1. You’ll Love The Texans If You Know What’s Good For You
Don’t think you can come into town sporting Cowboys colors. It’s not going to fly. When you’re in Pasadena, you’re a Texans fan through and through. You probably don’t even need to be told this anyway, since no one really likes the Cowboys except for Dallas.
2. Pasadena Knows How To Get Down
One of Pasadena’s nicknames is “Pasa-gets-down-dena.” It’s become such a popular moniker, two country songs have been recorded with it in the title. The name has come to be used negatively by outsiders, but locals know themselves better than that. So when anyone asks if you know about Pasadena, you can proudly tell them it gets down.
3. Consider Yourself A Cowboy/Cowgirl From Now On
City life in Texas can often be very different from country life in Texas, but not in Pasadena. Even though it’s a city, the people here are country folk through and through. Get yourself a pair of cowboy boots because you’re going to need them to blend in—even in church.
4. The Traffic Sucks, But The Drivers Don’t
Traffic everywhere around Houston is infamously nightmarish, with long commute times and constant construction. But it’s easier to handle in Pasadena. Maybe it’s the pride of Southern hospitality or the laid-back country lifestyle, but the drivers are much easier to handle here.
5. Pasadena Became The Strawberry Capital By Accident
The American Red Cross sent Pasadena 1.5 million strawberry plants after a hurricane devastated the city in 1900 to help residents recover, and by the 1930s the crops had flourished so much Pasadena became the Strawberry Capital Of The World, shipping out up to 28 carloads of strawberries every day. Hope you’re not allergic.
6. No Wonder Everyone Is Obsessed With Shortcake
More than 50,000 strawberry lovers gather from all over to join in on the fun at the Pasadena Strawberry Festival, that includes a beauty pageant, mud volleyball tournaments, live entertainment, and more. Rows of massive strawberry cakes (yes, that’s one in the photo) are cut during the opening night ceremony and given out to everyone in the city. Come by early to grab your piece because despite having rows and rows available, it runs out quick among these strawberry lovers.
7. You Will Probably Commute To Houston
The city of Pasadena consistently has an unemployment rate higher than the national average. But that’s not as much of a bummer as in other cities because with Houston only 20 minutes away, employment options are still plentiful. Just count on needing a car for commuting when you live here.
8. H-E-B Will Be Your Second Home
H-E-B might seem like just another grocery store to outsiders, but in Pasadena it’s home away from home. Locals stop here for just about everything from toothpaste to barbecue sauce. Need to refill your prescription? Swing by H-E-B. Forgot to get mom a present for Mother’s Day? No worries. H-E-B’s got you covered.
9. Pasadena Is A City Full Of Nature
The Armand Bayou Nature Center sits on 2,500 acres of land, making it the largest urban wildlife preserve in the United States. Visitors can enjoy more than 370 species of birds, amphibians, reptiles, and mammals in the forests and marshlands. It’s the perfect way for Pasadenans to escape city life.
10. There’s Always A Way To Beat The Heat
Texas knows how to turn up the heat, from their food to their weather. The summer months can be downright stifling at times, but it’s not anything to worry about here—in fact, the heat provides multiple options for fun in the community. There are five local pools and three splash pads for kids to enjoy in the hottest season.
11. “Stinkadena?” Depends On Where You Go
Another more unfortunate Pasadena nickname you’ll soon discover is “Stinkadena,” due to the smell that can seep in from the factories and refineries. It’s not nearly as prevalent as it once was, and it doesn’t really bother locals. In fact, many residents take a whiff and say “Smell that money!” since the factories are such a big part of the Pasadena economy.
12. In Pasadena You’re Always Well Protected
Volunteer firefighters are always a crucial part of keeping neighborhoods safe, but Pasadena goes above and beyond with the country’s largest volunteer firefighter department. Over 200 active volunteers work to respond to 170 alarms every month, so you can sleep a little (OK, a lot) easier every night.
13. Visit The Origin Of The “Urban Cowboy”
Everyone probably remembers John Travolta in “Urban Cowboy,” but they might not remember it was actually set and filmed right here in Pasadena. The bar featured in the movie, Gilley’s, was the largest enclosed bar in the world at the time. Sadly the bar’s since been destroyed in a fire, but the original sign remains, and the locals still know all the words to the movie.
14. Or Try Your Hand At Being A Cowboy Yourself
For 65 years the Pasadena Livestock Show and Rodeo has been a favorite among locals. People look forward to the rodeo all year, probably because it was created to help people better understand what being a cowboy actually entails, rather than the standard showy stereotype.
15. Alligators Will Be Your New BFFs
Breakfast On The Bayou at the Armand Bayou Nature Center takes passengers out on a pontoon cruise to observe the different wildlife like heron, osprey, and even (and probably coolest) alligator. Try the Sunset Cruise for the same sightings with the picturesque Texas sunset on the horizon.
16. Pasadena Knows How To Break A Leg
Small community theaters can be kind of a hit or miss experience, but Pasadena’s Stage Door Inc. is a definite hit. Shows range from the traditional (“A Christmas Story” during the holidays) to more off-the-wall (“The Rocky Horror Picture Show” and “Sweeney Todd”). Any local will tell you it’s a must-do.
17. Everyone Loves 4th Fest
There’s no better way to celebrate America (and summertime) in Pasadena than the fantastic 4th Fest. Everyone comes out for the car and truck show, dozens of vendors, a kid zone, live music and of course, epic fireworks.
18. Sk8ers Have Their Own Playground
The Memorial Skatepark is the perfect place for the moody skater boys and girls of Pasadena to hang out without disturbing the community—and without the community disturbing them. Just another example of the free ways Pasadena keeps everyone entertained.
19. Flying Kites Is More Fun Here Than Anywhere Else
As if the big Texas sky wasn’t gorgeous enough, Pasadena decided to make it even better. During the Kites & Fishing event, residents are encouraged to bring their kids for a day filled with kite flying and fishing along the pond. If you don’t have a fishing pole, the city's got you covered and will even throw in some free bait.
20. Pasadena Is Awesomely Animal Friendly
Animal lovers will be right at home in Pasadena. Paws In The Park gives pet owners the opportunity to let their best friends burn off energy and mingle with other dogs, the city offers dog training classes, and the Pasadena Animal Shelter is very active with a steady rotation of local volunteers who make sure that every stray pet finds a well-suited and happy home.
21. The Parks And Rec Department Feeds The Kid In All Of Us
It’s possible that the folks who work at Pasadena’s Parks and Recreation department never sleep, considering how hard they work. The department operates four youth recreation centers, an adaptive recreation center, five swimming pools, an athletics department, a golf course, and a total of 43 parks. If you ever find yourself without something to do in Pasadena, it’s probably because you haven’t stepped outside yet.
