The Journal
Notes & neighborhood insight.
Market perspective and local guidance for buyers and sellers across Altadena, Pasadena, and the surrounding Foothill communities.
September 28, 2026
Altadena vs. Pasadena: Which Foothill Community Is Right for You?
A third-generation Pasadena native and longtime Altadena resident compares Altadena and Pasadena for homebuyers: the real differences in setting, housing, pace, and price, and how to figure out which one fits your life.
Read more →September 21, 2026
A First-Time Buyer's Guide to Buying in Altadena
A third-generation Pasadena native and longtime Altadena resident walks first-time buyers through buying in Altadena: what the market looks like, how to get started, the steps to expect, and how to buy with confidence.
Read more →September 14, 2026
Rebuild or Sell After the Eaton Fire? A 2026 Guide for Altadena Homeowners
A third-generation Pasadena native and longtime Altadena resident walks Altadena homeowners through the rebuild-or-sell decision after the Eaton Fire: the honest trade-offs, the questions to ask, and how to think it through.
Read more →September 7, 2026
What Does $1.5 Million Buy in Altadena in 2026?
A third-generation Pasadena native and longtime Altadena resident breaks down what around $1.5 million actually buys in Altadena in 2026: the home styles, sizes, and trade-offs to expect at this price.
Read more →August 31, 2026
Selling Your Home in Altadena in 2026: A Local's Guide
A third-generation Pasadena native and longtime Altadena resident's honest guide to selling a home in Altadena in 2026: what the market's doing, how to price it right, what buyers care about now, and how to get the most for your home.
Read more →August 24, 2026
Buying a Vacant Lot in Altadena: What to Know Before You Rebuild
A local REALTOR's honest guide to buying a vacant lot in Altadena to rebuild: how lots are different from finished homes, the permitting and financing questions to ask, what to check on the land itself, and how to think it through.
Read more →August 17, 2026
Living in Altadena: The Complete 2026 Guide
A third-generation Pasadena native and longtime Altadena resident's guide to living in Altadena in 2026: the foothill setting, the neighborhoods and architecture, what the market's doing, and what to know if you're thinking about moving here.
Read more →August 11, 2026
Should You Buy a Home in Altadena After the Eaton Fire?
A local REALTOR's honest take on buying in Altadena after the Eaton Fire: what to look into, how areas were affected, the insurance questions to ask, and what today's market actually looks like.
Read more →August 11, 2026
A Local's Guide to the Foothills: Altadena, Pasadena & Sierra Madre
How three of the San Gabriel Valley's most beloved foothill communities differ in character, architecture, and lifestyle, and how to figure out which one fits the life you're building.
Read more →August 4, 2026
Preparing to Sell Your Foothill Home
A few thoughtful, high-impact steps that help homes in Pasadena and the Foothills sell for more, without over-investing before you list.
Read more →July 22, 2026
What Makes Altadena Special
Foothill character, historic homes, and a genuine sense of community: a look at why Altadena continues to draw buyers who want something with roots.
Read more →