USA Today recently selected Palos Verdes Estates as one of “America’s 50 best cities to live.” Listed No. 19—and the only city in California to make the cut—the master-planned community designed by the Olmsted brothers (sons of famed architect Frederick Law Olmsted Sr., creator of New York City’s Central Park and the Stanford University campus) is just 30 miles from Los Angeles and undoubtedly stands out for numerous reasons, according to the list-makers.
Think a locale along the Pacific Coast, complete with miles of shoreline offering up picturesque bluff-top views and plentiful walking paths; a designation as one of the country’s wealthiest neighborhoods, with the typical household earning more than $200,000 a year (more than triple the national median household income of $55,322); and an almost-nonexistent crime rate (22 incidents per 100,000 people, compared with the national violent crime rate of 383 per 100,000).
Why do you think Palos Verdes Estates was chosen by USA Today as one of “America’s 50 best cities to live?”
Miles of coastline with stunning ocean and pastoral views, designated open space, nationally ranked schools, and a low crime rate are just a few of the reasons.
How would you describe the community to someone who’s never been there?
Palos Verdes Estates is one of the most beautiful coastal cities in the world. As soon as you enter the city, you immediately notice the difference. There’s an abundance of foliage and the greenery, with a backdrop of the ocean. The city has mandated that approximately 28 percent of the land remains designated open space, and this sets PVE apart.
What do you think are the best aspects of living here?
The architecture is reminiscent of some of the most romantic cities in Europe. There are no street lights, so there’s an old-world charm that’s hard to describe. Almost all the homes are custom-built, and we have some historic, important architecture.
Why would someone want to live in Palos Verdes Estates versus other nearby cities?
PVE is an oasis…peaceful and private, serene and quiet, yet it has easy access to the beach cities, and LAX is just a 20- to 30-minute drive. A small price to pay for the lifestyle.
What should someone know if they’re considering purchasing a property within the city?
Each “sub-area” in PVE has its own, distinct personality. Some buyers prefer larger lots, some focus on the views. It really depends upon what’s important to you.
Is there a certain type of individual who is drawn to Palos Verdes Estates?
Palos Verdes translates as green trees… which explains a lot!
What are some of the best neighborhoods? There are four sub-areas of the city, and they each have their own distinct qualities: Malaga Cove, Lunada Bay, Valmonte and Monte Malaga.
Do you have any properties listed there that are particularly unique for the area?
I have homes that were built in the 1920s, all the way up to brand-new construction. Homes with amazing land or amazing views…or both!
What else should we know?
Palos Verdes Estates truly has it all. The outdoor lifestyle is a way of life, with the Palos Verdes Beach & Athletic Club, Palos Verdes golf and tennis clubs, stables and miles of hiking trails; world-class schools; and warm ocean breezes. The Palos Verdes police and fire departments also let you sleep peacefully at night. It’s a true neighborhood where everyone watches out for one another. I can’t imagine a better place to call home.
Photographs: Courtesy of Peter Mcmenamin and Paul Jonason (Portrait)