Sierra Madre is a small town adjacent to trendy Pasadena & bustling LA, nestled up against the San Gabriel Mountains, which you'll see from all the north-facing windows! I gutted the house and started over (except the built-in closets & the bathroom), so it's a very comfortable Arts & Crafts style home (tho not an A&C bungalow). The garden, all new except for the trees, is designed for maximum outdoor living, which is great year round here. Tiny as the garden is, you can enjoy 3 small patios and a deck. The neighborhood is super-friendly; we watch out for each other, and help each other out.
It's a perfect town for walking--whether into "downtown" for errands (post office, drug store, Taylor's Market for a fantastic butcher shop, Arnold's old fashioned hardware store, or shopping the boutiques or art center), or for an al fresco meal in one of many restaurants. Hang out at Beantown, take a leisurely stop at the pub, stop by Mother Moo's Creamery for AMAZING ice cream, or simply stroll through town to check out charming houses and gardens--and perhaps meet the Vietnamese pot-bellied pig. Head into the canyon for delicious meals at Mary's Market , or explore some of the tiny streets and "secret" paths. Maybe walk 5 minutes to Mt Wilson trail for a hike (1.5 -7.5 miles each way!) , or choose Bailey Canyon for another hike.
Santa Anita Racetrack, the Arboretum & Santa Anita Mall are minutes away. In addition to their various garden areas, the Arboretum offers summer Pops concerts. Huntington library, museums, and botanical gardens are just a few minutes farther.
Nearby Pasadena offers trendy restaurants, bars, cafes, & shops, several movie theaters, famous Pasadena Playhouse, Boston Court theater, museums, Gamble House, flea markets at the Rose Bowl & Pasadena City College, to name a few of the attractions.
Sierra Madre Villa and Arcadia Metro stations provides free parking for the Gold Line, which takes you to Union Station in downtown LA.