If you’re dreaming of living in Hermosa Beach, get ready for sunshine, surf culture, and serious South Bay charm. This laid-back coastal city in Southern California sits between Manhattan Beach and Redondo Beach, and it’s best known for The Strand, the Hermosa Beach Pier, and its legendary beach volleyball scene.
When living here, you’ll enjoy a vibrant atmosphere with oceanfront bars and restaurants, an active outdoor lifestyle, and a true close knit community vibe despite being minutes from Los Angeles. Even the name fits the mood: Hermosa Beach means “beautiful” in Spanish, which is pretty much the perfect summary of the area.
Officially incorporated in 1907 and proudly nicknamed “The Best Little Beach City,” Hermosa beach offers the kind of everyday paradise that makes moving to Hermosa Beach CA feel like a permanent vacation.
Is Hermosa Beach a Good Place to Live?
Yes, Hermosa Beach is a good place to live. Living in Hermosa Beach offers true coastal living, and Hermosa Beach boasts tons of community engagement year-round. Plus, you’re in the heart of the three beach cities, close to Manhattan Beach and Redondo Beach for even more dining, shopping, and things to do.
Where Is Hermosa Beach?
What county is Hermosa Beach in? Hermosa Beach is in Los Angeles County and is a small Pacific Ocean beach city in the South Bay and part of the greater Los Angeles metro area, with easy access to major Los Angeles neighborhoods.
If you’re living in Hermosa Beach or moving to Hermosa Beach CA, you’ll be right next to neighboring beach cities like Manhattan Beach and Redondo Beach, plus quick drives to Downtown Los Angeles and Beverly Hills. However, expect traffic congestion, especially during rush hour and summer weekends.
When living in Hermosa Beach, you can take advantage of the Beach Cities Transit bus service.
Are you ready to start living in Hermosa Beach? The Hermosa Beach movers at Movegreen are ready to make your relocation smooth and stress-free. Give our Hermosa Beach moving company a call today!
Hermosa Beach Population & Demographics
How many people are living in Hermosa Beach? There are 19,728 people living in Hermosa Beach, giving the area a cozy, small-town feel. Hermosa Beach is a very affluent community, with a median household income of $152,019 (far above the California average of $96,334). The area is especially popular among older adults, with a median age of 42.1, and 22% of the population over the age of 60.
Additional Hermosa Beach demographics:
- Sex ratio: 51.8% male, 48.2% female
- Racial & ethnic composition: 74.7% White (72.8% non-Hispanic), 14.6% two or more races, 7.4% Asian, 0.6% Black or African American, 0.1% American Indian
- Foreign-born population: 12.2%
- Educational attainment: 98.5% high school degree (or higher), 76.5% bachelor’s degree (or higher)
- Notable people from Hermosa Beach: TV personality Jimmy Kimmel, tennis player Jim Grabb, and actor Dylan O’Brien
Is living in Hermosa Beach safe? Here’s a breakdown of the Hermosa Beach crime rate.
- Overall crime rate: 3,121 crimes per 100,000 people (9.8% higher than the state average and 34.3% higher than the national average)
- Violent crime rate: 291 crimes per 100,000 people (41.7% lower than the state average and 21.3% lower than the national average)
- Property crime rate: 2,830 crimes per 100,000 people (20.8% higher than the state average and 44.8% higher than the national average)
Hermosa Beach is a very safe place to live. As you can see, most of the crime in the area is property crime, which can oftentimes be prevented through increased security measures. The Hermosa Beach Police Department serves residents living in Hermosa Beach.
Hermosa Beach Cost of Living
Living in Hermosa Beach is fairly expensive, with a Cost of Living Index of 131.73. This means that living in Hermosa Beach CA is 31.73% more expensive than the national average. Although this is higher than the national average, it is lower than the Los Angeles Cost of Living Index of 149.4.
According to the Economic Policy Institute, a family of four living in Hermosa Beach would need to earn $134,902 to live comfortably in the city.
Typical Hermosa Beach Living Expenses
- Meal at an inexpensive restaurant: $25.00
- Cappuccino: $5.85
- Imported beer: $9.00
- Pound of rice: $2.21
- Pound of chicken: $6.30
- Average monthly phone bill: $65.58
- Average Hermosa Beach utilities per month: $211.61
Source: Numbeo
Are you interested in finding houses for sale in Hermosa Beach CA? There are plenty of options for houses in Hermosa Beach, with everything from single family homes to condos with ocean views available. According to Redfin, the average home price in Hermosa Beach is $1.93 million. Housing costs may be high, but they are actually down 19.7% compared to last year.
Would you rather rent Hermosa Beach CA real estate? There are plenty of fantastic apartments in Hermosa Beach CA, including The Gallery at Playa Pacifica and Crystal Cove Apartments. According to RentCafe, the average rent in Hermosa Beach is $3,245.
Neighborhoods in Hermosa Beach | Where to Live in Hermosa Beach
Hermosa Beach may be small, but it packs a lot into a few square miles. Living in Hermosa Beach means you can choose between walkable beach energy, hillside calm, or oceanfront luxury. Overall, Hermosa Beach extends from the sand inland to the hillside, so each neighborhood delivers a totally different lifestyle. Here are the top areas to know before moving to Hermosa Beach CA.
Downtown Hermosa Beach | The Heart of Dining and Nightlife
This is the lively core near Pier Plaza, filled with restaurants, shops, a local cafe scene, and staples like Lighthouse Cafe and Hennessey’s. Expect nonstop people-watching, vibrant nightlife, and plenty of vacation rentals in Hermosa Beach CA.
If you’re planning a short-term stay before settling in, Platforms like Owner Direct make it easy to explore verified beachfront condos, apartments, and homes in this area. This is especially helpful for newcomers who want to experience different neighborhoods before committing long-term. With flexible options and a wide range of property types, it’s a convenient way to transition into living in Hermosa Beach comfortably.
If you’re planning a short-term stay before settling in, Platforms like Owner Direct make it easy to explore verified beachfront condos, apartments, and homes in this area. This is especially helpful for newcomers who want to experience different neighborhoods before committing long-term. With flexible options and a wide range of property types, it’s a convenient way to transition into living in Hermosa Beach comfortably.
The Strand | Oceanfront Living With Beach Access
The Strand is the famous waterfront walkway lined with multi-level homes and major high demand real estate. It’s all about natural beauty, bike rides, and stepping straight from your front door onto the sand.
Hermosa Hills | Quiet Area With Family Vibes
Tucked into the hilly eastern section, Hermosa Hills offers larger single-family homes and a calmer pace. You’ll find charming bungalows mixed in with newer builds, making it a great option for long-term living in Hermosa Beach.
Hermosa Beach Weather & Climate
If you’re living in Hermosa Beach, you get a true Mediterranean climate with mild temperatures year-round, thanks to the ocean influence in the Greater Los Angeles Area. Typical Hermosa Beach temperature averages are around 74°F in summer and 55°F in winter, with cool mornings and breezy afternoons that make the coastal lifestyle extra comfortable.
Like much of coastal Southern California, the main climate hazards are drought and wildfire conditions inland, which is why environmental initiatives and protecting green spaces matter here. Between the ocean views and palm-lined streets, the weather is a huge part of the city’s scenic beauty and a big reason people love living in Hermosa Beach.
Things to Do in Hermosa Beach
One of the best parts of living in Hermosa Beach is that you’re never short on sunshine, community events, and oceanfront energy. From parks to the pier, these are the best things to do in Hermosa Beach when you’re looking for fun things to do in Hermosa Beach and wondering what to do in Hermosa Beach.
Valley Park is a favorite for picnics, kids’ playtime, and relaxing in one of the city’s well-maintained parks. It’s also known for summer concerts, making it a go-to spot for locals.
2521 Valley Dr, Hermosa Beach, CA 90254, (310) 318-0280
The Hermosa Beach Pier is one of the top Hermosa Beach attractions, perfect for sunset strolls and watching beach volleyball on the sand. You’re also close to Redondo Beach, so you can easily turn this into a full South Bay day.
1 Pier Ave, Hermosa Beach, CA 90254, (310) 318-0239
This playful park is great for families and an easy stop after the beach. It’s another reason living in Hermosa Beach feels so easy and active, with parks and recreation always nearby, plus quick access to local live music venues at night.
1102 6th St, Hermosa Beach, CA 90254, (310) 318-0239
Additional Hermosa Beach Attractions
To discover upcoming events in the area, check out the Hermosa Beach Calendar of Events.
Hermosa Beach Restaurants
When living in Hermosa Beach, you’ll have plenty of dining options to choose from. Many restaurants offer amazing views, and you’ll find everything from cozy beachfront cafes along Pier Avenue to elegant venues great for a romantic dinner. These are just a few of the best restaurants in Hermosa Beach.
If you’re on the hunt for a healthy breakfast, head over to Good Stuff for salads, sandwiches, and more made with local ingredients.
1286 The Strand, Hermosa Beach, CA 90254, (310) 374-2334
Make sure you check out Martha’s when living in Hermosa Beach. Here, you’ll find local seasonal fare and vegetarian options that you can enjoy on their open-air patio.
25 22nd St, Hermosa Beach, CA 90254, (310) 376-7786
If you’re in the mood for Mexican food, then head over to Palmilla Cocina Y Tequila for homemade chips and guacamole, burritos, and margaritas.
39 Pier Ave, Hermosa Beach, CA 90254, (310) 374-4440
Hermosa Beach Jobs
Are you a young professional considering living in Hermosa Beach? Hermosa Beach is a vibrant community with plenty of job opportunities, especially in retail and hospitality. A few top employers include the City of Hermosa Beach, Von’s Companies, and Lazy Acres.
Many people living in Hermosa Beach commute to Los Angeles for work, where you’ll find top employers like the University of California, Los Angeles, and Kaiser Permanente.
According to Payscale, the average salary in Hermosa Beach/Los Angeles is $93,000. If you’re searching for jobs, then check out the city job board or do a quick search for ‘jobs in Hermosa Beach’ on Indeed.
Schools in Hermosa Beach
For families living in Hermosa Beach or moving to Hermosa Beach CA, schools are a big plus. The primary Hermosa Beach school district is the Hermosa Beach City School District for elementary and middle school, including Hermosa View Elementary School and Hermosa Valley School, and it feeds into the highly rated Manhattan Beach Unified for high school (Mira Costa High School). Overall, the area is known for excellent schools and strong community support.
There are also private options nearby, including Fusion Academy South Bay, American Martyrs School (Manhattan Beach), and Bishop Montgomery High School (Torrance). For college, you have easy access to schools like El Camino College, Loyola Marymount University, and USC in the greater LA area.
The Hermosa Beach Library is a great local resource too, with programs, study space, and family-friendly community events.
Hermosa Beach Statistics & Information
- County: Los Angeles County
- Hermosa Beach area: 1.42 square miles
- Hermosa Beach zip code: 90254
- Hermosa Beach area code: 310, 424
- Hermosa Beach elevation: 26 feet
- Hermosa Beach time zone: Pacific Time Zone (UTC -7 and -8)
- Closest airport to Hermosa Beach: Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), 6.4 miles away
Map of Hermosa Beach
You can refer to this map when living in Hermosa Beach.
Living in Hermosa Beach FAQs
What Is Hermosa Beach Known for?
Hermosa Beach is known for its iconic pier, beach volleyball culture, The Strand biking path, and lively Pier Avenue nightlife. The city offers a fun, walkable lifestyle with ocean views, great restaurants, and an active community that makes it feel like a vacation year-round.
Is Hermosa Beach Expensive?
Yes, Hermosa Beach is pricey compared to many other areas in California, and the high housing costs and coastal location play a major role. Still, many residents say the small city vibe, safety, and coastal beauty make the cost worth it.
What Is It Like Living in Hermosa Beach Year-Round?
Living in Hermosa Beach feels like the perfect blend of laid-back surf culture and everyday convenience. Despite being a small city, it stays energetic with local events, outdoor fitness, and beach life.
Why Do People Move to Hermosa Beach?
Many people move to Hermosa Beach for the coastal beauty, walkability, mild weather, and strong community feel. The city offers quick access to Los Angeles while still feeling relaxed and local.
Are You Ready to Make Living in Hermosa Beach a Reality?
Living in Hermosa Beach has never been better! If you are thinking about moving to Hermosa Beach CA, then let the Hermosa Beach movers at Movegreen support you every step of the way. Get in touch with our team today by calling (866) 684-7336 for a free quote.
