Living in Manhattan Beach means enjoying sunshine, laid-back Southern California vibes, and close proximity to some of the best Los Angeles neighborhoods. This city in southwestern Los Angeles County sits along the Pacific Coast and is famous for its sandy beaches, ocean views, and strong sense of community. Founded in 1912, Manhattan Beach got its name when early developer Stewart Merrill, originally from New York, chose to honor his home borough.
Often nicknamed “The Pearl of the South Bay,” Manhattan Beach offers both surf-town energy and sophistication. Residents and visitors alike flock to the scenic pier, beach volleyball courts, and trendy downtown, filled with boutiques and cafes. Between its easy access to LA, top-rated schools, and community events, it’s no surprise people ask, “Is Manhattan Beach nice?” or “Is Manhattan Beach a good place to live?” The answer: absolutely. Here’s everything you need to know about moving to Manhattan Beach CA.
Is Manhattan Beach a Good Place to Live?
Yes, Manhattan Beach is a good place to live. Living in Manhattan Beach means enjoying coastal living, easy beach access, and fun community events all year round.
Where Is Manhattan Beach?
Manhattan Beach is in Los Angeles County in Southern California and is perfectly positioned along the Pacific Ocean in the scenic South Bay region. It’s also a part of the LA metro area and is just a short drive from Downtown Los Angeles and the Los Angeles International Airport.
This coastal location makes it a perfect place for outdoor enthusiasts and beach lovers alike. The city borders Hermosa Beach to the south, El Segundo to the north, and Redondo Beach and Palos Verdes are just beyond, offering access to more stunning beaches and coastal trails.
Though many residents rely on cars, public transportation options are available through LA Metro and Beach Cities Transit, connecting Manhattan Beach to Downtown Los Angeles, El Segundo, and nearby beach towns.
Does the lifestyle of living in Manhattan Beach sound great to you? The Manhattan Beach movers at Movegreen are ready to help you get settled into your new home in no time! Give our Manhattan Beach moving company a call today to get started with a free quote.
Manhattan Beach Population & Demographics
What is the population of Manhattan Beach? The Manhattan Beach population is 34,584, giving the city a population density of 8,790.6 people per square mile. Residents living in Manhattan Beach are quite affluent, with a Manhattan Beach median household income of $193,904, which is well above the California average of $96,334.
When living in Manhattan Beach, you’ll walk the same streets as many notable figures, and people like actress Zooey Deschanel, actor Vince Vaughn, NBA player Steve Nash, and actor Owen Wilson have all called the city home.
Additional Manhattan Beach Demographics:
- Sex ratio: 50% female, 50% male
- Median age: 43.4
- Racial & ethnic composition: 80% White (72% non-Hispanic), 14% Asian, 5% two or more races, 1% Black or African American
- Foreign born population: 13.4%
- Educational attainment: 98.8% high school degree (or higher), 79% bachelor’s degree (or higher)
Is Manhattan Beach safe? Here’s a breakdown of the Manhattan Beach crime rate:
- Overall crime: 3,128 crimes per 100,000 people (10.0% higher than state average and 34.6% higher than national average)
- Violent crime: 192 crimes per 100,000 people (61.6% lower than state average and 48.1% lower than national average)
- Property crime: 2,936 crimes per 100,000 people (25.3% higher than state average and 50.2% higher than national average)
Overall, living in Manhattan Beach is safe. Most of the crimes committed in the area are property crimes due to the many affluent residents living in the area. While these types of crimes are frustrating, they are not generally a threat to your immediate safety and can be prevented by taking the proper precautions.
When living in Manhattan Beach, you’ll be protected by the Manhattan Beach Police Department.
Manhattan Beach Cost of Living
How much does it cost to live in Manhattan Beach? Is Manhattan Beach expensive? Can I enjoy living in Manhattan Beach on a budget? These are all popular questions among those considering moving to Manhattan Beach CA.
The Manhattan Beach Cost of Living Index is 161.7, which means that the average cost of living in Manhattan Beach is 61.7% higher than the national average of 100. According to the Economic Policy Institute, a family of four living in Manhattan Beach would need to earn $134,902 per year ($11,242 per month) to live comfortably in the city.
Typical Manhattan Beach Living Expenses
- Loaf of bread: $4.31
- Gallon of milk: $5.13
- Carton of eggs: $3.89
- Bunch of bananas: $0.81
- Hamburger: $6.19
- Gallon of gas: $4.44
- Doctor’s visit: $145.72
- Average Manhattan Beach utilities per month: $222.54
Source: Payscale
Are you thinking about renting or buying Manhattan Beach real estate? You’ll find plenty of great homes for sale, and there are many different fantastic areas to explore within the Manhattan Beach real estate market. Whether you’re looking for a luxury dream home with proximity to the water or a cozy condo in Downtown Manhattan Beach, there’s something for everyone here.
According to Redfin, the average home price in Manhattan Beach CA is $3.9 million, which is well above the national average of $439,198. If you’d rather explore rental options, then the average rent in Manhattan Beach CA is $2,180 per month, according to Apartments.com.
Neighborhoods in Manhattan Beach | Best Places to Live in Manhattan Beach
Here are a few neighborhoods to explore when living in Manhattan Beach.
If you’re moving to Manhattan Beach CA in search of a fun, walkable lifestyle, then check out Downtown Manhattan Beach. This area runs along Manhattan Beach Boulevard and perpendicular to the Manhattan Beach Pier, where you’ll find volleyball courts, local restaurants, and plenty of fun community events.
Manhattan Village | Bustling Neighborhood With Great Shopping
Manhattan Village is home to world-class shopping, single-family homes, and the prestigious Manhattan Country Club.
The Sand Section | Some of the Most Beautiful Homes in Manhattan Beach CA
If you’re living in Manhattan Beach and looking for a gorgeous waterfront home, then check out The San Section. This quiet neighborhood features oceanfront homes with lush landscaping and gorgeous views. The average home price here is $3.69 million, according to Redfin.
Manhattan Beach CA Weather & Climate
Manhattan Beach climate is classified as warm-summer Mediterranean (Csb) under the Köppen system, giving the town its famously perfect weather year-round. Living in Manhattan Beach means enjoying mild winters and pleasantly warm summers, ideal for surfing, biking, and beach days.
The Manhattan Beach temperature typically ranges from the mid-60s°F ºF in the winter to the upper 70s°F in summer, with annual averages right around 68ºF. Rain is light, averaging about 13 inches per year, and snowfall is virtually nonexistent.
Things to Do in Manhattan Beach
There’s never a dull moment when living in Manhattan Beach! This South Bay city is full of entertainment, beautiful beaches, and fun events like the Hometown Fair. Additionally, you can enjoy nearby areas like Redondo Beach and Los Angeles. Here are a few of the best things to do in Manhattan Beach.
The Manhattan Beach Pier is a must-see when living in Manhattan Beach and one of the best Manhattan Beach family activities. Here, you can play in the sand or enjoy a quick cup of coffee at one of the small cafes.
2 Manhattan Beach Blvd, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266
One of the most fun things to do in Manhattan Beach with kids is to check out this free aquarium and learn about marine life at the end of Manhattan Beach Pier.
Manhattan Beach Pier, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266, (310) 379-8117
A favorite among those living in Manhattan Beach, this park features a large pond, an amphitheater, and a 9-hole disc golf course.
1601 Manhattan Beach Blvd, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266, (310) 802-5448
Additional Manhattan Beach Attractions
Still aren’t sure what to do in Manhattan Beach? Check out the city calendar for upcoming events!
Manhattan Beach Restaurants
When living in Manhattan Beach, you’ll have no shortage of cafes and restaurants to check out for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. These are a few of the best places to eat in Manhattan Beach.
Head over to The Strand House for American fine dining with gorgeous ocean views.
117 Manhattan Beach Blvd, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266, (310) 545-7470
A favorite among locals living in Manhattan Beach, Love & Salt is a great place to enjoy authentic Italian food as well as unique dishes like Duck Egg Pizza.
317 Manhattan Beach Blvd, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266, (310) 545-5252
One of the best restaurants in Manhattan Beach, Fishing With Dynamite serves up oyster-focused seafood dishes along with an extensive wine selection.
1148 Manhattan Ave, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266, (310) 893-6299
Manhattan Beach Jobs
Will you be moving to Manhattan Beach CA in search of a job? The city is full of career opportunities with plenty of jobs available in the hospitality, tourism, and service industries. According to the city’s latest Comprehensive Annual Financial Report, the top employers in Manhattan Beach are:
- Target
- Sketchers
- Macy’s
- Fry’s Electronics
- Marriott
- Ralphs
- Olive Garden
- 24 Hour Fitness
- Bristol Farms
- Shade Hotel
When living in Manhattan Beach, you can also commute to Downtown Los Angeles, where you’ll find top employers like Kaiser Permanente (44,769 employees) and University of Southern California (23,227 employees).
According to Payscale, the average salary in the Manhattan Beach/Los Angeles area is $92,000. If you’re looking for jobs in Manhattan Beach, then do a quick search on Indeed or check out the city job board.
Schools in Manhattan Beach
Living in Manhattan Beach means access to some of the best public schools in California. The Manhattan Beach school district (Manhattan Beach Unified School District) is ranked the 24th best in the state by Niche and serves five elementary schools in Manhattan Beach: Grandview, Meadows, Pacific, Pennekamp, and Robinson, along with Manhattan Beach Middle School and Mira Costa High School, one of the top-rated Manhattan Beach high schools.
In addition to excellent public schools, families can choose from several private schools in Manhattan Beach, including American Martyrs School and Montessori School of Manhattan Beach. Nearby colleges like El Camino College and Loyola Marymount University add to the area’s reputation for great schools.
When living in Manhattan Beach, you can utilize the Manhattan Beach Library.
Manhattan Beach Statistics & Information
- County: Los Angeles County
- Manhattan Beach area: 3.94 square miles
- Manhattan Beach zip code: 90266, 90267
- Manhattan Beach area code: 310, 424
- Manhattan Beach elevation: 66 feet
- Manhattan Beach time zone: Pacific Time Zone (PT), UTC -8 and -7
- Closest airport to Manhattan Beach: Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), 4.6 miles away
Map of Manhattan Beach
Are You Ready to Make Living in Manhattan Beach a Reality?
Living in Manhattan Beach has never been better! If moving to Manhattan Beach CA is in your future, then get in touch with the team at Movegreen. Our reliable Manhattan Beach movers will get you settled into your new home in no time! Give us a call today at (866) 684-7336 for a free quote.
