Playhouse District, Pasadena, CA
Playhouse District at a Glance
Playhouse District is ranked #20 of 24 neighborhoods in Pasadena with an overall score of 3.0/5. Its standout factors are nearby merchants (4.9/5) and curb appeal (3.5/5). It ranks 21st of 24 in Pasadena for safety. The trade-offs are schools (2.5/5) and public spaces (3.2/5).
Playhouse District Reviews & Questions
Pasadena's Playhouse District, now officially called Playhouse Village, is the arts stretch of East Colorado Boulevard anchored by the Pasadena Playhouse and Vroman's Bookstore. Vroman's opened in 1894 and is the oldest bookstore in Southern California, and it still fills its calendar with author talks, signings and book clubs. Most homes in the Playhouse District are condos and townhomes, from those mid-century buildings to newer townhome projects. A small set of early 1900s Craftsman bungalows survives north of Walnut Street, and more people rent than own. Zona Rosa Caffe on South El Molino Avenue is the coffee stop with character, pouring horchata and Mexican chocolate lattes in a room stocked with Latin American goods. Toward the east end, The Ice House books stand-up comedy and Boston Court stages new plays. Green space is limited. Playhouse Village Park hosts free Jazz in the Park concerts on summer Sundays, and Grant Park, a short walk away in South Lake, has tennis and basketball courts. Errands are walkable. Liborio Market on South Hudson Avenue covers groceries, and the bigger supermarkets on Lake Avenue are close. Light rail is under a mile away, and buses run the length of Colorado Boulevard. The tradeoff is density and traffic. Colorado Boulevard carries the Rose Parade, so New Year's week means closed streets and crowds at the door. On a regular evening in the Playhouse District, a bookstore, a movie and dinner all fit on the same block.
Top Neighborhoods in Pasadena, CA
Playhouse District Amenities
Near good merchants4.9
Public Spaces3.2
Curb Appeal3.5
Overall Amenities score: 3.7
Playhouse District Weather
Playhouse District Photos
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Schools Serving Playhouse District
| School Name | Type | Grades | Houseberry School Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| Norma Coombs Elementary | Primary | K-5 | |
| Don Benito Fundamental | Primary | K-5 | |
| McKinley | Primary | K-8 | |
| John Muir High | High | 9-12 |
Click links for school listing
info at GreatSchools.org
Houseberry School Score Data
from CA Dept. of Education
Houseberry recommends using these scores as only a starting point, and conducting your own investigation into what schools fit best for your preferences. School boundaries are not guaranteed and may change. It is important to contact the appropriate school district to confirm enrollment eligibility before making any decision to move to a neighborhood.
Playhouse District FAQs
8 answers
Is Playhouse District a good place to live?
Playhouse District ranks 20th of 24 neighborhoods in Pasadena with an overall Houseberry score of 3.0 out of 5. Its strongest factors are nearby merchants (4.9/5) and curb appeal (3.5/5). The trade-offs are schools (2.5/5) and public spaces (3.2/5).
Is Playhouse District safe?
Playhouse District, Pasadena scores 3.4 out of 5 on Houseberry's Safety Score, ranking 21st of 24 neighborhoods in Pasadena.
Which schools serve Playhouse District?
Schools serving Playhouse District, Pasadena include Norma Coombs Elementary (2.7/5), Don Benito Fundamental (3.0/5), McKinley (2.0/5) and John Muir High (2.5/5).
What is the weather like in Playhouse District?
Playhouse District, Pasadena receives 79% of its possible sunshine, 9th of 24 in Pasadena. Summer days run 61° to 87°F and winter days 46° to 68°F, August is the warmest month and rainfall averages about 20 inches a year.
Is Playhouse District walkable to shops and restaurants?
Playhouse District, Pasadena scores 4.9 out of 5 for nearby merchants and 3.2 out of 5 for public spaces. Its overall amenities score is 3.7 out of 5, 10th of 24 in Pasadena.
What is Playhouse District known for?
Playhouse District, Pasadena is associated with Vroman's Bookstore, Pasadena Playhouse and Playhouse Village. Its highest-scoring factor is nearby merchants (4.9/5).
How does Playhouse District compare to other Pasadena neighborhoods?
Playhouse District ranks 20th of 24 neighborhoods in Pasadena. It ranks 21st of 24 in Pasadena for safety (3.4/5) and scores lowest on schools (2.5/5). The highest-ranked neighborhoods in Pasadena are Daisy-Villa and San Rafael.
What are the downsides of living in Playhouse District?
Playhouse District, Pasadena scores lowest on schools (2.5/5) and public spaces (3.2/5).
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