Searching for a picturesque, beachside community offering upscale amenities and a luxury lifestyle? Then living in Malaga Cove may be the perfect option. Malaga Cove is a neighborhood in Palos Verdes Estates known for its surfing culture, stunning ocean views, and a Mediterranean-style shopping center.
It features beautiful, Spanish-style homes, amazing architecture, and scenic beauty you'll only find in Southern California. Considering a relocation to this beautiful community? Here is everything you need to know before moving to Malaga Cove.
Where Is Malaga Cove, Palos Verdes Estates?
Malaga Cove is a neighborhood on the southwestern tip of Palos Verdes Estates, a coastal city in Los Angeles County. Situated on the Palos Verdes Peninsula, Malaga Cove is within a larger master-planned community designed by the landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted Jr. It’s situated directly on the Pacific Ocean, with multiple beaches lining the coast, and covers about 0.66 square miles of land in the 90274 zip code.
The main thoroughfare through the Malaga Cove neighborhood is Palos Verdes Drive, which connects it to other neighboring communities, such as Rancho Palos Verdes and Rolling Hills Estates. Commuters living in Malaga Cove have access to nearby highways, including California State Route 1 and 213. Public Transportation throughout the Palos Verdes Peninsula is provided by PV Transit, which operates a local bus service for residents living in Malaga Cove.
It's 26 miles or a 1-hour drive from Malaga Cove Palos Verdes Estates CA to Los Angeles CA.
Map of Malaga Cove, Palos Verdes Estates
Malaga Cove History & Overview
Malaga Cove, along with the rest of Palos Verdes Estates, was developed as a master planned community using 3200 acres of land carved out from the former Rancho Palos Verdes property. Development began in 1923, although it took over 35 years to complete, and the final elements weren't put in place until the mid-60's.
It's known for its iconic Mediterranean-style shopping center, Malaga Cove Plaza, which was intended to be one of three major commercial plazas in the community, yet ended up being the only one in the Palos Verdes development that was completed.
The Garner Building was the first structure completed in 1925. Other notable buildings and structures completed during this period include the Malaga Cove Library (formerly the Palos Verdes Public Library and Art Gallery), the La Venta Inn, and Farnham Martin Park. The completion of the Málaga Cove Plaza took over 37 years and wasn't entirely finalized until 1964. The city has still maintained its architectural integrity, and in 2021, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places.
Today, living in Malaga Cove is great for those seeking a peaceful, luxurious community with easy access to shopping, dining, and entertainment.
Malaga Cove, California Demographics
- There are 1645 residents living in Malaga Cove
- The Average individual income of residents living in Malaga Cove: $193,305
- The median age is 58 years old
- 49.79% of people living in Malaga Cove are women, and 50.21% men
- Racial and ethnic breakdown of people living in Malaga Cove: 66.4% white, 19.9% Asian, Hispanic or Latino 9%, 0.5% Black or African American, and 3.8% two or more races.
What's It Like Living in Malaga Cove?
Malaga Cove is a picturesque community known for its high-end shopping and breathtaking scenery. The community features beautifully preserved Mediterranean-style homes, bustling commercial centers, and a strong sense of community.
Its convenient location on the Pacific Coast makes it a popular destination for surfers and other outdoor enthusiasts seeking to escape the city lights to enjoy hiking, biking, or simply basking in the sunshine. You'll also find numerous parks, walking trails, and golf courses while living in Malaga Cove or within walking distance in Palos Verdes Estates.
The Malaga Cove real estate market is characterized by large single-family homes situated on spacious lots, featuring historic architectural styles and a serene atmosphere. As a master-planned community, it's perfectly designed for convenience and walkability with plenty of sidewalks, trails, and walking paths accessible for residents living in Malaga Cove. It offers the perfect balance of tranquility and recreation, with peaceful neighborhoods and shopping plazas nearby.
It doesn't offer much in terms of action and nightlife, which is why it’s mostly wealthy families and retirees living in Malaga Cove. But for those seeking luxury real estate, gorgeous ocean views, and easy access to upscale shopping and dining options, moving to Malaga Cove will feel like a dream come true.
Things to Do in Malaga Cove — Best Restaurants, Attractions, & Shopping
Malaga Cove is primarily a residential community, with the exception of the plaza shopping center. However, residents living in Malaga Cove can still find plenty of activities, attractions, and entertainment options within walking distance of Palos Verdes Estates or a quick drive away in neighboring communities like Torrance and Redondo Beach.
Located in Malaga Cove Plaza, Yellow Vase is one of the top restaurants in Palos Verdes Estates, CA, offering a mix of French and American cuisine, as well as baked goods and flowers, all served in a relaxed setting.
Bettolino Kitchen is a charming family-run restaurant near Malaga Cove in Torrance serving handmade pasta dishes and other traditional Italian cuisine, plus Sunday brunch. Riviera is also a local favorite among those living in Malaga Cove. It’s a lively Mexican cantina in Redondo Beach, serving authentic seafood dishes like fish tacos and lobster taquitos, with a surf-themed decor.
The Malaga Cove Plaza is the main shopping center for residents living in Malaga Cove with a collection of shops, local businesses, the post office, the Malaga Bank, and the iconic Neptune Fountain, all arranged to resemble a European-style open-air market.
Inside the plaza is Malaga Cove Ranch Market Palos Verdes, a deli, bakery, and market offering artisanal goods, fresh produce, beer, wine, and more. For more brand-name outlets, the Riviera Pacific Shopping Center in Redondo Beach features over 200 boutiques, restaurants, art galleries, and more.
Redondo and Torrance, also known as RAT Beach Palos Verdes, is a stretch of coastline between Torrance Beach, Palos Verdes Beach, and Malaga Cove that features unique characteristics, including a kelp forest just off the shore, making it a popular destination for surfers, divers, and fishermen.
Bluff Cove is a 1,000-foot trail along Malaga Cove Beach, offering a great place to go for a hike or run with breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean. Designed by George Thomas and William Bell, the Palos Verdes Golf Club is a 100-year-old, 213-acre course that offers rolling terrain, an athletic club, and a members-only clubhouse for avid golfers living in Malaga Cove.
Where to Find the Best Things to Do in Malaga Cove:
- Yellow Vase, 51 Malaga Cove Plaza, Palos Verdes Estates, CA 90274 (310) 378-0013
- Bettolino Kitchen, 211 Palos Verdes Blvd, Torrance, CA 90277 (310) 375-0500
- Riviera Mexican Grill, 1615 S Pacific Coast Hwy, Redondo Beach, CA 90277 (310) 540-2501
- Malaga Cove Plaza, Palos Verdes Estates, CA 90274
- Malaga Cove Ranch Market, 43 Malaga Cove Plaza, Palos Verdes Estates, CA 90274 (310) 375-2683
- Riviera Pacific Shopping Center, 1880 Pacific Coast Hwy, Redondo Beach, CA 90277 (818) 380-9967
- Rat Beach California, Palos Verdes Estates, CA 90274
- Bluff Cove Trail, Cv Trl, Palos Verdes Estates, CA 90274
- Palos Verdes Golf Club, 3301 Vía Campesina, Palos Verdes Estates, CA 90274 (310) 375-2533
Looking for more activities, parks, and beaches in Palos Verdes Estates? The local Recreation Department has a list of activities on its website for residents living in Malaga Cove.
Schools in Malaga Cove
The top-rated schools in Palos Verdes Estates are highly respected, which is a major reason why there are so many affluent families living in Malaga Cove. The neighborhood is served by the Palos Verdes Peninsula Unified School District, which serves all four cities on the peninsula, including Rancho Palos Verdes, Rolling Hills, Rolling Hills Estates, and Palos Verdes Estates.
Most students living in Malaga Cove will attend Montemalaga Elementary School for K-5, Palos Verdes Intermediate School for 6-8, and Palos Verdes High School for 9-12.
Montemalaga Elementary School is known for its high standards of academic achievement as both a California Distinguished School and a National Blue Ribbon School. Palos Verdes High School is equally respected and ranks among the top high schools in the nation and #130 in California, with a 98% graduation rate and 69% AP Participation Rate.
The Chadwick School, a private non-sectarian K-12 school, also serves students living in Malaga Cove. Anyone living in Malaga Cove is also welcome to check out the Main Branch of the Palos Verdes Library District in the Peninsula Center.
Is Malaga Cove Safe?
Living in Malaga Cove is very safe. While individual crime data is not available for the neighborhood itself, Palos Verdes Estates has a very low crime rate overall. Violent crime is especially low, and murders are extremely rare.
While still lower than both the statewide and national averages, it does suffer from the occasional property crime. Residents living in Malaga Cove were recently warned by police about a string of nighttime burglaries targeting multiple homes in the area.
Be sure to invest in a security system if you plan on moving to Malaga Cove. However, overall crime shouldn't be a significant issue.
Here is a look at how crime in Palos Verdes Estates compares to the rest of the US and the California crime rate:
- Total crime: 1112 incidents per 100,000 people, 61% lower than the state, 52% lower than the country
- Violent crime: 31 crimes per 100,000 people, 93.8% lower than the state, 91.6% lower than the country
- Property crime: 1,081 crimes per 100,000 people, 53.9% lower than the state, 44.7% lower than the country
The Palos Verdes Estates Police Department is responsible for maintaining crime and safety in the community, assisted by 20 officers and 9 civilian employees. The city's official website also has a list of crime reports and statistics for anyone living in Malaga Cove.
Malaga Cove, Palos Verdes Estates Real Estate
The Malaga Cove real estate market is pricey compared to other parts of the country. However, it has plenty to offer those with a budget. You'll find a range of different architectural styles with a strong emphasis on single-family homes with Colonial and Mediterranean-style designs. Home shoppers will also find a mix of large oceanfront estates overlooking Lunada Bay and more modest residences in lower Malaga Cove.
According to Redfin, the median listing price of Malaga Cove homes for sale is over $2.5 million. Although that's over four times higher than the median in the rest of the US, it's actually 19% lower than the median in the rest of Palos Verdes Estates. The median price per square foot of Malaga Cove homes is $920.
Most people living in Malaga Cove are homeowners, and census data indicates that 90% of properties in Palos Verdes Estates are owner-occupied, while only 10% are rented out. Malaga Cove is most well-known for its single-family homes and doesn't feature many apartment buildings. Rentcafe suggests that rent prices in the area start at $ 2,800 for a 1-bedroom unit and go up to $ 6,500 for four or more bedrooms.
Ready to Discover for Yourself What Living in Malaga Cove Has to Offer?
Thinking about moving to Malaga Cove? When you’re ready to make the transition, you can trust the dedicated Palos Verdes Estates movers at MoveGreen to make the transition easy and efficient. Call (866) 684-7336 today for a free quote from the Los Angeles moving company.
