THE SAN GABRIEL VALLEY: ONE OF THE NATION'S TOP REAL ESTATE MARKETS

Whether you live among the foothills in the Crescenta-Canada Valleyor San Gabriel Valley, it really is the best of California living.

Pasadena’s proud achievement in historic preservation, with more than 1,000 properties now listed on the National Register for Historic Places., has made it the leading city in Los Angeles that links us to the past. The Norton Simon Museum, The Pacific Asia Museum, and The Pasadena Playhouse are just a few to name if you’re seeking culture within the city.

In 2003 La Canada property values rose by 23.4%, an astronomical increase that placed the city at the top of the charts for the entire nation. Although now, five years later, the market has shifted, the community of La Canada, as well as many surrounding areas, have held its own in comparison to the nationwide drop in house prices. La Canada has not dropped anywhere near any number that would compensate for the rise in property values that have occurred like that 23.4% increase in 2003. Profiled as having one of the lowest crime rates in the country has been one of the contributing factors for the desirability to live in La Canada.

I could touch on the many other wonderful communities among the foothills, but will need pages to go on. Important to be said though, if you live with the San Gabriel Mountains serving as a dramatic backdrop, you have a lot to be thankful for.

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La Canada Town Center

The Thursday, August 21st 2008, opening of Sport Chalet’s 45,000 square foot “Building A” of the La Canada Town Center is the first of several grand openings expected to occur in coming months at the $60 million complex. The new development encompasses 11 acres of prime real estate in the center of the La Cañada community, which allows for the self proclamation as La Cañada Town Center.

The development is the accomplishment of a dream that Norbert Olbertz, Sport Chalet’s founder, has tried to carry out for over half a century. Norbert’s vision stems back to 1959 when he and his wife owned and operated the Sport Chalet ski shop that was located on the Northeast corner of Foothill Boulevard and Angeles Crest, which remained in business up until it was demolished to make way for the new Town Center. Olberz has come a long way since the first opening of the humble ski shop, as he now stands behind the companies chain of 52 Sport Chalet stores. In addition to the La Canada Sport Chalet, 15 restaurants and shops will be located at the complex, gradually opening to the public as they each are nearing completion.

Some have argued against the commercial development being brought into the secluded upper-middle to upper class family community of La Cañada, which is a town that caters to its residents by providing a safe environment and top public schools. One should hope though, that the majority of La Cañada’s residents appreciate the refreshing change brought in; A lifelong vision of a La Canada Flintridge resident who seems to have maintained the ideals of a family town with his 11 acre complex located in the towns new center.

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