With the abruptly rising San Gabriel Mountains as backdrop, Altadena's tree-lined neighborhoods and commercial zones comprise one of oldest and most beautiful communities in the San Gabriel Valley.

A distinct history, diverse population, and independent identity characterize the town, which shares a border, school district, and other cultural resources with Pasadena to the south.

Altadena has remained an unincorporated area within Los Angeles County since founding in 1887, and has a Town Council that is among the Fifth District's most well developed. The Council's 16 members are elected as an advisory body that communicates and coordinates residents' needs with public agencies and to the Supervisor of the Fifth District, its official representative on the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors.