Hastings Ranch: Two Truly Wonderful Family Neighborhoods

Hastings Ranch is a neighborhood with a tradition of friendliness reaching back over 100 years. In 1882, Charles Cook Hastings bought 1100 acres of land for just $7 an acre, and established Hastings Ranch. It became known as a place for "easy living" and recreation. His son, Charles Houston Hastings, owned 100 head of English-bred horses. Many gala riding events took place on the ranch. Hastings loved holidays, and always had a large celebration at Christmas-time.

When the original homes were developed, Hastings Ranch was divided into Upper and Lower Hastings Ranch.  Lower Hastings Ranch was built first, primarily from 1949 to 1950. Many of the homes were built on large lots, and there were a handful of architects that were commissioned to built them. 

Then, in 1951, Upper Hasting Ranch was developed.  The homes were built in stages, beginning with 800 "Coronet Homes" in 1951-52. Subsequent groups of homes were built along Riviera, Pine Bluff, and Crestview Drives. Later, homes in "upper" Upper Hastings Ranch were developed. Since most of the original owners were purchasing their first homes and beginning to raise their families, a sense of common purpose and "neighborliness" developed.  In fact, Upper Hastings Ranch was known to residents as "Rabbit Hill", because of the many children that were born there. 

Both Lower and Upper Hastings Ranch have their own Homeowner's Associations.  The Lower Hastings Ranch is Homeowner' Association is dedicated to making sure that the interests and concerns of local residents well-represented by their City Council member, and at the City Council meetings.  The Association has been very active in protecting the feel and character of the neighborhood.  It has been especially effective in determining the business occupants of the Hastings Village Shopping Center at the corner of Foothill Blvd. and Sierra Madre Villa Ave.  And, it has had a positive effect on maintaining the safety of the neighborhood streets within Lower Hastings Ranch.  

The Upper Hastings Ranch Homeowners' Association was formed to manage and promote annual events like the famous Christmas Light Up. This is a tradition now, famous throughout the San Gabriel Valley. Activities extend from a pancake breakfast in May, a Day at the Races, Spring Beautification Week, a night at the theater, etc. The UHRA supports a scholarship fund for high school and college students who live in the Ranch. 

Field Elementary School services Lower Hastings Ranch, and has a successful Chinese Immersion Program.  Don Benito Elementary School services Upper Hastings Ranch, and is well-known for its excellence. Wilson Middle School iand Pasadena High School are nearby.

There are many houses of worship of various denominations on the perimeters of the neighborhoods and nearby. And, there is convenient bus transportation within and around the Ranch. 

As the original Coronet Homes newspaper ad states, "[It is] one of California's most beautiful and delightful residential developments," and it remains so today.