Moving from Manhattan Beach to Pasadena?
Hey everyone.
A little about me, I’m 24, just graduated city college about to finish my Bachelor’s in early 2027. It would be mostly online, I’d be in DTLA only a couple times a month. I don’t really mind commutes as I’d be ordering a car to and from (I don’t drive). As for a job, I have enough savings to start looking soon after moving. I have a few freelance gigs in the area (I’m in marketing/brand strategy), so no specific area or commute routes are really an issue. Andalucia is one complex I’ve honestly had in mind because it seems very much my vibe. So the one pro for me living in that complex specifically is the walkability of Old Town.
I’d be living alone for the first time, moving from Manhattan Beach. My lease is up in a few months so I have some time to decide. I’m looking to move in about 3-4 months. Ideally I’d love a one bedroom and not a studio. In unit laundry. Pet friendly (I have a cat) and as safe as it can get for a woman alone. My budget is $3.5k max.
I’m very familiar with the area and am there often but I don’t really know anyone out there anymore. I’m not into partying or night life so the lack of that wouldn’t really be an issue for me. I really like going to Vroman’s and the cafes nearby. Honestly I love Pasadena but I’m not entirely sure what direction to take and would love some insight on people my age(ish) that live out there to see if I should.
I loved living by the beach and I was exploring other options to live in a different beach area because (tbh I’m sick of MB lol) and I want to challenge myself to a new city and new experiences but honestly… idk.
This is really long winded but basically my question is:
Is Pasadena right for me? Because in a way I don’t really see Pasadena as a city I’d really grow and maybe I’d be “settling down” way too young. I’m not anchored to anyone or anything so I can really go anywhere, but at the same time I think Pasadena would be so limiting. It almost seems like the safe option, even though I really love it out there. I’d love fresh perspective 😊 thanks in advance!