Historic Highlands, Pasadena, CA

Historic Highlands in northeast Pasadena grew from the holdings of two pioneers, and David MacPherson's railroad career still shows up on the street signs. Topeka, Erie, Denver, Atchison, Rio Grande and Santa Fe all name streets here. Catalina and Mar Vista, meanwhile, nod to the ocean views early promoters used to sell lots. The original pitch was larger lots and stately houses, and traces of that estate era remain, including the palm-lined drive that once led to pioneer Ezra Dane's house and now runs through modern backyards. Blocks between Washington Boulevard and New York Drive keep that 1920s scale. Washington Boulevard, the southern edge, is where the neighborhood gets its coffee. Lavender & Honey Espresso Bar pairs a living plant wall with separate espresso, sandwich and tea counters. A little farther east on Washington, Bloomfield Creamery scoops its own ice cream, and Old Sasoon Bakery on North Allen turns out Armenian khachapuri. There isn't a large park inside Historic Highlands, so McDonald Park, just south across Washington in Bungalow Heaven, is the closest lawn, and Washington Park in Washington Square is a short drive west. Most errands are by car, with Lake Avenue on the west side offering a Food 4 Less and a long run of casual restaurants. The freeway and the light-rail stops in its median are a few minutes south. The tradeoff is that everyday dining beyond the Washington Boulevard strip is limited, and nearly everything else requires a drive. The neighborhood association keeps the calendar full with a Fourth of July celebration, home tours and wine socials. Walk north from Washington and the street names read like an old rail map until the San Gabriels fill the view.