Always dreamed of moving to an upscale area with breathtaking ocean views and luxury amenities? Then living in Palos Verdes may be the ideal option.
Palos Verdes is a peninsula in the South Bay area of Los Angeles that comprises a group of four neighboring cities: Rancho Palos Verdes, Palos Verdes Estates, Rolling Hills, and Rolling Hills Estates, along with the unincorporated community of Westfield/Academy Hill and the Los Angeles neighborhood of San Pedro.
The Palos Verdes peninsula offers stunning ocean views, award-winning golf courses, top-rated schools, and high property values in an exclusive, gated community. Development of the area began in 1846, when Jose Dolores Sepulveda and Jose Loreto received a Mexican land grant from the California governor. The settlement was given the name "Rancho de Los Palos Verdes", which translates to Ranch of the Green Trees.
Today, Palos Verdes is a good place to live for wealthy families and retirees seeking a safe community with panoramic ocean views and natural beauty. Convinced that moving to Palos Verdes to retire to a quiet place or raise kids is in your future? Here is everything you need to know.
Where Is Palos Verdes CA?
Palos Verdes is in southwestern Los Angeles County within the South Bay Region of the LA metropolitan area. It borders the Pacific Ocean to the west and south, the city of Torrance to the north, and the Port of Los Angeles to the east.
Those living in Palos Verdes have access to several major highways, including California State Route 1 (aka the Pacific Coast Highway) and California State Route 213, which provide access to Santa Monica and other South Bay cities like Redondo Beach, Hermosa Beach, and Manhattan Beach to the north or Orange County to the south.
It's about 27 miles or a 45 minute drive from Palos Verdes to downtown Los Angeles. Many people living in Palos Verdes commute to LA for work.
Palos Verdes Population & Demographics
The total Palos Verdes population is 109,223, according to the 2020 census. Due to its large, luxury estates, it has a very spacious suburban atmosphere with only 676 residents per square mile, which is why there are so many wealthy residents living in Palos Verdes.
However, it's made up of smaller cities that tend to be more densely populated. For instance, the population of the city of Rancho Palos Verdes is 41,259, and the population density is 3062 residents per square mile. The number of people living in Palos Verdes has remained fairly consistent and only went up by about 1% between 2010 and 2020.
It's a very wealthy community that's popular among families and retirees. The median household income for those living in Palos Verdes is $153,607, which is more than 50% higher than the rest of California and more than double the rest of the country.
The median age is 47.5 years old, and 25% of people living in Palos Verdes are seniors over 65, while 22% are under 18. It's a fairly diverse community with significant white, Hispanic, and Asian populations living in Palos Verdes.
The racial and ethnic breakdown is 51% white (non-Hispanic), 20% Asian, 18% Hispanic or Latino, 2% Black or African American, and 8% two or more races. Notable people who have had the pleasure of living in Palos Verdes include Hall of Fame NFL quarterback Joe Montana and actress Christina Crawford.
Other Palos Verdes demographics:
- 52% of people living in Palos Verdes are men, and 48% are women
- 93.9% of people living in Palos Verdes have a high school diploma, and 59.9% have a bachelor's degree or higher
- The foreign-born population is 26.2%
Living in Palos Verdes is safe, which is why it's so popular among wealthy families and retirees. In fact, Rancho Palos Verdes has been named the 4th safest city in California by the leading safety firm, Safewise.
Here's how crime in the community compares to the California crime rate and the rest of the US:
- Total Palos Verdes crime rate: 1136 crimes per 100,000 people, 60% lower than the state, 51% lower than the country
- Violent crime: 129 crimes per 100,000 people, 74% lower than the state, 65% lower than the country
- Property crime: 1007 crimes per 100,000 people, 57% lower than the state, 48.5% lower than the country
So moving to Palos Verdes is a great option for families prioritizing safety. Law enforcement is handled by different agencies depending on the city. Palos Verdes Estates has its own Police Department, while Rancho Palos Verdes is served by the Lomita Station of the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Office.
Cost of Living in Palos Verdes
Is Palos Verdes expensive? Being in the heart of Southern California, the cost of living in Palos Verdes is considerably higher than the rest of the country. However, it also offers upscale properties and a great quality of life if you have the budget.
The cost of living index is one way to analyze the cost of living in Palos Verdes. It compares the prices of typical consumer goods to the rest of the US, which is represented by 100. The COLI for the Los Angeles area is 149. That means the Palos Verdes cost of living is about 49% higher than the typical US city.
Another helpful resource is the Family Budget Calculator created by the Economic Policy Institute. It suggests that the typical family of four with two adults and two kids would need to earn $134,902 to afford the cost of living in Palos Verdes.
Typical expenses of living in Palos Verdes:
- Meal at an inexpensive restaurant: $20
- 1 gallon of regular milk: $4.28
- 1 dozen regular eggs: $3.81
- 1 gallon of gasoline: $4.80
- Loaf of fresh, white bread: $3.78
- 12 ounce bottle of water: $2.14
- Mid-range bottle of wine: $15.00
- Average Palos Verdes monthly utility bill: $282.90
Source: Numbeo
The average home price in Palos Verdes CA is much higher than the rest of the US. According to Redfin, the median home price in Ranchos Palos Verdes is $1.8 million, and in Palos Verdes Estates, it is $2.4 million. The median price per square foot of Palos Verdes real estate is $800+.
The majority of people living in Palos Verdes own a home, and 73% of properties are owner-occupied, while 27% are rented out. However, renters moving to Palos Verdes will also find plenty of options.
According to RentCafe, the average rent in Rancho Palos Verdes is $3300 per month. There are several apartment buildings designed to accommodate seniors living in Palos Verdes, including Palos Verdes Villa Assisted Living and Miradella Senior Apartments. Rent prices for a 2 bedroom start around $3800 and go up to $5200.
Palos Verdes Neighborhoods | Where to Live In Palos Verdes
No matter where you choose to settle down, living in Palos Verdes offers luxury homes, ocean views, and low crime. You'll find everything from modest ranch homes to massive equestrian properties. Although naturally some neighborhoods have more to offer than others. Here are a few of the best places to live in Palos Verdes.
Valmonte | A Secluded Neighborhood With a Range of Architectural Styles
Valmonte is an upscale neighborhood in Palos Verdes Estates enveloped in dense Eucalyptus groves that offers a range of ranch, contemporary, craftsman, Cape Cod, and Mediterranean-style homes.
Malaga Cove | An Upscale Community With Ocean Views and Shopping Options
Malaga Cove is another popular neighborhood for affluent people living in Palos Verdes and a planned community offering recreational amenities, beautiful beaches, ocean views, and Malaga Cove Plaza, the primary mall in Palos Verdes.
Mira Catalina | An Affordable Neighborhood With a Well-Respected Elementary School Off Palos Verdes Drive East
Mira Catalina is a peaceful neighborhood in Rancho Palos Verdes offering a mix of single-family and townhomes, a well-respected elementary school, and relative affordability compared to other communities on the peninsula.
Palos Verdes Weather & Climate
Fantastic weather is another great reason to consider living in Palos Verdes. It has a mild, Mediterranean climate, according to the Koppen classification system. That means warm, dry summers and cool, partly cloudy winters.
The temperature typically stays between 51°F and 76°F; however, in the winter it can drop down to 46°F, while summers can get up to 84°F. The ideal time for warm-weather activities is mid-June through mid-October. Moving to Palos Verdes also means you won't have to contend with much precipitation, as it only averages about 15 inches of rain and doesn't snow. However, you still may want to bring an umbrella.
Things To Do in Palos Verdes
From outdoor activities to art museums, you'll find a wide variety of fun things to do in Palos Verdes CA. The Golden Cove Shopping Center in Palos Verdes features plenty of retail businesses, including a Trader Joe's and a Starbucks, while Malaga Cove Plaza also features several restaurants and businesses. The Peninsula Shopping Center is also a popular Palos Verdes shopping mall that features brand-name retailers and medical offices. Other than shopping, here are a few of the best things to do in Palos Verdes.
The Point Vincente Interpretive Center is a local nature and culture museum with a visitor center and waterfront park that offers whale watching, perfect if you're looking for Rancho Palos Verdes CA things to do with kids.
31501 Palos Verdes Dr W, Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90275 (310) 544-5375
The South Coast Botanical Garden is an 87-acre property in Palos Verdes Estates that features over 2500 species of plants and several hiking trails that make a great destination for anyone living in Palos Verdes looking to take a casual stroll.
26300 Crenshaw Blvd, Palos Verdes Estates, CA 90274 (424) 452-0920
The Palos Verdes Art Center is a local community hub showcasing local and regional exhibitions from artists living in Palos Verdes, as well as studio classes and outreach programs.
5504 Crestridge Rd, Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90275 (310) 541-2479
Additional Palos Verdes Attractions
Looking for more activities and attractions while living in Palos Verdes? The Rancho Palos Verdes Parks, Recreation and Open Spaces Department has a list of classes, programs, and events on its website.
Palos Verdes Restaurants
From Italian food to New American fine dining, you'll find a wide variety of delicious restaurants in Palos Verdes CA. Here are a few of the best places to eat in Palos Verdes.
Mar'sel is one of the best Palos Verdes restaurants with ocean views, serving elegant New American food like lobster risotto and coastal lamb in a relaxed, resort-style setting.
100 Terranea Way, Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90275 (833) 282-2974
Good Stuff is one of the best restaurants in Palos Verdes CA to visit with the entire family and serves American classics and Mexican fare with outdoor seating and happy hour specials.
550 Deep Valley Dr #151, Rolling Hills Estates, CA 90274 (310) 544-8000
Giorgio's in Rolling Hills Estates CA is a popular Italian eatery serving traditional dishes like chicken marsala and shrimp scampi with a welcoming ambiance.
777 Deep Valley Dr, Rolling Hills Estates, CA 90274 (310) 541-2600
Jobs In Palos Verdes CA
Another benefit of living in Palos Verdes is its strong economy. It's a very wealthy, upper-class area with a median household income that's nearly double the national average. It's a popular community among those who work in media and entertainment due to its close proximity to Los Angeles.
It's primarily a residential community with no true downtown Palos Verdes, so you won't find many employment opportunities in the community itself. However, residents living in Palos Verdes have an easy commute to LA for opportunities in industries such as music, film, media, sports, healthcare, technology, and other exciting fields.
High end Palos Verdes CA real estate is another major driver of the economy, and property taxes are a major source of revenue for the local cities.
Major employers in the South Bay Area of LA County:
Payscale indicates that the average salary in the Los Angeles area is $92,000 per year. So anyone living in Palos Verdes can expect fair compensation. From patient services representative to marketing assistant, you can find a wide variety of excellent Palos Verdes jobs available. The city of Rancho Palos Verdes also has jobs available with the local government.
Palos Verdes Schools
Palos Verdes is known for its great schools, which attract families prioritizing education. The Palos Verdes Unified School District serves approximately 11,000 students across the four cities on the peninsula. It consistently ranks among the highest API, SAT, and AP participation rates in California.
The Palos Verdes School District consists of 2 preschools, 10 elementary schools, 3 intermediate schools, and 3 high schools. Cornerstone at Pedregal, Montemalaga, and Soleado are often cited as the best elementary schools in Palos Verdes.
The three high schools in Palos Verdes CA are:
- Palos Verdes High School: 9-12
- Palos Verdes Peninsula High School: 9-12
- Rancho Del Mar High School: continuation
Palos Verdes High School in Rolling Hills Estates is often seen as the best and ranks 34th in California and 285th in the state. The Chadwick School, Fusion Academy, and Rolling Hills Country Day School are all notable private schools in Palos Verdes CA. The Palos Verdes Library District also operates three locations across the peninsula that residents living in Palos Verdes are welcome to visit.
Palos Verdes Statistics & Information
- Palos Verdes County: Los Angeles County
- Palos Verdes area: 37.5 square miles
- Palos Verdes zip code: 90274 & 90275
- Palos Verdes area code: 310 & 424
- Palos Verdes elevation: 220
- Palos Verdes time zone: Pacific Time Zone (UTC -7 and-8)
- Closest airport to Palos Verdes: The Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is 27 miles away.
Palos Verdes CA Map
Discover more activities, attractions, and fun things to do while living in Palos Verdes with this map.
Find Out What Living in Palos Verdes Is Really Like
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