Pasadena’s ideal location, array of luxury homes, and numerous family-friendly amenities have made it a popular choice for today’s families, who are increasingly selecting this city over others like Santa Monica and Beverly Hills. With new-home offerings like the luxury townhomes and flats at The Ambassador Gardens, which offer great square footage, ample bedrooms, and top-of-the-line features in an ideal location right next to the acclaimed Maranatha School and within footsteps of the city’s top recreation, shops, restaurants, and cultural outlets, it’s no wonder families are moving to Pasadena.

Moving to Pasadena means being able to live in luxury and also be within footsteps to great schools, top restaurants, and abundant shops.

Moving to Pasadena means being able to live in luxury and also be within footsteps to great schools, top restaurants, and abundant shops.

Mommypoppins took a look at Pasadena from a family-friendly perspective, and found “a city so bursting with kid and family-friendly activities” that they couldn’t stop at their typical list of 25 things to do. Instead, they came up with 35, spanning a wide array of recreational, cultural, and educational options, with a good amount of fun thrown in.

“If you’re working your way down our bucket list of 100 things to do before your LA kids grow up, you might start to notice how many of those things are in Pasadena—and we’re not just talking Rose Parade,” they said. “The inland community rivals Santa Monica for family friendly, walkable streets and variety of arts and entertainment. It’s also one of the oldest communities in the LA area, which gave it a head start on collecting cool stuff. Let the tourists spend their days in Hollywood; we know there’s more going on most weekends in Pasadena.”

Schools 

The city is “renowned for elite cultural institutions,” said the Los Angeles Times, with sought-after public and private schools. The private Maranatha High School attracts families from all over; those moving to Pasadena so their children can attend the school love the fact that it is located on the grounds of The Ambassador Gardens, footsteps away from the luxury townhomes and flats of Villas and Terraces at The Ambassador Gardens.

Recreation

Pasadena is teeming with natural beauty, starting with “the trails, trees, waterfalls, and wildlife at Eaton Canyon Natural Area (the Junior Nature Trail is especially suited for little ones, as is the Nature Center),” they said. The Huntington is an obvious choice for its 120 acres of botanical gardens and “breathtaking views of 15,000 plant varieties in more than a dozen gardens, including the Children’s Gardens (complete with water features).”

Culture

Beyond its abundant natural beauty, Pasadena offers numerous opportunities to explore its culture, from the beautiful architectural wonder of the City Hall complex to the USC Pacific Asia Museum. “Take a tour of the American Arts and Crafts style Gamble House (children 12 and under get in free)” and visit the “Norton Simon Museum, which offers more than just an array of glorious paintings,” they said. “Your little ones might also enjoy the museum’s Family Days, Young Artists Workshops, and more.” And don’t forget “the Kidspace Children’s Museum for a day of play and exploration (or a Free Family Night),” the Pasadena Playhouse for a day at the theatre, and the Pasadena Public Library for storytime and movies.

Fun

When it’s time for family fun, the city doesn’t disappoint. After moving to Pasadena, you have everything from the Pasadena Ice Skating Center to Vroman’s Books for “regular storytimes” to “Victory Park with your frisbee and picnic for a fun day,” creating endless opportunities to laugh and smile with your little ones. “Play a round of mini golf at Arroyo Seco Golf Course or take the fun indoors at Magical Playground or the Neon Retro Arcade. Browse the Dinosaur Farm, “Pasadena’s uniquely entertaining independent toy and book shop” and then indulge in “a scoop of small-batch organic dairy ice cream” at Carmela’s Artisan Creamery.

The homes

Residences like Villas and Terraces at The Ambassador Gardens are proof that you don’t need to move to the suburbs to have everything you want for your family, or head to Beverly Hills for the type of luxury home that meets your aesthetic needs. Moving to Pasadena means you can live in one of Villas’ luxurious three-story townhomes featuring private elevators and three to four bedrooms in 2,904 to 3,717 square feet; Terraces spans three to four bedrooms in 3,040 to 4,430 square feet with both townhomes and single-level flats. Pricing for Villas is from the $2 millions, and Terraces is priced from the mid $2 millions.

Perfect for both family living and entertaining, the homes in both communities boast open floorplans with expansive great rooms and formal dining rooms, as well as ample outdoor living spaces accessed by bi-fold doors that erase the boundary between inside and out. Each residence is lavishly appointed and boasting of the finest craftsmanship,  with gourmet kitchens presenting professional Wolf® and Asco® appliances and built-in Subzero® refrigerators. Sleek Italian Linea Quattro flat-panel, European-style cabinetry in designer-selected finishes feature soft-close doors and drawers, and are topped by high-end Caesarstone® countertops.

Ambassador Gardens is a majestic and historic garden setting that feels like a private oasis yet is within an easy walk to the best of Old Town Pasadena’s great shopping, restaurants, culture, parks, and family activities. Right outside your door, you can luxuriate in the gardens and enjoy flowers in bloom, acres of lush rolling lawns, meandering walkways, towering trees, and bubbling fountains and streams.

For more information about moving to Pasadena and Villas and Terraces at The Ambassador Gardens, visit the website or register your name on the interest list to ensure you are kept up to date on these popular Pasadena homes.