Firstly why Pasadena, Texas?

I’ll start with some quick stats and an overview:

• City: Pasadena
• State: Texas
• Population: 153,797 people
• Pasadena’s quick summary would be Recognized for the annual Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo and its vibrant Memorial Park.

Some people I know rave about this place, others say it’s on the upswing or going through changes. Check out these migration details:

• How many people move-in: 6,000 annually
• While this many move-out: 2,000 annually
• Net Migration: 4000 more people in (net) annual change
• Non-Citizen Move-in: 500
• Number of Homeless people: 100

You might wonder why people choose to move here, I’d say generally because it features proximity to Houston and affordability attracting families

Perk #1: Pasadena Demographic Mix & Lifestyle

• The percentage of Residents Age 30–50 is about 33%
• Percentage of Home Ownership is hovering around 63%
• Largest Local Ethnic Group is Hispanic
• The 2nd Largest Ethnic Group is mostly White
• The median income is (and growing)  $46,000
• Income Required to Live Comfortably in Pasadena is $53,000
• Average Extra Spending Money after paying bills yearly is approx. $7000 in positive cash flow

This and any cities local population can be a real melting pot—or sometimes it’s more homogeneous, depending on the area. Ask yourself: would you enjoy a bustling community with diverse backgrounds, or do you prefer a quieter, tight-knit vibe?

Perk #2: Housing & Pasadena’s Cost of Living

• Cost of Living Index: 80 (100 is the US average)
• Annual Property Tax Per House: $2,197
• Property Tax %: 1.5%
• Rent for an average 2BD Apartment: $1,150
• Rent for an average house: $1,900
• Popular and Expensive Neighborhood: Pasadena
• Top 5 Growing Areas: Pasadena, Deer-Park, South-Houston, Channelview, and probably could include La-Porte
• Avg. Age of Homes in Pasadena: 42 years
• The Percentage of Realtors per 100 people here: 0.6%

If the cost-of-living index is low, you might find a place without selling your kidney. If it’s high, well, you’ll need to budget carefully. Some income earners thrive in pricey markets, others prefer less financially stressful areas.

Perk #3: Job Market & Pasadena’s Economy

• 3 Industries gaining traction in Pasadena are  Manufacturing, Healthcare, and Retail
• Pasadena Job Scene: stable job market in manufacturing and local services
• The General Tech Scene: limited tech engagement primarily focused on local services and industry , ,
• Pasadena Resident’s pay $800 in City Tax alone!
• Local Sales Tax in Pasadena: 8.25%
• No. of Independent Businesses: 50 (excluding chains and corporates)
• Number of Local Branch Banks: 7

Maybe you’re a go-getter in finance, tech, or healthcare. Or you’d rather open a mom-and-pop shop. Either way, it’s worth checking if the local industries align with your skill set—or if you’re game to try something new.

Perk #4: Transportation & Commuting in Pasadena

• Monthly Transportation Costs: $90 on average per person
• Freeway Access: I-45 runs through Pasadena connecting it to Houston
• Commute Time: 23 minutes (public & private)
• Main Evening Traffic Area: backups on Spencer Highway
• Transportation Score: 43 out of 100 described as Some Transit
• No. of Vehicles Registered in Pasadena: 12,000
• Cars registered per Person: 0.1
• No. of Car Washes: 3 in and around the city
• DMV Website for Pasadena: txdmv.gov
• The Bike-Friendly Score: 61 of 100
• Local Airport: William P. Hobby

Is a 15-minute commute your dream, or is 45 minutes stuck on the freeway a dealbreaker? If you can handle traffic or love public transit, this might be perfect. If not, brace yourself with a killer podcast lineup.

Perk #5: Pasadena’s Weather & Natural Factors

• The Most Common Natural Disaster is Hurricanes
• General Weather in Pasadena is best described as hot summers mild winters with high humidity
• Winter Weather in Pasadena i’d describe as mild with some rain
• Spring Weather in Pasadena can be described as warm with rain possible
• Summer’s in Pasadena are mostly hot and humid
• Fall ( the nicest time) in Pasadena is usually warm with low humidity
• How many days in a row over 90°F: 12 days in summer
• Days in a row in Pasadena below Freezing: 0
• Average Annual Rainfall: 37 inches
• Summer Air Quality is usually moderate air quality influenced by industrial activity
• Pasadena Winter Air average air quality impacted by nearby industry

Do you live for sunny skies? Or maybe you can’t stand humidity. Some relish snowy winters; others run south at the first snowflake. And if hurricanes, tornadoes, or earthquakes are part of the package, put all that into your consideration matrix.

Perk #6: Pasadena Education & Schools

• The GreatSchools.org City Rating:
• Number of Colleges and Universities in Pasadena 1
• While the number of trade schools inside Pasadenas’s city limits are 2
• Library that I have visited and enjoyed is the Pasadena Public Library

If you’ve got kids—or you’re looking to further your own education—solid school ratings and local colleges can be a huge perk. If not, hey, a good library have more gems that you didn’t know existed, check it out.

Perk #7: Healthcare & Pasadena Stats

• Typical EMS Response Time: 10 minutes
• Registered Full-Time Pasadena only Doctors is about 35
• Local Hospitals here is  4
• Full-time Pasadena only Police Officers is about 80
• Crime Rate Index: 55/100

Medical facilities could be important to you and who knows it could be related to the crime stats. Again some stats that are worth considering.

Perk #8: Utilities, Gyms & Water Quality

• Pasadena’s Monthly utility bill average is $90
• Pasadena’s Monthly Gym Membership: $35
• Pasadena’s Water Quality Score: 66

Some of us freak out if water tastes off, others don’t mind. Gym buffs will appreciate a cheap membership; others prefer running outside for free. Check if these monthly costs fit inside your realistic lifestyle.

Perk #9: Events, Festivals & Vibe in Pasadena

• Approx number of Festivals the city puts on is 5 annually
• The General Local City Vibe: suburb with a focus on community and local events
• You might enjoy local shows at the Pasadena Convention Center
• Nightlife Scene (yes this is completely subjective), Pasadena  offers casual dining and local bars for relaxed gatherings amid a friendly community-focused environment

If you love a lively social calendar—fairs, concerts, maybe the odd chili cook-off—this is your jam. If crowds make you itch, you might only show up for the funnel cakes.

Perk #10: The Food, Sports & Culture of Pasadena

• The Objective Restaurant Scene Includes diverse dining and a variety of family-friendly options
• The Number of Independent Restaurants are 10 scattered around Pasadena
• The Popular Sports Team is PASADENA DRAKES
• Top Level Political Climate in Pasadena can be described as politically mixed area with focus on local industry
• Pasadena’s Longer standing religious establishment is Pasadena Church of Christ

Whether you’re a foodie wanting fancy cuisine or a sports nut who can’t miss the local team’s home game, see if your interests line up with what the city offers.

Perk #11: Pasadena Parks & Green Spaces

• Did you know Pasadena has 10 Parks?
• Pasadena Parks is Pasadena’s Green Space Center
• The local favorite Farmers Market is Pascadena Farmers Market normally open Saturday 8am-1pm
• Outdoor Activities that both weekend warriors are pro’s can enjoy are Hiking, parks, and picnicking

Love fresh air? A city investing in parks and markets can be a sanity-saver. If you prefer the indoors, maybe it’s less of a draw—but I still say fresh produce is never a bad thing.

Perk #12: Pasadena Neighborhoods Pace & Proximity

• The Pace of Life in Pasadena can be described as steady suburban community with a strong focus on family amenities
• 3 Family-Friendly Activities anyone can enjoy in Pasadena community picnics visiting parks hiking local trails
• The Cities people commute to from Pasadena are Houston 23 miles away Rosenberg 25 miles away Richmond 20 miles away

Neighborhood pace can range from laid-back suburbs to frantic downtown vibes. If you need a quick getaway, big neighboring cities can scratch that itch for a weekend change of scene.

8 Drawbacks about Pasadena or are they?

No place is perfect. I rate these as important based on your location and type of work you do. They might not be negatives or positives for everyone.

1. Traffic/Commute Issues
   Maybe you read: backups on Spencer Highway. If you hate gridlock, look at alternative routes or brace yourself with podcasts.
2. Natural Disaster or Extreme Weather
   Pasadena’s Hurricanes risk could be minimal or major. Dig more on that is your eyebrow just went up.
3. Pricey Neighborhoods
   If Pasadena is out of your price point, you might consider these places nearby Pasadena are Houston 23 miles away Rosenberg 25 miles away Richmond 20 miles away.
4. Crime Rate Concerns
   With a 55 of 100, some neighborhoods might feel safer than others. Everyone has a different tolerance for this.
5. Harsh Climate Contrasts
   Pasadena has 0 days in a row below freezing and 12 days above 90 degrees. This might be your heaven or your nightmare. Some people can’t stand snow, while others pray for it.
6. Limited Extra Funds
   After general costs of living here in Pasadena people have an average (positive or negative) $7000 in positive cash flow left over in income to spend or pay off. Economics will make or break you here.
7. Homelessness or Social Challenges
   100 homeless people living in Pasadena. It can be tough for the community—no easy solutions.
8. Cultural/Political Mismatch
   The general politically mixed area with focus on local industry could change but probably not quickly. We all go thru cycles in our lifestyle and outlook. Think about this and your future outlook before a move to Pasadena.

Retiree & Senior Life in Pasadena

• Retiree Tax Benefits say seniors can can qualify for property tax incentives supporting financial health
• The most established Senior Citizen Community is Pasadena Healthcare
• Pasadena Senior Center features various programs including arts classes and social events for seniors

If you’re in (or nearing) retirement, see if the city provides property tax breaks or comfy 55+ communities. Some places cater heavily to seniors, others less so.

Moving to Pasadena, Texas?

If Pasadena, Texas ir your next home or you are packing up, Let Allied Van Lines Help

As someone who’s hauled half his life across state lines more times than I can recall, let me say that Allied Van Lines simplifies the process. From big bulky couches to fragile antiques, they’ve got you covered.

A quick quote or phone call might be all you need to turn your daydream into reality. If you see me around Pasadena, Texas, say hi—I’m the guy who once moved with nothing but a backpack and a guitar. Good luck on your new adventure!