The South Bay is the ultimate Southern California Lifestyle destination. This issue we SPOTLIGHT the Palos Verdes Peninsula and its “Sweeping Views and Rich History.” Palos Verdes is also home to five wonderful golf courses. As part of our local history LOOKING BACK article, we re-visit “Malaga Cove: Old-World Charm.” On the COVER this issue is an “Unforgettable Beauty” in Manhattan Beach. With an inspired and upscale design, this 4 Bed, 4.5 Bath home has it all.

Despite a continued lack of inventory of homes for sale in the Beach Cities and Palos Verdes, the aggregate year-to-date closed sale numbers are tracking up with a total of 76 increased sales transactions as compared to the same time period in 2011. Rolling Hills Estates stands out with 67 closed sales year-to-date versus only 29 over the same time period last year.

After delving into this year’s real estate statistics with earnest, one trend stands out – a lack of inventory. If you look at the aggregate “Months of Inventory” for the cities of Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach, Redondo Beach, Palos Verdes Estates, Rancho Palos Verdes, Rolling Hills & Rolling Hills Estates – inventory is down to 3.16 months in August, (the lowest in 4 years.) Manhattan Beach has also reached a four year low of 2.11 ”Months of Inventory” this past August.

South Bay Digs is proud to be one of the premier sponsors for this year’s Hermosa Beach Summer Concert Series. This year’s lineup is one not to miss – featuring headliners such as Nikka Costa July 29th, Poncho Sanchez August 5th, The Spazmatics August 12th and The Aggrolites on August 19th. Don’t forget to visit our DIGS BOOTH on the Hermosa Pier Promenade before each show for a chance to win a custom Spyder Surfboard and more! Check out page 40 for more information on the Summer Concert Series.

The depth and diversity of architecture in the South Bay is amazing. From historic beach bungalows to majestic villas along the coast, the South Bay has it all. In addition to the wonderful architecture and homes in the South Bay — it is also home to some pretty amazing people. We got the chance to visit with professional surfer and Palos Verdes local Alex Gray, whose affinity for the South Bay is refreshing for someone who has traveled the globe in search of the perfect wave.

“How’s the market?…” The most oft asked question in real estate; the answer depends on whom you ask. What I can tell you from my vantage point is that the general sentiment among Realtors in the South Bay is that the market is starting to heat up. Local realtors are feeling more upbeat about market conditions lately despite a lack of inventory across the beach cities.

There is no shortage of phenomenal homes in the South Bay. Now is your chance to step inside a few via a couple of local home tours. The 39th annual Sophisticated Snoop Home Tours starts Friday May 18th. Also not to be missed is the Hollywood Riviera Historic House Tour starting on Friday June 1st. This issue’s FRONT COVER HOME is a breathtaking estate designed by architect Cliff May on two acres behind the gates in Rolling Hills. Offered by The Inman Team, Keller Williams Realty.