We originally listed this home on the market for about 3 weeks, but shortly after, my client received an opportunity to Airbnb the property over the holidays. So, she decided to put the listing on hold until the tenant’s Airbnb lease is complete. While it was temporarily off-market, a Realtor reached out to me—her client had been watching the home since day one and wanted to know why it was on hold.
Long story short, we showed them the home, they fell in love with it, submitted an offer, and we opened escrow while it was still off-market. Then, just two days later, disaster struck—the catastrophic Eaton Fires engulfed the area, surrounding Normandie Heights in flames and devastating nearby homes.
Thankfully, my seller’s home miraculously survived the devastation, though not without damage. The intense winds shattered windows, toppled the side fence into the neighbor’s yard, and left the entire home choked with soot and smoke from top to bottom. Once it was safe to return, we pushed forward—resuming inspections, the appraisal, and an extensive deep clean to restore the home for its new owners. Against all odds, we closed escrow on time and proudly welcomed a wonderful new family to the historic Normandie Heights neighborhood, marking a triumphant new beginning after the chaos of the Eaton Fires.
Real estate is full of unexpected twists, but with the right strategy and perseverance, the right outcome always finds its way.
545 E Rio Grande St. Pasadena CA 91104 | 4 beds | 2 Baths | 1,608sf | Lot size 6,591sf
$1,320,200
Normandie Heights: A Hidden Gem in Pasadena Real Estate
Pasadena is known for its rich architectural history, tree-lined streets, and highly desirable neighborhoods. One such hidden gem is Normandie Heights, a charming enclave that boasts an impressive collection of well-preserved Craftsman homes, historic estates, and a strong sense of community.
A Neighborhood Steeped in History & Architecture
Unlike many Southern California neighborhoods where stucco exteriors dominate, Normandie Heights is distinguished by its high concentration of Craftsman-style homes, many with beautifully maintained wooden exteriors. The City of Pasadena has designated more than 50 homes in the neighborhood as architectural landmarks, particularly along Rio Grande Street, the site of some of the first residences built in the area.
Notable landmarks include:
Normandie Heights – A Colonial Revival masterpiece designed by Sylvanus Marston in 1911.
Washington Court – A collection of English Cottage Revival style bungalows listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Westminster Presbyterian Church Clock Tower – A well-recognized landmark in the community.
For those who appreciate historical charm, Normandie Heights offers some of the most architecturally significant homes in Pasadena, often featuring original woodwork, stained glass, and intricate detailing that set them apart from newer developments.
A Coveted Location with Hollywood Appeal
Normandie Heights isn’t just a beautiful place to live—it’s also been a sought-after filming location for major Hollywood productions. The neighborhood’s classic character has been featured in films like “Valkyrie,” “Old School,” “Wedding Crashers,” and “The War of the Worlds.” If you’re drawn to homes that carry a sense of history and cinematic charm, this area is an excellent place to invest.
Community & Lifestyle
Normandie Heights provides a peaceful, residential feel while still offering proximity to Pasadena’s top amenities. The neighborhood is equidistant between Caltech and NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, making it a great location for academics, scientists, and professionals working in the tech and aerospace industries.
Families will appreciate the highly regarded schools, including:
Longfellow Altadena Elementary Schools
Eliot Middle School
John Muir & Pasadena High Schools
St. Elizabeth Parish School, a private option drawing students from the neighborhood
Connectivity & Transportation
While Normandie Heights once had access to historic rail lines like the Mount Lowe Railway and the Red Car Trolley System, today it remains well-connected with public transit. Residents have easy access to Metro Local Line 662 and Pasadena Transit routes 20, 31, 32, and 33, making commutes and local travel convenient.
Real Estate Market in Normandie Heights
Normandie Heights remains one of Pasadena’s most desirable historic neighborhoods, with homes that showcase stunning period architecture, large lots, and a strong sense of community. Buyers looking for a Craftsman or Colonial Revival home with historic character will find plenty of options here.
If you’re considering buying or selling in Normandie Heights, I’d love to help you navigate this unique and highly sought-after market. Contact me today to learn more about available properties or to schedule a private tour!
Home Values and Trends
As of December 2024, the Normandie Heights housing market in Pasadena, California, has experienced notable trends:
- Median Home Price: The median sale price is approximately $1,010,000, reflecting a 4.5% decrease compared to the previous year. Redfin
- Price per Square Foot: The median sale price per square foot has risen to $966, marking a 32.9% increase from the prior year. Redfin
- Days on Market: Homes in Normandie Heights typically sell after 11 days on the market, a decrease from 26 days the previous year, indicating a more competitive market. Redfin
- Sales Volume: There were 3 homes sold in November 2024, down from 9 in November 2023, suggesting a decrease in inventory or sales activity. Redfin
In comparison, the broader Pasadena area has seen a 4.2% increase in average home values over the past year, with the typical home value being $1,171,907.
These trends highlight Normandie Heights as a dynamic and desirable neighborhood within Pasadena. The combination of reduced median sale prices and increased price per square foot suggests a demand for smaller, more efficiently designed homes, possibly due to the area’s historic Craftsman architecture. The quicker sales cycle further underscores the neighborhood’s appeal among buyers.
If you’re considering buying or selling in Normandie Heights, staying informed about these market dynamics is crucial. Feel free to reach out for personalized insights or assistance with your real estate needs.
Thank you, Stephen White
