Pasadena Apartments & Rentals

Part of the Houston metropolitan area, Pasadena has a population of more than 150,000 in a growing community that experienced a 5.2 percent increase in population from 2000 to 2010. With ties to the ranching, shipping, and oil refining community, many people in the Houston area flock to Pasadena for job opportunities. Since the city is quite large at 42.76 square miles, finding Pasadena apartments for rent should be no problem.

Founded in 1893 by John H. Burnett, Pasadena got its name because of its lush vegetation. Burnett was so enamored with the beautiful plants and trees in the area, he named it after Pasadena, California. The LaPorte, Houston and Northern Railroad ran through the town, paving the way for development. Combine means of transportation with rich soils, and it's easy to see how the area emerged as a farming town. Known mainly for strawberry production, Pasadena residents also grew cantaloupes, jasmine flowers and cucumbers.

After seeing growth into the early 20th century, Pasadena became incorporated in 1928. After "Texas tea" was discovered in the Houston area, oil tycoons from the Texaco and Crown companies built refineries, and Pasadena transitioned from a quiet farming town to a thriving industrial community seemingly overnight. Over the course of the last 100 years, Pasadena built its personality around the Texas oil industry and the nearby Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center.

Pasadena Work & Study: 

Since Pasadena is a large residential community filled with families, it is no surprise that the Pasadena Independent School District is the largest employer in the community, according to the city's Comprehensive Annual Financial Report. Other top employers include Boeing, Bayer, Shell and ExxonMobil. The oil industry still has a large influence in the local community; though, there are several other industries in the area that call Pasadena home. With so much job growth in the area, finding Pasadena apartments should be an easy task.

San Jacinto College is the largest college in the city (called San Jac by locals). Serving the east Texas community for more than 50 years, there are more than 200 degree and certificate options here, making this college an educational option for students of all academic interests and backgrounds.

Another popular institution is Texas Chiropractic College. Complete with its own health center, this college prides itself on giving some the best hands-on medical training in the Lone Star state.

Since Pasadena is a growing community with lots of employment options, you should have a wide range of housing options. With a low crime rate and more than 15 percent job growth, CNN called Pasadena one of the best places in America to live in 2011.

According to city-data.com, Pasadena has a cost of living index that is 8 points below the national average and had a 2009 median gross rent of $753 per month.

Since Pasadena had its beginnings in agriculture, it makes sense that the annual Pasadena Strawberry Festival is popular with local residents. Complete with a strawberry eating contest, a parade and the world's largest strawberry shortcake, you can't miss this sweet event.

If you want to reconnect with nature and experience the great outdoors, the Armand Bayou Nature Center is an affordable attraction to get to know the area's natural habitat. Perfect for bird-watching, there are several hiking trails and even a guided pontoon boat tour that showcases the beauty of the Armand Bayou.

To find your next rental apartment or house in Pasadena, TX, take a look at our listings on Rent.com®.