Lomita

Lomita, which means “low hill,” is actually situated in a rather flat part of the South Bay region, but it offers stunning views of the surrounding Palos Verdes Hills. Lomita also offers its residents access to parks, plenty of dining and shopping options and an attractive housing stock. Realtor Nancy Deprez with Vista Sotheby’s International Realty says, “Lomita is a great little city that’s close to other nice areas, including Torrance and Palos Verdes.”

Because Lomita was once a farming community, some parts of the city are still zoned agriculturally. This also means that lots are relatively large, often between five and 10,000 square feet. The average home price in Lomita is $870,000, which is largely due to some two-bedroom cottages in a 55 and over community that are priced around $250,00. You will see a few other cottage-style homes, many of which were built in the 1940s, that are going for about $780,000, but most single-family homes in Lomita are going to run around $1 million or more. For $1.1 million, you can get a three-bedroom ranch-style with a cozy fenced-in yard and an inviting porch. At the $1.3 million mark, you will find Spanish-style homes with stunning front columns and two-story Mediterranean-style homes with arched entryways and flawlessly landscaped lawns. You will also see 1970s split-level homes with Tudor-style accents that are fetching $1.4 million.

Students in Lomita are part of the Los Angeles Unified School District, a system with an overall B rating from Niche. At Eshelman Avenue Elementary School, kindergarten through fifth-grade students learn about character traits, develop literacy skills and begin the study of string instruments. Fleming Middle School and Magnet Center is both a middle school for residents of Lomita, Harbor City and Torrance, as well as a magnet school with a nationally recognized program. Students accepted into the magnet center can take courses in specialized areas such as horticulture, computer programming and underwater robotics. In addition to core academic classes, Narbonne High School offers a variety of specialty programs including a STEAM magnet school, career and technical education courses and a school for advanced studies.

When you want to get outside for a bit, head over to Lomita Park. Here you can watch the kids explore the playground or get in your own workout on the exercise trail. Nearby Hathaway Park, about a one-acre space, offers a playground, basketball court and picnic tables. If you’re looking for a little indoor adventure, check out a new release from Lomita Library. You can also attend a story time or nutrition class while you’re there. Keep an already fun day “on track” with a stop at the Lomita Railroad Museum where exhibits include a Santa Fe Caboose and a 1902 steam locomotive. The museum also hosts year-round events such as Family Fun Day and Santa at the Museum.

You can start your day at The Nook Breakfast Spot, a popular eatery that serves made-from-scratch items such as omelets, breakfast sandwiches and burgers. Lomita’s dining scene also includes Kotosh, a Peruvian restaurant that offers seafood, sushi and authentic Peruvian dishes. Locals will tell you that it’s hard to beat the food, drinks and atmosphere at Project Barley, a small-batch craft brewery with specialty pizzas and salads made from the freshest ingredients. Lomita is also home to a variety of fast and casual restaurants such as Popeye’s, Domino’s and Taco Bell. “Lomita is close to a lot of the amenities people want, such as Whole Foods and Trader Joe’s,” Deprez says.

Lomita is a convenient and centrally located city with access to the 405 and the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH). “You can get to Redondo Beach in about thirty minutes and to Hollywood in an hour and a half,” Deprez says. Locals will tell you that Lomita offers beautiful views and a small-town feel right in Los Angeles County. Perhaps you should see come see for yourself.

Written By

Jessica Haddad

Photography Contributed By

Joseph Palacios

Video By

Benji Anklam