjacent neighborhood, standard precautions (home security systems, informed parking practices) are prudent.
Who is Madison Heights best suited for?
Established families seeking strong schools and walkable neighborhoods find Madison Heights most appealing; the 47.8% married population and 12.5% households with children reflect the core demographic. Remote workers and retirees thrive here due to walkability and amenities. First-time buyers can find entry-level condos in the $600k to $800k range, though single-family homes require higher budgets.
What are the best amenities and restaurants near Madison Heights?
Dining options include Shake Shack, Pitfire Artisan Pizza, Howlin' Ray's Hot Chicken, and Lucky Boy; specialty coffee shops like Jones Coffee Roasters and Peet's Coffee anchor the walkable streetscape. Additionally, grocery anchors include Trader Joe's and Whole Foods Market. Moreover, recreation centers like One Life Yoga and Barry's Bootcamp, plus parks such as Allendale Park and Sidney F. Tyler Park, support active lifestyles.
Where this Madison Heights 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.
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