Living in Oak Knoll, San Marino, California
Additionally, A prestigious neighborhood offering excellent schools, low crime, and established family character within San Marino's most desirable community.
About Oak Knoll in San Marino
Oak Knoll in San Marino represents one of Southern California's most sought-after residential enclaves, defined by mature tree-lined streets, expansive estates, and a commitment to educational excellence. Additionally, the neighborhood appeals primarily to affluent families and established professionals who prioritize quality schools and community stability over walkability and urban density. With a median household income of $169,398 and median home values around $1.59 million, Oak Knoll maintains the character of a premier residential destination where 67.1% of homes are owner-occupied and the median resident age stands at 47.2 years.
Real Estate Market in Oak Knoll
| Median home price | $1.59m |
|---|---|
| Year over year change | stable |
| Price per sq ft | $850 to $950 |
| Median rent | $2,354 |
| Typical days on market | 25 to 35 days |
| Buyer competition | Moderate |
| Walk Score | 38 |
| Transit Score | |
| Bike Score | 38 |
Oak Knoll home prices reflect San Marino's overall premium positioning within the Los Angeles real estate market. The neighborhood's median home value of approximately $1.59 million sits modestly below San Marino's city median of $2 million, offering comparative value for buyers seeking established neighborhoods with strong schools.
Additionally, homes in Oak Knoll move steadily but not frantically; buyers should position offers within days of listing in this relatively competitive segment. School proximity and lot size drive price variability more than condition or year built.
Who Thrives in Oak Knoll
Oak Knoll's entry price point of $1.59 million median exceeds most first-time buyer budgets, making this neighborhood accessible only to well-capitalized newcomers.
Additionally, families with school-age children find Oak Knoll ideal: Valentine Elementary scores 93, Huntington Middle scores 84.5, and South Pasadena Senior High scores 77, all within close proximity.
Additionally, the 67.1% owner-occupancy rate and stable appreciation make Oak Knoll attractive to long-term investors; rental demand exists but is modest given the owner-occupied character.
Additionally, with 28.4% of residents working from home and car-dependent commute patterns, Oak Knoll suits professionals who need minimal daily commuting and value neighborhood stability.
Additionally, the 47.2-year median age and established infrastructure appeal to downsizing retirees; nearby Lacy Park and Sidney F. Tyler Park offer recreational options for active seniors.
Property Types in Oak Knoll
Additionally, majority are estates on half-acre to full-acre lots with mature landscaping, built between 1960 and 1990.
Architect-designed homes with period detail and lot sizes attracting preservation-minded buyers.
Updated interiors and systems command premiums in a neighborhood where original character often trumps modernity.
Living in Oak Knoll, San Marino
Daily life in Oak Knoll centers on school schedules, community institutions, and weekend recreation at nearby parks. Residents enjoy morning coffee at San Marino Cafe & Marketplace or Peet's Coffee, then commute primarily by car (51.3% drive to work) along quiet residential streets to offices across Los Angeles County. Additionally, the neighborhood's low walk score of 38 reflects its automobile-dependent nature, though shopping, dining at PIZZANISTA! San Marino and The Raymond 1886, and fitness options at Snap Fitness are accessible within a few minutes' drive. Evening and weekend activities revolve around Allendale Park, Lacy Park, and neighborhood social events tied to school fundraising and community associations.
- PIZZANISTA! San Marino · 15 min walk
- IHOP · 20 min walk
- Einstein Bros. Bagels · 20 min walk
- The Raymond 1886 · 20 min walk
- BevMo! · 21 min walk
- San Marino Cafe & Marketplace · 15 min walk
- Peet's Coffee · 20 min walk
- Starbucks · 21 min walk
- Starbucks · 22 min walk
- Pillow Talk · 23 min walk
- Allendale Park · 14 min walk
- Sidney F. Tyler Park · 17 min walk
- Garfield Park · 21 min walk
- Lacy Park · 21 min walk
- Tournament Park · 22 min walk
- Winchell's Donut House · 21 min walk
- Pavilions · 22 min walk
- Bristol Farms · 23 min walk
- Erewhon · 24 min walk
- Trader Joe's · 25 min walk
- Snap Fitness · 15 min walk
- The Youth House · 19 min walk
- One Life Yoga · 22 min walk
- The Barn · 22 min walk
- Gold Line Pilates · 26 min walk
- Fox Stanton Track & Field Complex · 21 min walk
- Pee Wee's Big Adventure House · 22 min walk
- Studio for Lodging the Mind · 30 min walk
- Scott Gallery of American Art · 32 min walk
- Rose Hill Foundation Conservatory · 33 min walk
Annual events: San Marino Playhouse productions, Holiday Homes Tour, Community Day at Lacy Park
Schools Near Oak Knoll, San Marino
Additionally, education is the primary driver of neighborhood appeal in Oak Knoll, with three highly rated schools serving the area. Valentine Elementary (grade KG-5) scores 93, Huntington Middle (grades 6-8) scores 84.5, and South Pasadena Senior High (grades 9-12) scores 77, creating a strong feeder pattern for college-bound families.
Elementary Schools
School Score 93 with 91% math and 95% reading proficiency
Proximitii 2026School Score 87 with 86% math and 88% reading proficiency
Proximitii 2026Middle Schools
School Score 84.5 with 83% math and 86% reading proficiency
Proximitii 2026School Score 81 with 78% math and 84% reading proficiency
Proximitii 2026School Score 34.5 with 31% math and 38% reading proficiency
Proximitii 2026High Schools
School Score 77 with 69% math and 85% reading proficiency
Proximitii 2026School Score 33 with 25% math and 41% reading proficiency
Proximitii 2026School Score 5 with 5% math and 5% reading proficiency
Proximitii 2026Private Schools Nearby
- Oasis Trilingual Community School (KG-8) — 23-minute walk
- Mayfield Junior School (KG-8) — 27-minute walk
- St James Parish Day School & Kindergarten (PK-KG) — 34-minute walk
- Little Acorn Montessori Academy (PK-KG) — 38-minute walk
- Holy Family School (KG-8) — 39-minute walk
Feeder pattern: Students from Oak Knoll typically attend Valentine Elementary, then Huntington Middle, with strong college-prep pathways through South Pasadena Senior High.
Source: Proximitii 2026
Commute from Oak Knoll
Oak Knoll's location within San Marino positions residents roughly equidistant from Pasadena, South Pasadena, and central Los Angeles employment hubs. Most residents drive, as public transit infrastructure remains limited despite the area's proximity to Metro lines.
Additionally, pasadena ARTS and Metro bus routes provide limited access; car ownership is practically mandatory for Oak Knoll residents.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Oak Knoll
What is the average home price in Oak Knoll, San Marino?
The median home price in Oak Knoll is approximately $1.59 million, slightly below San Marino's city median of $2 million. Single-family estates typically range from $1.4 million to $2.2 million depending on lot size, condition, and school proximity. Additionally, properties with updated interiors and larger lots can exceed $2.3 million. Buyers should expect to pay $850 to $950 per square foot in this neighborhood.
Is Oak Knoll a good place to live?
Yes, Oak Knoll is an excellent neighborhood for families and established professionals who prioritize schools, safety, and community stability over walkability. Additionally, the neighborhood scores highly on education, with Valentine Elementary ranking 93 and Huntington Middle at 84.5. Moreover, crime rates are low, median household income reaches $169,398, and 79% of residents hold bachelor's degrees. The tradeoff is car dependence and high cost of entry.
What schools serve Oak Knoll?
Valentine Elementary (93, grades KG-5) is the primary elementary school, known for strong academics and a collaborative parent community. Huntington Middle (84.5, grades 6-8) serves the middle-school population and feeds into South Pasadena Senior High (77, grades 9-12), which offers a rigorous college-prep curriculum. These three schools form the primary public-school pathway; families also consider private options like Mayfield Junior School.
Is Oak Knoll safe?
Oak Knoll is a safe, low-crime neighborhood with strong community policing and neighborhood watch participation. Additionally, the established nature of the community, high owner-occupancy rate (67.1%), and active parent engagement in schools contribute to a secure residential environment. San Marino as a whole maintains crime statistics well below Los Angeles County averages.
Who should buy in Oak Knoll?
Oak Knoll is ideal for families with school-age children, established professionals earning six-figure incomes, and retirees seeking a stable, well-maintained community. Additionally, the neighborhood appeals to buyers who prioritize educational excellence and neighborhood character over walkability and urban amenities. Remote workers and telecommuters benefit from quiet residential surroundings and minimal daily commuting pressure.
What amenities are nearby?
Oak Knoll residents enjoy easy access to quality dining, grocery shopping, and recreation. Additionally, coffee options include San Marino Cafe & Marketplace and Peet's Coffee; dining includes PIZZANISTA! San Marino and The Raymond 1886. Grocery chains like Trader Joe's and Pavilions are nearby, while Snap Fitness, One Life Yoga, and Gold Line Pilates serve fitness needs. Lacy Park and Sidney F. Tyler Park provide outdoor recreation for families and retirees.
Where this Oak Knoll data comes from
Numbers throughout this guide come from public, authoritative sources. Additionally, walk and transit scores come from Walk Score, neighborhood boundaries and POI data from OpenStreetMap and Proximitii, and parent-city demographics from the U.S. Census Bureau.
Find Your Home in Oak Knoll
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