Now, rewind to the mid-1980s, before Bungalow Heaven became Pasadena's first historic district. A developer bulldozed a two-story bungalow and built what one resident calls "one of the tackiest apartment houses anyone had ever seen." As a result, residents fought to have the neighborhood down-zoned to single-family status. They won, protecting this exquisitely intact community of more than 800 homes. The rest is history.

Location: downtown Pasadena, near the Rose Bowl

Map it: McDonald Park

Number of homes: 800-plus What $300,000 will buy you: not much—this is California at its best. Double your money and you’re in the ballpark for a restored two-bedroom home.

Closest latte: Village Café, in Penny for Your Thoughts antiques and gift shop on Hill Avenue

For more info: bungalowheaven.org

photography: Shelley Strazis

Homes: You’ll find bungalows (most single story, 1,200 to 1,400 square feet) in many styles—Dutch Colonial, Tudor, and Spanish—built from 1900 to the 1930s. Despite the eclectic architecture, a grid of tree-shaded, sidewalked streets gives the impression of uniformity. "Our porches are like the living room of the neighborhood," says longtime resident Bob Kneisel.

People: The attitude among this diverse group of neighbors is one of openness and inclusivity. The preservation fervor that once swept the neighborhood has mellowed into cheerful cooperation on events such as the home tour, a Halloween party, and summertime get-togethers called Sundays in the Park.

Shops and Hangouts: Old Town Pasadena’s not far away. Closer to home are a couple of local eateries—Burger Continental and El Portal, known for its carnitas.

Greenspace: At the center of Bungalow Heaven is the 5-acre McDonald Park, with basketball, volleyball, and handball courts, plus a softball diamond and picnic area. The neighborhood association recently added a pair of beautifully crafted shade structures—with exposed wood beams and river-rock pillars—designed by architect and local resident Russ Hobbs to reflect the Arts and Crafts origins of the neighborhood.

Cottage Twist: Newcomers to Bungalow Heaven are greeted with a welcome package that clues them in to neighborhood history, events, and guidelines. It also may include architectural and historical info about their new house.

More: For another look at Bungalow Heaven, see “Cottage Community” in January/February 2005, page 94.