La Cañada Flintridge is a peaceful community with the rare distinction of feeling like a genuine small town despite being located in Metropolitan Los Angeles. Further setting it apart is its proximity to the 700,176-acre Angeles National Forest—residents can see the woods from their front porch in most neighborhoods!
Before it became La Cañada Flintridge, the area was known as Rancho La Cañada and comprised two distinct communities: La Cañada and Flintridge. Incorporated in 1976, La Cañada Flintridge retained its diverse communities but combined them into its name. Some people refer to the whole area as La Cañada.
Today, La Cañada Flintridge is home to NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, multiple idyllic parks, and an excellent school system. This upscale neighborhood is one of the more expensive places to live but for many, the price is worth it when it guarantees gorgeous scenic views and privacy. In the Flintridge and also the Alta Canyada areas of town, many estates are spread far apart from one another to ensure residents can appreciate an air of exclusivity.
Real estate in La Cañada is one of its major selling points. Residential estates compose a mixture of 1930’s historical, contemporary, palatial, and rustic 1950’s ranch-style homes. The city's refined beauty and natural splendor dramatically increase house prices, but most residents feel their home is a worthy investment and stay for the long-haul.
It's easy to become enamored with La Cañada’s family-friendly atmosphere, top-rated school district, and convenient location. Traveling to neighboring communities is quick and convenient: Pasadena is only about 15 minutes away and DTLA is about 30—even with traffic! Commuters also appreciate the short distance to bigger surrounding cities.
The bustling La Cañada Flintridge Town Center is a one-stop-shop for many necessities. Major retailers and excellent eateries comprise the shopping center, making it a popular destination for locals.
Located within the town center is Taylor's Steakhouse, a swank, upscale restaurant with a supper-club vibe and surprisingly reasonable prices. If you prefer shopping somewhere locally-owned and unique, visit Cowgirl Princess Boutique. Catering to all ages and sizes, this trendy store sells everything from clothes to jewelry.
Some customers come from all over DTLA specifically to browse their unique collection. There is also the LCF Farmers Market for groceries, selling various fresh, organic produce alongside prepared foods, gifts, and other trinkets.
Two of the other signature restaurants in the area are family-run Hill Street Café and mexican food hotspot Los Gringos Locos. Hill Street is perfect for classic breakfast dishes, while Los Gringos Locos serves the best tacos and margaritas around.
Memorial Park is known for hosting some of the most popular events in La Cañada. Each Saturday between May and August, families can take part in their summer concert series, Music in the Park. During Memorial Day weekend, the park hosts Memorial Day Fiesta, which includes tons of festivities and a huge parade and a fun run throughout the city.
Since La Cañada sits on the precipice of the Angeles Forest, the area attracts adventurers and nature lovers. The forest has trails for joggers, hikers, and bikers as well as educational programs and the occasional special event.
Cherry Canyon Park is much smaller and less daunting than the Angeles Forest at only 130 acres. Encompassing a small mountain range in the San Rafael Hills, several of its trails offer breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding valley and even the ocean on a crisp fall day.
Descanso Gardens is a gorgeous 150-acre botanic garden with historical significance, and rare natural beauty. Dedicated to education and inspiring visitors to help preserve nature by visiting the oak woodlands, camellia gardens, rose garden, and Japanese gardens it teaches a deep-seated love for this evocative and distinctive place. Their extravagant botanic collections pair perfectly with incredible seasonal displays, while the tale of Descanso Gardens unfolds over centuries. The Maple Restaurant is situated within the Gardens and is a lovely place for brunch.
Ranked as one of the top school districts in California, the La Cañada Unified School District serves most of the city as well as multiple private elementary and high schools within the town. There are three public elementary schools - Palm Crest Elementary, La Canada Elementary and Paradise Canyon Elementary. These three elementary schools feed into La Canada Junior High School, where students are divided into smaller groups to mimic their elementary experience and then onto La Canada High School, which is one of the highest ranked schools in the nation.
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