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Life in Palos Verdes, CA

Pleasant, sunny weather all year round. Sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean. A regular dose of refreshing sea breeze. Luxury waterfront living at its finest.

Get all these and more when you buy your dream luxury home in Palos Verdes.

The idea of relocating to California’s finest beach communities does not get any more enticing than it does in Palos Verdes. Located along the southernmost shores of the Golden State, the peninsula offers an idyllic escape to paradise just 30 miles south of the downtown Los Angeles.

History of Palos Verdes

The affluent communities of Palos Verdes Peninsula originate from a parcel of land that was part of a Mexican land grant. In 1846, Alta California Governor Pio de Jesus Pico awarded a portion of the Manuel Dominguez’s Rancho San Pedro to the Sepulveda family. The land, subsequently called Ranch de los Palos Verdes, was used primarily for cattle farming.

Ownership of the land was transferred to American owners in the early 1900s. Frank Vanderlip, Sr., a prominent banker and journalist from New York, vacationed at Palos Verdes and was impressed by the area’s pristine beauty. Seeing the region’s yet untapped potential, he spearheaded the development of Palos Verdes, with renowned landscaping firm The Olmsted Brothers taking charge of designing the communities.

Brothers John Charles Olmsted and Frederick Law Olmsted, Jr. are the sons of Frederick Law Olmsted who is regarded as the father of American landscape architecture. The design of New York City’s Central Park is one of the most prominent projects credited to the senior Olmsted.

Real estate in Palos Verdes

From breathtaking beach villas, to convenient condominium and townhouse complexes, to laid-back single-family homes, you will not go wrong with the selection of real estate opportunities in the Palos Verdes Peninsula. The idyllic, balmy conditions surrounding the region’s inviting neighborhoods create the perfect atmosphere for a year-round vacation lifestyle.

No matter the type of property or structure you choose, you can set the bar high on your expectations on Palos Verdes homes. Count on high-quality construction materials both inside and out, built to withstand wear and tear resulting from constant exposure to bright sunshine and proximity to seawater. Interiors are fitted with brand-name, top-of-the-line appliances and fixtures, as well as authentic, premier finishes.

House designs are intended to maximize the ideal conditions of your waterfront location. From large windows and tall ceilings, to flowing open floor layouts, to generous outdoor spaces, you will enjoy airy and relaxing living spaces all throughout your Palos Verdes luxury home.

Find your dream home in these Palos Verdes communities

The Palos Verdes Peninsula comprises a variety of exceptional coastal communities that are set the bar for the luxurious, oceanfront lifestyle. Find your ideal California beach home in the community pages linked below:

Rancho Palos Verdes
Sprawling open spaces and breathtaking viewpoints abound in this master planned community nestled atop the peninsula’s ocean-facing hills and cliffs. Established in 1973, this affluent suburb is the youngest of the four Palos Verdes cities with a bright future ahead of it.

Palos Verdes Estates
The first among the four Palos Verdes cities to be created, Palos Verdes Estates has been a coveted South Bay residential destination since 1939. This location offers a stunning selection of Spanish- and Mediterranean-style estates overlooking the Pacific Ocean.

Rolling Hills
This city maintains a rural and equestrian character, ensuring a tranquil environment enjoyed by its modest population of less than 2,000 residents. This is where you want to begin searching if you have your sights set on owning a sprawling, multi-acre lot to make the most of Southern California living.

Rolling Hills Estates
Located north of its namesake, Rolling Hills Estates is home to the largest commercial district on the peninsula, boasting impressive open-air shopping plazas and specialty restaurants. But like Rolling Hills, this city maintains a decidedly rural feel with an abundance of horse-friendly roads and riding trails.

The Beach Cities
The cities of Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach, and Redondo Beach are known collectively as the Beach Cities of the Palos Verdes Peninsula. But each locale has a distinct character of its own. Discover them and their excellent real estate opportunities here.

Torrance
Boasting 1.5 miles of gorgeous beachfront, this city is the ideal place to stake your claim on your very own slice of tropical paradise. It is a popular community for affluent professionals hailing from the Greater Los Angeles area with a range of century-old and mid-century homes mixed with exciting new development.

Palos Verdes lifestyle highlights

  • The variety of things to do in Palos Verdes covers a wide range of engaging outdoor activities, from horseback riding, to whale-watching. Learn more about the best recreational activities in Palos Verdes here.
  • Looking to satisfy your cravings? Be sure to have mar’sel, Catalina Kitchen, and Yellow Vase – just three of the best restaurants in Rancho Palos Verdes – on your list of must-visit dining spots on the peninsula.
  • The Point Vicente Lighthouse is one of the most noteworthy places to visit in Palos Verdes. Built in 1926, the landmark is just one of many notable sites that tell the story of the Palos Verdes Peninsula’s rich history.

Related topics
For more information on Life in Palos Verdes, California, read these useful blogs and updates:

  • Why people are moving to California 

    Hailed by USA Today as “The Hidden Rural Coastal Gem” of Los Angeles County, the Palos Verdes Peninsula is home to cities that consistently rank among the best suburbs in the West Coast for low unemployment, strong home appreciation, and insurance coverage.

    The quality of life is unparalleled, with short commute times, higher income, and high education overall.But what really sets the Palos Verdes Peninsula apart is its idyllic coastal setting and amazing weather. Here you’ll find beach communities that are less crowded and not as trend-conscious as the rest of California.

  • Where to Get a Hearty Brunch in Palos Verdes 

    The Palos Verdes Peninsula is constantly overlooked by tourists, but that is all well and good for locals– they have all of the area’s beauty and outdoor destinations to enjoy all to themselves. If you are looking for something to do in Southern California’s most dramatically beautiful region, here are a couple of things to inspire you.Admire local fauna at a former landfill, go hiking along the hills, explore one of the local conservancies, and marvel at aviation wonders at one of Palos Verdes’ museums. Click here to learn more about the best things to do in Palos Verdes.

  • The most scenic spots for South Bay views

    Looking for the most Instagrammable spots in the Palos Verdes Peninsula? This picturesque corner of South California has been blessed with bluffs, coves, beaches, hilltop parks, and protected spaces from which you can enjoy sweeping views of the South Bay coastline, the city skyline, and the surrounding communities.

    From Del Cerro Park to Bluff Cove, this article brings you the best vistas in the area and how to get to them. Whether you’re looking for the perfect snap, a romantic date spot, or a quiet place to be alone with your thoughts, the Palos Verdes Peninsula has something to offer.

  • The best beaches with the best views in Palos Verdes, CA

    The Palos Verdes Peninsula has been called a “huge hidden secret” by residents. While it may not have the buzz of more heavily promoted beaches like Malibu, Santa Monica, and Venice, Palos Verdes is equal if not more so when it comes to breathtaking scenery. The Pacific Ocean borders three sides of the peninsula, which guarantees a range of vantage points on which to view the crash of waves and the rush of water swirling around rocky shores. For a more thrilling time, discover and explore secret coves, underwater caves, California’s best tide pools, and even a shipwreck. This article tells you exactly where to go to experience these priceless wonders.

  • Must-try restaurants in Rancho Palos Verdes

    Searching for some of the finest places to dine in Rancho Palos Verdes? Whether you’re looking to grab a quick bite, meeting some friends, taking your family out for dinner, or looking for a perfect spot for a romantic date, the wide variety of top-notch restaurants around town are sure to please.

    In this page, we’ll take you on a culinary tour of Rancho Palos Verdes, shining the spotlight on some of the best restaurants. While there are plenty of great dining venues to enjoy around the area, we’ve narrowed our list down to some of the places that are guaranteed to satisfy even diners with pickiest of palates.

  • Great places to visit in Palos Verdes: The Point Vicente Lighthouse

    If you’re looking for exciting things to do in Palos Verdes, one of the best destinations to visit is the historic Point Vicente Lighthouse. Steeped in history and folklore, the lighthouse is a popular spot for visitors looking to enjoy activities such as walking, whale watching, hiking, and soaking in panoramic views of the scenic Palos Verdes Peninsula.

    Located close to the Point Vicente Lighthouse is a 10,000 square foot Interpretative Center, which showcases the rich history and unique natural features of the Palos Verdes Peninsula.

    If you’re planning to visit the Point Vicente Lighthouse, take a look at this page for more information.

  • Great places to visit in Palos Verdes: The Point Vicente Lighthouse

    As a coastal city, Rancho Palos Verdes has great access to the freshest seafood, which visitors and locals can enjoy in numerous restaurants across the city and the rest of the Palos Verdes Peninsula. Whether you live in the area or are simply dropping by, you’ll be treated to a wide range of choices for a seafood dining experience. The most popular places include market-restaurants where you can pick from a variety of live seafood and have it prepared the way you want. If you’re in the mood for an elegant dinner, there are a number of fine dining options, as well. Here’s a list of some of the best restaurants in and around Rancho Palos Verdes where you can indulge in the freshest seafood.

  • What you need to know about California’s property tax rates

    Taxes are a big source of income for a state. Funds from these are instrumental in improving structures and communities, as well as in providing a better life for its citizens. Such is the rhyme and reason behind property taxes imposed on California’s property owners. However, one will be surprised to know that the common baseline for property taxes here is capped at a mere 1% of the property’s total value. While there are still other dues to pay, this minimal state requirement allows property owners in the Golden State to heave a sigh of relief that they have more money on hand for other obligations. But even in special situations like this COVID-19 pandemic, the deadline for payment remains unchanged.

    Read on for more information about California’s property tax and what makes it unique from other state-imposed property taxes.

Discover genuine luxury living in Palos Verdes with Stephen Haw

Explore the exciting luxury real estate opportunities that the Palos Verdes Peninsula offers. Contact Stephen Haw and his team at 817.550.6666 or email [email protected] today.