A dynamic city located in beautiful Southern California, Pasadena is a city of discovery. The city offers residents a welcoming combination of sophisticated charm, culture, history and fun. When moving to Pasadena, you will discover a quality of life that offers natural scenic beauty, a vibrant community and lively nightlife, all within an architecturally rich setting.
History:
In 1886, the city of Pasadena was incorporated. In the ensuing decade, amenities such as sewers, paved streets and electric street lighting were installed. The city government was reorganized and in 1901, Pasadena became a charter city with an elected mayor. The city population grew from 9,117 in 1900 to 30,291 by 1910. The population included Chinese and Mexicans, who were brought in to work on the railroads, and African-Americans, who moved in and started small businesses or worked as servants in the big houses and hotels.
The Great Depression signaled the end of an era for Pasadena, disrupting its tourist economy, which never returned to its earlier level. World War II ushered in change, and set Pasadena on the path to industrial growth. By 1954, there were 394 industrial establishments in Pasadena. The completion in 1940 of the Arroyo Seco Parkway, the first freeway in the west, provided a fast and direct route from Pasadena to Los Angeles. Pasadena became an attractive place to live for people working in industrial areas in Los Angeles. The 70s were a period of economic revitalization, primarily under direction of the Pasadena Redevelopment Agency. Large corporations relocated their headquarters to Pasadena. The Conference Center was built, along with the Plaza Pasadena retail shopping mall. As Pasadena looks toward the future, the city strives to balance growth with community needs, historic character, a diverse economic base and a safe family-oriented community.
Economy:
With its central location, immediate freeways and excellent amenities, the City of Pasadena offers an ideal environment for business success. Originally, an economy based on vineyards and agriculture, Pasadena was settled by people from Indiana seeking employment and economic opportunities through the creation of a new community and market. Early residents of the city benefited from its superb climate, real estate booms and increasing employment through the tourism market. The city later became home to a naval hospital and U.S. circuit court, which improved its employment outlook, jobs and local economy. Today, residents of the city benefit from growth of industry and a wide range of careers and jobs. According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, the Pasadena area is home to 5.5 million jobs and employment opportunities. These jobs and employment opportunities include those in healthcare, community services, manufacturing and service industries. There is little doubt that Pasadena will maintain its strong job market and steady economic outlook for years to come.
Tourism:
For the art enthusiast, visit Pasadena's Norton Simon museum, which is home to one of the most remarkable private art collections in the world. Or, head over to the Pacific Asia Museum, among just four institutions in the country dedicated exclusively to the arts and culture of Asia. If you want to get outdoors, Pasadena shines with exercise- and wellness-promoting activities. You will find a wealth of options throughout the city to keep you active, such as biking, walking and running trails with scenic views of the San Gabriel Mountains.
Next, the Old Pasadena Tasting Tour offers charming history, folklore and architecture of Old Pasadena. Enjoy captivating stories behind the food and architecture -- sure to entertain and delight. Finally, shopping in Pasadena is an event in itself. The South Lake Avenue district covers over 12 blocks and features brand-name fashion and home décor shops. The Old Pasadena district is home to a diverse mix of more than 200 exceptional specialty boutiques and exclusive national retailers.