Nestled at the foot of the San Gabriel Mountains just northeast of the Los Angeles metropolitan area, the foothill communities of Sierra Madre, Arcadia, Monrovia, Altadena, and Pasadena offer a balance between small-town living and the cultural and business advantages of the big city. 

Arcadia

Population	49,250
Size in square miles	11.3

In 1771, Arcadia was part of a land grant given to the San Gabriel Mission by the King of Spain.  In 1875, Lucky Baldwin purchased Rancho Santa Anita for $200,000.  Over the next several decades, Baldwin promoted horse racing, vineyards, tourism and land sales.  The transition from ranch to city land began with subdivisions.  Orange groves dominated the landscape for years.  In 1903, Arcadia was incorporated as the "Community of Beautiful Homes".
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Monrovia

Population	38,100
Size in square miles	13.73

Monrovia has been named an All-American City by the National Civic League, the highest honor and most prestigious award that can go to an American community.  It means that Monrovia demonstrates to the entire nation that a town of diverse people can face and solve its problems through cooperation, broad based participation, public-private participation and creative action.  Across the country, Monrovians are recognized as people who work well together and that life here is better because of the civic pride they have accomplished.
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Altadena

Population	42,000
Size in square miles	8

In 1891, Altadena was chosen as a terminal for Professor Thaddeus Lowe's new electric railway.  A post office was installed in the depot.  The economy gained momentum and the La Mariposa Hotel was opened in 1902.  The land was developed into several subdivisions including a dairy, reservoir, and fruit groves.  The Esperanza Sanitarium was built and devoted to the treatment of respiratory diseases.  In 1912, the Altadena Country Club and Golf course was organized.  The "roaring twenties" were banner years for the community.  The scenic Mt. Lowe Alpine railway brought many tourists to the area.
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Pasadena

Population	134,852
Size in square miles	22.7

Originally founded in 1873 by a group of settlers from Indiana, Pasadena was formally named "The Crown of the Valley".  A thriving business district, newspaper, library, and school house enabled the population to grow quickly.
Today Pasadena is known for the famous "Festival of Roses" Parade and Rose Bowl Game, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena Playhouse, Pasadena City College, Art Center, College of Design and the Norton Simon museum.
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