No more cooking! That was the initial reason my parents looked into moving to Pasadena Highlands. It's like eating with friends in a restaurant. The menus offer lots of choices, tasty and different options every day. The wait staff are friendly, patient and courteous. Two desserts? No problem! No more yardwork! The grounds are beautifully kept and the views are great, whether it's looking out onto the park, up to the mountains, watching Rose Bowl fireworks, or sunning on the balcony. No more housework! The housekeeping staff vacuums, dusts (even the largest collection of telephones, thank you Rosa!), changes bedding, and makes the bathroom shine, and always with a smile and kind word. Lots to do, like living on a cruise ship! It's obvious that Denise enjoys her job planning activities. Birthday celebrations, holiday To Do's, coffee klatches, exercise classes, fun competitions, and ice cream socials abound. And there are field trips for those who like to go: tours, Christmas light viewing, theater plays, shopping and out for a meal, rides to church and appointments. Check out the on-line monthly Activities Calendar/Newsletter for a sampling. Safety, security, socialization - these were on MY wish list for my parents. Also: a place that felt homey and had medical help if necessary, as well as step-up facilities as they progressed from independent to assisted living. All of these wishes were fulfilled. Laura, 5-star LVN and Director of Nursing, provided much peace of mind and served as a resource for info and options. She was always accessible, knowledgable, and caring. A true asset to the organization and to my folks. Sanda, head of the pharmacy, was always on top of new prescriptions and refills, and ensured dispensing of medications was accurate and timely. They have a great system. I think it takes a special person to work in this environment. The employees I encountered (front desk, caregivers, med techs, drivers, those in the business office, maintenance, beauty shop, behind-the-scenes people) put the residents' needs first, were consistently positive, friendly, professional, and likeable. Now, so readers won't think this review isn't objective, there are two negatives to report. The cost. It isn't inexpensive - no place of this caliber is cheap - but it's better than many other local places. Find a way if you can. And finally, the elevators will drive you mad. They are slow to arrive and at times crowded. Consider it a lesson in patience. read more

My mother-in-law moved in about a year ago with the usual initial complaints of being put in jail, our to pasture and etc. Those complaints are now long gone, she is adapting well with the help of the staff and friendly residents. Facilities are very nice, apartments are upscale, décor is pleasant, public areas are clean, furniture is in good condition. Only two elevators and the wait time for one can be maddening. Located near shopping areas and have transportation available to take residents to doctors, or shopping. Everything is contained in one building. Unlike other homes in the area, the walk to meals or activities is short and inside not having to be exposed to rain or a maze of walkways. The staff has always been very responsive when called, but noticed some of the residents are causing their own discomfort by not calling upon staff when needed. They don't want to bother anyone. All one has to do is ask and it is taken care of promptly. The only major complaint we have is the food could use some improvement. Is a bit bland...probably by the no salt diet, but still lacks imagination and taste yet is still healthful. I noticed the residents, for the most part are very friendly and happy and participate in the activities offered which are good. Before my mother-in-law signed up, we looked at several other homes in the area and found The Highlands the best deal for the price. I had an uncle and a grandmother who both spent their retirement years there. My mother and father are at Villa Gardens which is also a fine, very upscale retirement home, and my wife's aunt is at a home in SFV. So we are well tuned to all the issues. The Highlands rates high with the exception of the food, which is O.K., but not great. FV read more

My father lived at Pasadena Highlands for the last five years of his life. When he was active, he enjoyed some of the outings, movies and lectures. The companionship of friends at Happy Hour and dinner were a delight to him. He enjoyed meals and said the food was excellent. His room was accommodating and provided ample storage while keeping life simple. About a year ago, as his health began to decline I was overwhelmed with the attentive, dignified, supportive care he received. I had complete peace of mind because of the watchful eyes that made sure he was safe wherever he was, he was receiving his medications appropriately and that help was very near whenever he needed. As a health care provider myself, I knew that Dad was in better hands than if he lived with me! Laura Sanchez, Director of Assisted Living, was more a friend to my dad than care provider. He trusted her and felt safe letting her know when he was not feeling well. She is so astute, she knew when he was declining and not feeling well before he verbalized it himself. Caring staff like Sarah, Arnell, Sanda, Cruz, Katrina and others were able to meet his needs in a way that maintained his dignity and helped him to be as independent as possible to the end. I would recommend Pasadena Highlands to anyone who is looking for a safe environment for a loved one while they are active all the way through their years of decline. In comparison with other facilities, the cost is a little less but by no means does it mean a compromise in the quality of care or accommodations. I cannot express fully how thankful I am for our years at the Pasadena Highlands. read more

Pasadena Highlands is a wonderful place for my 91 year old mother. She and her husband moved in about 4 years ago. The staff is amazingly friendly and compassionate. My mother's husband died last August and the staff was so caring and helpful during her transition. The activities director is great and provides a wide variety of interests for the seniors. They encourage the people living there to come up with their own ideas for groups and create times for meetings led by the senior or someone brought in with that expertise. My mother can be as independent as she wants or get more help when needed. The care personnel that helped my mother's husband treated him like he was their father. Pasadena Highlands seems to be very good at hiring employees who are great with the elderly and very people oriented. The facility is very clean and they routinely maintain it. The dining room is like a restaurant where each person orders what they want from a menu. The variety of food is very good. My mom is very very healthy with respect to what she wants to eat and does wish they had more along that line. My mother's husband was very happy with the food so I think it depends on the person. She does shop outside at Whole Foods for a few items she keeps in her apartment. I would recommend the Pasadena Highlands if you are looking for good place for independent/assisted living. read more

The culinary manager Bryan was so rude to my friend while interviewing. He was unprofessional and always touching his nose and glasses. Very dirty. He asked my friend where she was from and did not care about her job experience. Bryan asked so many personal questions and refused to hire her because she was not Filipino. He only hires Filipino people inside the kitchen and cooking department. My friend has a lot of cooking experience and she answered the questions. But he only want filipino applicants and discriminated against her. He lied to my friend and told her that he will call her for the result, but he never called her back. It's not right, he is a LIAR. Don't trust him! This manager touch his nose nonstop every 2 minutes during her interview, I think he has AIDS. Do not work here because it is a waste of time. He will only look at you and judge you based on your race. They only hire Filipino people, very crazy and shocking guy. It's okay if you do not wanna hire someone, but he lied about contacting her back and completely ignored her! read more

My Mom moved from a senior community in Van Nuys CA to the Pasadena Highlands in April 2025. Pasadena Highlands is a dramatic upgrade in the location, the facility, the food, the many and varied activities, the employees and the residents! But the most extraordinary change is what we have seen in my Mom. She is happier and healthier and more energized than she has been in a few years. She now participates in many activities and social events but then loves retiring to her beautiful one bedroom apartment. She and her cat Fifi enjoy spending time together on her balcony overlooking the gorgeous grounds. We feel blessed that she is surrounded by such an experienced, caring and joyful staff! read more

I want to say that the highlands was a great choice for my mother when living at home was becoming too difficult without a caregiver. My mom was there for 4 years and the experience was positive, the staff (including Laura Sanchez) took excellent care of my mom and always treated her well with respect. My only regret is that she didn't go there earlier when she would have enjoyed some of the many activities with the other seniors. In her final year when dementia got worse Laura was great in helping us set up hospice and keeping us posted on her care. I would recommend the highlands for anyone considering assisted living or just senior living where they can enjoy others their own age read more

the cooking manager named Bryan is very unprofessional. He is a filipino man who wears glasses. I saw him touch his nose and did not wash his hands. he also touch his glasses and nose all the time. so dirty. he look down on my friend and did not hire her, but sexually harassed her. he would shake her hand many times and look at her butt. he made her feel uncomfortable and interviewed her for 30 minutes. he did all that and did not even hire her. he promised he would call her a few days later to give an answer. but he is a liar and never called her back for the job update. Very unresponsive and crazy guy read more

Our family was SO pleased with our dad's experience at Pasadena Highlands. He lived in independent living and then transitioned to assisted living. He lived at the Highlands for almost five years. He especially enjoyed his caregivers Eileen and Arnell. The front desk staff always went above and beyond to help my dad. We appreciated their friendliness and reliability. Nurse Laura was wonderful to work with as my dad's health needs increased. Initially we researched several communities in Pasadena but without a doubt my four siblings and I would choose Pasadena Highlands again. read more

Pasadena Highlands is an excellent facility. Located in Pasadena, CA, with a beautiful view of the majestic San Gabriel mountains, the Highlands is a perfect location for loved ones to enjoy and congregate with others. The staff is delightful. They show there dedication and care for the residents everyday. I highly recommend Pasadena Highlands to all that might need these highly specialized services and that are looking for a close community. read more

The Director of Assisted Living Laura really does a good job of always keeping the residents' families updated in the status of their love ones who live at this community. I would definitely have my loved one live here because they really care a lot. I'll give this community a 5 star. Ms. J read more

The staff are friendly and caring , the residents are also great . I worked and lived there the past 3 1/2 years . I Loved the view from my apartment . Activities were top notch and the garden is beautiful with a putting green, BBQ, walking path . read more