Real Estate Investing in Pasadena, California (91103)
Everything the listing leaves out — vacancy, rent trend, cap rate, landlord climate. All free.
Should you buy in 91103 (Pasadena, CA)? Our answer, based on the numbers below.
Proceed carefully. Weak appreciation or affordability makes this a harder case for most buyers.
A middle-of-the-road market. Workable, but the best opportunities may be nearby ZIPs rather than this one.
- Elevated vacancy: 8.1% vacancy may signal weakening demand.
- Tenant-protective state: Landlord rating 1.0/5 — slower evictions, more regulations.
- High price-to-rent: Price-to-rent ratio 26.3 — hard to cash-flow at these prices.
What’s happening in Pasadena, CA (91103)?
Click any question — our AI will research it live from the web and show you sources.
Market Analysis: 91103 Pasadena
ZIP 91103 inside Los Angeles County looks affordable on the surface — median value of $1.1M — but the discount exists for reasons that a careful buyer should understand before committing.
The investment case in 91103 is notable only for operators who understand what they are buying. A $1.1M median suggests accessibility, but management intensity, vacancy drift, and capex surprises are real.
ZIP 91103's metrics run below Los Angeles County's averages on price growth and tenant stability. Investors who ignore that regional gap tend to relearn it the hard way.
The demographic picture in 91103 includes headwinds that any investor should price in. Income distribution skews lower than Pasadena averages, and tenant stability requires active management.
Strategy in 91103 is an operator game, not a passive one. From a cash-flow lens, entry prices of $1.1M are inviting, the management lift is real and non-optional.
Here's what matters if you're considering buying a home in Pasadena:
Property Strategy for 91103
Which property type performs best in this market?
📊 Compare All Property Types →
| Type | Median Value | Est. Rent | Cap Rate | 5yr CAGR | $/Bedroom |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1BR | $685,627 | $2,010 | 2.1% | +3.8% | $685,627 |
| 2BR | $860,843 | $2,510 | 2.1% | +5.5% | $430,421 |
| 3BR | $1,072,566 | $3,180 | 2.1% | +5.7% | $357,522 |
| 4BR | $1,570,342 | $3,540 | 1.6% | +7.5% | $392,586 |
| 5BR | $2,437,942 | — | — | +8.3% | $487,588 |
Market Trends
Home Value History (with trend line)
Rent History (with trend line)
📊 How Does 91103 Compare?
| Metric | 91103 | Pasadena | Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA | California |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Home Value | $1,088,967 | $1,022,984 | N/A | $761,003 |
| 5-Year CAGR | 4.4% | 4.0% | N/A | 5.7% |
| Avg Rent | $3,455 | $2,991 | N/A | - |
| Cap Rate | 2.5% | 2.1% | - | - |
Similar ZIPs Within 25 Miles
Compare other nearby markets to see if a neighbor offers a better fit.
Landlord Ground Truth
Real numbers from people who own or manage rentals in ZIP 91103 (Pasadena, CA). Anonymous, moderated, never written by AI.
Do you own or manage rentals in ZIP 91103 (Pasadena, CA)?
~25 seconds · no account needed · your report is anonymous
📊 Market Snapshot
| Home Value | $1,088,967 |
| Monthly Rent | $3,455 |
| Price-to-Rent | 26.3:1 |
| 1% Rule | ✗ Fails |
💰 Return Metrics
| Gross Yield | 3.8% |
| Cap Rate | 2.5% |
| 5-Year IRR | 6.8% |
📈 Home Appreciation
| 1-Year | +4.5% ▲ |
| 3-Year CAGR | +4.4% ▲ |
| 5-Year CAGR | +4.4% ▲ |
| 10-Year CAGR | +6.3% ▲ |
🏠 Rent Trends
| 1-Year | +14.8% ▲ |
| 3-Year CAGR | +6.5% ▲ |
| 5-Year CAGR | +6.2% ▲ |
The current 30-yr mortgage rate (6.8%) exceeds the estimated cap rate (2.5%). Financing reduces your cash-on-cash return below the cap rate. Markets like this may still make sense as IRR plays — factoring in appreciation, depreciation, and a future refinance when rates drop.
Run an IRR Analysis →⚠️ Risk Signals
Composite view of factors that can impact a ZIP's stability and your downside risk.
Demographics in 91103
Population: 24,910
Crime & Safety
Crime & Safety Data Coming Soon
We're integrating comprehensive crime statistics including violent crime rates, property crime, and safety scores to help you make informed investment decisions.
Expected: Q1 2025
🎓 Schools in 91103
Schools in This ZIP Code
Nearby Schools (5 more)
Schools in adjacent ZIP codes that may serve this area
Charles W. Eliot Middle
Aveson Global Leadership Academy
Daily (Allan F.) High (Continuation)
Blair High
Longfellow (Henry W.) Elementary
About Repit School Scores
Traditional school ratings rely heavily on standardized test scores, which often reflect family income more than school quality. Repit takes a different approach.
We evaluate schools based on factors that research shows actually impact educational outcomes:
- Class Size — Smaller classes mean more individual attention
- School Funding — Resources available for programs, staff, and facilities
- Community Factors — Neighborhood characteristics that influence student success
- School Environment — Size, type, and structure
Scores are updated annually using federal education data.
🎓 Nearby Colleges & Universities
Frequently Asked Questions
Are eviction rules reasonable in Pasadena, CA?
Pasadena, CA operates under CA law, which is tenant-protective overall for landlords. Expect stable treatment in typical lease and eviction cases.
Is Pasadena, CA a smart market for rental property?
Yes - Pasadena, CA a 3.0/5 investability score. With $1.1M home prices against $3,455/mo monthly rent, the market delivers a reasonable entry point for new investors.
What is the typical home price in Pasadena, CA?
The median home value in Pasadena, CA is roughly $1.1M. That puts it reasonable relative to the CA statewide average.
How much do tenants pay in Pasadena, CA?
Investors in Pasadena, CA typically see rents near $3,455/mo per month against $1.1M home values - a solid setup for rental cash flow.
How qualified is the tenant pool in Pasadena, CA?
Working renters make up the core of the Pasadena, CA tenant base. The pool is reasonable for investors targeting long-term holds.
You know 91103 now. You don’t know where it ranks.
This page stays free — all of it. What one page can’t tell you is how 91103 compares to every other market. Investor ($19/mo) screens every U.S. ZIP by cap rate, the 1% rule, vacancy and landlord climate, and exports your shortlist.
How 91103 ranks in Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA
Every ZIP in this metro, ranked. Free.
AI Market Advisor
Ask questions about investing in 91103 (Pasadena)
Community Ratings
What people who’ve spent time here actually say. Not paid reviews.
Be the first to rate 91103 (Pasadena, CA).
It takes 30 seconds. No signup. Your rating helps everyone who comes here after you.
