Southern California has always been one of the greatest places to live in America due to its promise of beautiful sunshine, beaches, and beauties. However, many people that are California dreaming would prefer to avoid the intense big city experience of Los Angeles. Thankfully, other Southern California cities like Pasadena are around to offer the best of both worlds.

Pasadena is located in Los Angeles County and is home to over 130,000 residents. Considered the main population and cultural center of the San Gabriel Valley, Pasadena is best known for being the home to South Orange Grove Boulevard. One of two primary, exclusive residential districts found in the city, this street is known as Millionaire's Row due to its being the home for the rich and famous since the early 20th century.

However, Pasadena isn't just all Hollywood glitz. Rather there's a lot of local flavour that makes Pasadena stand out on its own. The site of the annual Tournament of Roses Parade on New Year's Day, Pasadena also experiences an odd winter phenomenon. Every winter, wild parrots flock to the city, giving the city a bit of an eccentric flavour.

However, this city, named after the Chippewa Indians term "crown of the valley," remains one of the best cities to live in all of California.