Politics-Free Diary: Should We Move To Pasadena?

Happy Thanksgiving All,

My apologies for posting a politics-free diary. I'm writing about a completely personal issue tonight.

I'm turning to the California Kos community for a bit of advice.

I've had a rather shocking development in my life in last few days:

I'm moving to the LA area in June. My wife just accepted an offer for a new job. I wasn't able to go with her for the interview, and I've never even been to California, so I'll admit I'm somewhat apprehensive about moving someplace I've never seen.

Among our biggest challenges is figuring out the territory. I need some suggestions from local residents about where to live.

We're thinking about Pasadena. I need to know the good, and the bad, about living there.

More details after the break.

My wife's new boss has recommended we live in Pasadena, which is near to both locations where my wife will be working. We can probably afford around $1,500-2,000 for our monthly rent, maybe a bit more if necessary. We're looking for a two bedroom that allows dogs and has a decent kitchen.

My questions for those of you who know the area:

Is Pasadena a decent place for two professionals in their late 30s / early 40s to live?

Are there areas of Pasadena to avoid? Does it have any really nasty neighborhoods?

What is the difference in neighborhoods between Pasadena and South Pasadena? I see the two listed separately on some apartment web sites.

We don't want to live too much further from LA than Pasadena, as it's likely I'll end up with a job in the downtown area. Are there other locations we should consider? What about Altadena? Any other places we should look?

Any help is truly appreciated. And please pardon my ignorance: I'm from Chicago, and really don't know the first thing about life in the Los Angeles area.

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Update 12/29/06:

I will not be moving to California. Plans have changed. Sincere thanks to everyone for the advice.

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