425 La Terraza St, South Pasadena, CA 91030
PRICE: $1,998,000 / 3BD 2BA / 2,001 SQFT
In the Altos de Monterey neighborhood, La Terraza Street reflects a quieter side of South Pasadena, where residential streets rise into the hills and the character of the landscape becomes part of everyday life. The area has a distinct sense of separation from the busier parts of the city, while still remaining connected to the schools, streets, and community institutions that shape life throughout South Pasadena.
The home at 425 La Terraza dates to the mid-century period, a chapter of South Pasadena’s architectural history that brought a different vocabulary to the city’s residential landscape. Its low-profile form and relationship to the surrounding hillside speak to an era when architecture increasingly considered how interior spaces, gardens, and the natural setting could work together.
For South Pasadena real estate, places like Altos de Monterey offer a reminder that the city’s identity is not defined by a single architectural style or neighborhood rhythm. From the older homes and walkable streets closer to Mission Street to the more secluded residential hillsides, South Pasadena has developed as a collection of distinct places that remain connected by a shared sense of community and daily life.
Perfectly sited for views and privacy on a tranquil cul de sac in the Altos de Monterey neighborhood of South Pasadena, this thoughtfully designed midcentury modern home, set on half an acre, is on the market for the first time since it was new in the late 1960s. Carefully maintained for the last 59 years, this beautiful contemporary, with its low-profile roofline, clean architectural lines, and mature landscaping, offers a wonderful opportunity to seamlessly balance indoor and outdoor living. A recessed front entry leads to a particularly inviting, sunken living room with an elegant, broad masonry fireplace whose expansive hearth doubles as seating, serving as both a focal point and gathering area that not only opens up to the dining room, but out to the pergola as well. The kitchen features granite countertops, original cabinetry, hardwood floors, indoor laundry, and an adjacent, cozy family room that opens to the backyard. The scale and openness of the kitchen, dining room, and bookend living spaces are nicely suited for gathering, relaxing, and entertaining. The private, main hallway provides expansive built-in storage and closets flanked by three bedrooms, offering room for family, guests, or work-from-home flexibility, while the spacious primary suite includes a bathroom with separate sink areas and multiple closets. The attached garage, with ample storage along each wall, provides direct access into the home. Outside, the generous lot - proportionally flat and sloped - with plenty of room for planting, exploring and adventure, provides room to enjoy the property's established landscaping and gorgeous hillside views. Additionally a long, covered patio creates an inviting setting for outdoor dining and entertaining. With ample space for a large table, the patio is particularly well suited for hosting family and friends, enjoying a leisurely meal, or simply spending time outdoors. Just down the hill from Monterey Hills Elementary, this very special Altos home is ready for its second owner to enjoy vibrant South Pasadena for perhaps another few decades. Whether you appreciate the original mid-century features or envision making thoughtful updates over time, this is a home with plenty to appreciate and the opportunity to make it your own.
Local Market Insight
South Pasadena real estate is defined by limited inventory, strong neighborhood identity, and buyers who value walkability, schools, and architectural character. Homes in this market often attract strong interest when well-positioned. This perspective is curated by Jason Bergman, a South Pasadena–based real estate advisor and founder of South Pasadena Social Club, drawing from on-the-ground market experience and local community insight. For deeper insight into South Pasadena real estate trends, pricing behavior, and neighborhood context, visit our South Pasadena Real Estate page.
La Terraza Street sits within South Pasadena’s hillside landscape, where winding residential roads and established homes create a quieter neighborhood rhythm shaped by the surrounding terrain.
425 La Terraza St, South Pasadena, CA 91030