Relocating to Palos Verdes and the South Bay Part 2 - Palos Verdes and San Pedro
The U.S. Air Force relocated me and my family five times in less than ten years. So if you are looking at relocating, I understand your challenge. If you are relocating to the South Bay area of Greater Los Angeles, those challenges come with needful opportunities, and I am writing this series of articles to clue you and your family.
Relocating to Palos Verdes and the South Bay Part 2 - Palos Verdes and San Pedro
In this, Part 2, we will contemplate the cities of the Palos Verdes Peninsula and San Pedro. On a clear day, if you look down the coast from Los Angeles International Airport, you will see a important hill stretching out into the Pacific. This is Palos Verdes Peninsula, also known as San Pedro Hill, hence many locals refer to it as "The Hill." Each of the four cities of the Peninsula are certain with their own personality and sense of style. The two things that all the cities have in common is one of the best climates in the world and an outstanding, award winning school system.
Palos Verdes Estates:
When I drive down the coast on Palos Verdes Drive West, I imagine that I am still in the Med. Red tiled roofs, gorgeous homes, lush landscaping, dramatic ocean views and kind parklands advance down the coast. Luxury is the catch word in the first planned community in Southern California. If the natural charm were not enough, the city also boasts a world class golf club, exclusive beach club, a riding stable, a soccer club where a sublime rock star is a member (I won't drop names but he wears a kilt.) Speaking of names, many actors have or have had homes in this city. Of extra note is the view up the coast looking north; it is known as "The Queen's Necklace" for its nighttime shimmer and is one of the most sought after views in the world. Locals refer to this city as "The Estates." Oh, did I mention that some of the best surfing spots in California are below the bluffs, but don't surf here unless you are an expert. There's a rocky bottom and no lifeguards.
Rolling Hills Estates:
Located primarily on the North Slope of Palos Verdes, this city was incorporated with horse owners in mind. With its many stables, horse properties, riding rinks, and miles of trail access, this city is horse amiable with a capital "H." If you are an equestrian, this may be the city for you. Accessible up Crenshaw Blvd or Hawthorne Blvd, the Peninsula town shopping area provides upscale shopping, movies, community theatre, and fine dining. Be sure to check out the meat counter at Bristol Farms, it's top notch. If you are looking for a view, this city provides homes with both panoramic city and ocean vistas. Not to be overshadowed by other cities on the hill, the city is also home to The Rolling Hills Country Club and the Kramer Racket Club.
Rolling Hills:
This gated, exclusive community has only 490 properties. When you drive straight through one of the three gates that enter this city, you instantly inquire either you still in Los Angeles. Quiet country lanes shaded by tall trees and bordered by three-rail white fences are the norm. If you need a horse asset on acreage with easy entrance to miles of trails, this just might be the city for you. Many large estates, unique homes, and quiet climate make this a unique city in all of Los Angeles. Dramatic views of the Los Angeles Harbor and Catalina Island can be found on the east and south sides of the city.
Rancho Palos Verdes:
The youngest of the cities on the Hill, this city snakes from Palos Verdes Country Club over the hill and down to the ocean, along the coast from Pv Estates and then twists back colse to to Rolling Hills Estates just before the old reservoir at Palos Verdes Drive East and Palos Verdes Drive North. It is the largest and most populous city on the hill. Of note are two very nice golf courses, Los Verdes group procedure on Hawthorne Blvd. And Trump National on the bluff on Palos Verdes Drive South. A new, world class resort on the old Marineland asset also has a nine-hole course. The south coast is sublime for its rugged charm and open, natural spaces. Miles of nature trails are ready for trekking. I often went skin diving at these beaches when I was growing up here. If you want to live roughly on the beach, you might reconsider Portuguese Bend Club. Finally, many of the homes on Palos Verdes Drive East offer east facing views of the harbor, the coast down to Dana point, Saddleback Mountain, and dramatic sunrises. I get up to watch the sunrise over the harbor everyday.
San Pedro:
Part of the City of Los Angeles, San Pedro has a long history that started with it being a port for shipping cow hides and then lumber. Later on it became a fishing port, and there is still a small fishing fleet here. In the early twenties, it became the former base for the Pacific fleet. Though the Navy is long gone, the expansion of the port facilities it caused remains to this day. Children attend Lausd schools and some Rancho Pv residents also have this option. Like other older neighborhoods in Los Angeles, there are many gorgeous older homes in many architectural styles including Spanish Colonial and Craftsman. A vibrant and long-lived art scene, some lively museums, two beaches, and a whole of fine dining options call San Pedro home. Because of the collection of looks and localities and the proximity to Hollywood, there seems to be a movie, television show, or commercial filming in San Pedro on any given day.
Part 3 of this series will showcase the recreational opportunities offered in the South Bay.
share the Facebook Twitter Like Tweet. Can you share on Bing Relocating to Palos Verdes and the South Bay Part 2 - Palos Verdes and San Pedro.
No comments:
Post a Comment