Rancho Palos Verdes, known locally as RPV, is a residential refuge at the far southern end of Los Angeles County's South Bay. Its suburban communities sit peacefully atop the hills of the Palos Verdes Peninsula, overlooking the Pacific Ocean. This secluding topography makes it feel far removed from the bustling activity in Torrance to the north and the Port of LA to the east. "Rancho Palos Verdes is the biggest of the five cities in what we call PV or Palos Verdes," says Realtor Janet Chen of Keller Williams Palos Verdes, who's lived in RPV since 2011. "RPV and the rest of Palos Verdes is a more lowkey community than the surrounding area, and people are heavily involved in the community aspect," says Chen. "When you live here, you say 'I live on the hill.'" The main evidence of the city's community pride is the Palos Verdes Peninsula Unified School District, one of California's top-ranked systems — but the schools are just one of the reasons people choose Rancho Palos Verdes. The hilly landscape creates a naturally roomy layout with larger lots and generous park space, and it provides some of the area's most dramatic ocean views. Plus, its cliff-lined beaches are a premier hiking and whale-watching destination.
Rancho Palos Verdes sign welcomes visitors to the spectacular coastal neighborhood.
Mansions along the road winding up the hill overlooking the Pacific in Palos Verdes.
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Ocean views and opportunities to upgrade
While most oceanfront cities have pockets of higher-priced homes just along the shore, the majority of homes in RPV have dramatic views of the ocean or the rolling hills, which drives up the prices all over the city. RPV's median home price is almost $2 million, more than double the state of California's median price. "There isn't a specific place people look in RPV," says Chen. "It's just considered to be a nice area overall." While there are very expensive homes — Mediterranean-style mansions reaching $10 million can be found all over the city — most homes are more suburban, Spanish Revivals and Mediterranean-style homes with grassy lawns and winding streets. These houses stay closer to the median price point. "Many homes here were built in the 1960s and 1970s," says Chen. "But a lot of people want to be here, so they'll buy a house and spend the extra money to make upgrades."
Terranea Resort is a spectacular luxury resort on the cliffs in Rancho Palos Verdes.
Row of singe family homes in Rancho Palos Verdes California.
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Second-best school district in Los Angeles
The local education system is one of RPV's big pluses. "The school district is often the main reason people pick Rancho Palos Verdes," says Chen. "The community is really invested, and it's common for parents to support and volunteer at school events." The Palos Verdes Peninsula Unified School District, rated an A-plus overall by Niche, is one of the best education systems in the state and the nation. Along with being the second-best district in LA, it's one of the top 10 districts in California and one of the top 50 in America. Nearly every school in the system earns an A-plus grade. Palos Verdes Peninsula High is a shining star as one of the top 20 best public high schools in California.
Cornerstone School at Pedregal is home of the Cougars and a highly rated elementary school.
Palos Verdes High School has a College & Career Center to help guide students' future plans.
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Hiking and golf with ocean views
Rancho Palos Verdes isn't super convenient for commercial activity, but it's extremely convenient for outdoor activity. Natural spaces and community parks are within walking distance of most homes. The Palos Verdes Nature Preserve provides almost 1,500 acres of natural space across 11 separate reserves on the peninsula. The Portuguese Bend Reserve, the largest of the bunch, and the neighboring reserves offer miles of hiking trails across the grassy Palos Verdes Hills. Most of the cliffside beaches along the Palos Verdes Peninsula aren't fit for casual beach days, but they do provide breathtaking views from the trails at Vicente Bluffs Reserve. Golfers can enjoy the city's stunning coastal views from the Los Verdes Golf Course or the Links at Terranea. It's rarely a bad day to enjoy all this activity in the peninsula's temperate coastal climate, with temperatures averaging between the mid-60s and mid-70s all year. "The Palos Verdes Peninsula has one of the truest Mediterranean climates in the country," says Chen. "A lot of places in Southern California claim that, but it's true here."
Golf courses with Ocean views are a feature of Rancho Palos Verdes.
You can take in the view after a bike ride to Del Cerro Park in Rancho Palos Verdes, CA.
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Whale watching at Point Vicente
The Point Vicente Interpretive Center and the Point Vicente Lighthouse are prime whale-watching locations. They're located on the city's peninsula, overlooking the Point Vicente State Marine Conservation Area. The Interpretive Center's exhibits highlight the history of the Palos Verdes Peninsula and focus mainly on the importance of the Pacific gray whale to the local ecosystem. The annual Whale of a Day event celebrates the Pacific gray whale's migration every April.
The lighthouse at Point Vicente Park is a historical landmark.
Bring your binoculars and go whale watching in Rancho Palos Verdes, CA.
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Oceanfront resort restaurants and a few shopping centers
As a primarily residential city, Rancho Palos Verdes doesn't have much commercial activity other than a few shopping centers and waterfront dining at the Terranea Resort. The resort and its upscale restaurants, like Mar'sel and Nelson's, sit on the bluffs of Terranea Beach, overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Residents usually have to drive a few minutes to their nearest shopping center. The Golden Cove Center has a Trader Joe's and a handful of spots to eat just up the road from the Terranea Resort. A bit farther from the coast, The Promenade PV on Silver Spur Road offers a selection of shopping. There are a few more strip malls along state Route 213 on the city's east end. Retail shopping can be found just over 10 miles north in Torrance, and Inglewood is 20 miles up the road.
Watch the sunset on the terrace at Golden Cove, there is even a firepit to keep you warm.
The Ralphs on Hawthorne is an exceptional and expansive market serving Rancho Palos Verdes.
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Thirty-mile commute to downtown Los Angeles
When choosing Ranchos Palos Verdes, residents know they'll have a longer commute in exchange for the extra space. Downtown LA is 30 miles north on Interstate 110, which runs down the city's east side. The Port of Los Angeles — a logistics and shipping hub — is a few miles east of the city. The area also has large healthcare facilities, such as Torrance Memorial Medical Center and Kaiser Permanente South Bay Medical Center. Plus, Los Angeles International Airport is less than 20 miles north. For getting around the peninsula itself, the Palos Verdes Peninsula Transit Authority runs bus routes around the area, but only on weekdays.
Low crime and moderate risk of wildfires
According to FBI data from the Rancho Palos Verdes Police Department, the city's property and violent crime rates have been significantly lower than state and national rates since 2015. There's more concern for wildfires, with most of the city being in a moderate-risk area. Establishing an evacuation plan is the most important step in preparing for potential wildfires. Homeowners can also take precautionary measures to protect their homes, like maintaining a defensible space. This involves removing dry, overgrown vegetation from the perimeter of homes bordering open space. The city suggests a defensible space of 100 feet between the structure and open, grassy land.
Written By
Ed Coombs
Photography Contributed By
Michael Rutt
Video By
Adam Lapallo
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Edward Mazmanian,
an experienced agent in this area.
On average, homes in Rancho Palos Verdes, CA sell after 51 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Rancho Palos Verdes, CA over the last 12 months is $1,758,000, up 2% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
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Under-construction new end-unit home at The Heights of Ponte Vista offers a spacious layout that makes the most of every inch, with a deck that provides sweeping vistas into the Palos Verdes Peninsula. As you enter, one of the most sought-after features immediately stands out, a junior primary suite on the first floor. This junior primary suite comes complete with its own en-suite bathroom and a
Welcome to this beautifully updated & remodeled 4-bedroom, 3-bathroom home, spanning approximately 2,450 square feet on a generous 7,481-square-foot lot with one bedroom and bathroom located on the first floor. Thoughtfully transformed from its original state, this home has been upgraded with modern, high-end finishes, while maintaining an inviting, timeless appeal. The open-concept design
The best of The Terraces. This fully updated 3-bedroom, 3-bath townhome offering city views, high-end finishes, and a rare combination of comfort and elegance in a prime location. The open-concept kitchen is a standout, featuring quartz countertops, a large center island, tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances—including a 5-burner gas cooktop, double ovens, wine fridge, and custom
Located in the coveted Ridgegate gated community in the heart of Rancho Palos Verdes, this beautifully remodeled three-bedroom, three-bathroom townhome blends contemporary comfort with timeless style. Positioned at one of the highest points in the complex and as an end unit, the home enjoys exceptional natural light and a quiet, private setting. The inviting living room opens seamlessly to the
Welcome to this beautiful 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom single-family home in the heart of Palos Verdes, offering 1,684 square feet of comfortable living space. Located in a highly sought-after school district, this home is ideal for families looking to settle into a peaceful and vibrant community.Step inside to find updated modern bathrooms and well-organized closets that add both style and
Stunning Remodeled Ranch-Style Home with Panoramic City & Harbor ViewsWelcome to your dream retreat! This beautifully appointed ranch-style residence offers breathtaking views including sweeping vistas of the city and harbor. Enjoy these spectacular sights from nearly every room, as well as from the expansive, lushly landscaped backyard.Upon arrival, you’ll be greeted by a Grand entrance
This property will be available 2/1/26 This beautiful two-bedroom with two-bathroom condo offers a luxurious retreat in a private, gated community boasting resort-like amenities and stunning views of Catalina Island and the Pacific Ocean. Relaxation and enjoyment are guaranteed with two pools, a jetted heated spa, a dry sauna, a well-equipped gym, BBQ grills, and outdoor lounge areas. The balcony
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