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.
A row of single-family homes in Rancho Palos Verdes, California is a common sight.
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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.
Bike riders take in the view from 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.
Visitors bring binoculars for 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, and keep warm next to the fire pit.
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
Linda Ojeda,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
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On average, homes in Rancho Palos Verdes, CA sell after 51 days on the market compared to the national average of 56 days. The median sale price for homes in Rancho Palos Verdes, CA over the last 12 months is $1,750,000, up 1% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
PRICE REDUCED - DON'T MISS THIS OPPORTUNITY! Enjoy picturesque million-dollar views from this end-unit penthouse located at the Palos Verdes Bay Club. From the vineyards of Palos Verdes to the palms framing the Pacific Ocean you get a feeling of tranquility far away from the hustle of daily living. The single level floorplan is spacious with ambient light flooding the interior. The breezeway
Come take another look! New paint, new flooring, new price, this is the best deal in the neighborhood! Move-in ready 4-bedroom home ideally situated on a quiet cul-de-sac, offering the perfect blend of comfort and coastal charm. This beautifully maintained residence features a spacious granite center-island kitchen ideal for entertaining.Boasting ocean views and a well-designed floor plan
Nestled in the prestigious gated Ponte Vista community adjacent to Rancho Palos Verdes, this stunning residence offers an unparalleled living experience. Part of the Luxury Estates Collection and spanning 2,991 square feet on a 5,790 square foot lot, the home is features four bedrooms, three bathrooms, and elegantly designed interiors that seamlessly blend comfort with sophisticated living. The
Experience effortless living in this beautifully maintained single-level residence featuring 2 bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms. Recently updated with brand new flooring, the home is truly move-in ready and offers a bright, open layout designed for comfort and functionality. Built in 2015, this secure gated community showcases elegant Mediterranean-inspired architecture with inviting courtyard pathways
PRICE REDUCED - DON'T MISS THIS OPPORTUNITY! Enjoy picturesque million-dollar views from this end-unit penthouse located at the Palos Verdes Bay Club. From the vineyards of Palos Verdes to the palms framing the Pacific Ocean you get a feeling of tranquility far away from the hustle of daily living. The single level floorplan is spacious with ambient light flooding the interior. The breezeway
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT, IT IS BACK ON THE MARKET FOR YOUR BUYERS...Virtual Tour in Homes.com. Take advantage of the PRICE ADJUSTMENT for this Convenient and Highly desirable Harbor Gate North Complex, THE HOA IS CURRENTLY COMPLETING A $3.2 MILLION RENOVATION which is prone to a freshly renewed exterior features in a highly sought after complex with potentially higher value. OFFERING FIRST FLOOR
Welcome to this beautifully appointed new construction home in the sought-after The Heights at Ponte Vista community. Offering 1,786 square feet of thoughtfully designed living space, this residence includes premium upgrades — with even more personalization still to come. The gourmet kitchen is a true showstopper, featuring quartz counter, a drop-in electric induction cooktop, built-in wall oven,
Some homes ask you to adapt to them. This one adapts to you. This thoughtfully planned all-electric layout offers four bedrooms, a spacious deck, and secondary private access to the fourth bedroom. The entry level leads with one of the floor plan's most compelling features — a generously sized bedroom suite with its own full bath and a secondary entry that provides a natural sense of privacy and
Perched on a private bluff overlooking the Pacific, this extraordinary coastal estate captures breathtaking panoramic views of the ocean, Catalina Island, and the coastline from nearly every room. Behind secure gates, the beautifully updated residence offers approximately 7,400 square feet of refined living space, where soaring ceilings, walls of glass, and seamless indoor-outdoor living create
Link for Video --- --- Nestled in the prestigious hills of Rancho Palos Verdes, this exceptional property offers a rare opportunity to own a sprawling private estate situated on an expansive 41,516 sq.ft. lot. Surrounded by natural beauty and serene seclusion, the home captures breathtaking panoramic views that create a true retreat-like atmosphere. Tucked away for ultimate privacy, this
Come take another look! New paint, new flooring, new price, this is the best deal in the neighborhood! Move-in ready 4-bedroom home ideally situated on a quiet cul-de-sac, offering the perfect blend of comfort and coastal charm. This beautifully maintained residence features a spacious granite center-island kitchen ideal for entertaining.Boasting ocean views and a well-designed floor plan
Experience coastal elegance as you step into this breathtaking ocean front private gated estate where every facet is positioned to elevate daily living while offering visual charm and ambience that few properties in California can rival. Featuring a blend of Italian and French influences, the home details the highest quality of craftsmanship, custom details, and impeccable finishes. A curated
MALIBU TO CATALINA OCEAN VIEWS | COMPLETE NEW RENOVATION | 5 BED · 5 BATH | LOS VERDES, RANCHO PALOS VERDES This is the Palos Verdes combination buyers hope for: sweeping Malibu-to-Catalina ocean views and a brand new rebuilt renovation. 28711 Cedarbluff pairs all-new systems with high-end materials, careful craftsmanship, and outdoor living spaces finished to the same standard as the interior.
Welcome to 2033 Sauna Dr Rancho Palos Verdes. This spacious estate offers an open floor plane with Harbor & Ocean views from almost every room in the home. Inside 3 bedrooms and 2 1/2 upgraded bathrooms. Laminate floors throughout, double paned windows, recessed LED lighting and Solar tubes makes this home light, bright and a comfortable vibe. The owners have sparred no expense with the quality
Move-in ready 4-bedroom home ideally situated on a quiet cul-de-sac, offering the perfect blend of comfort, functionality, and coastal charm. This beautifully maintained residence features a spacious granite center-island kitchen ideal for cooking, entertaining, and everyday living. The home boasts ocean views and a well-designed floor plan that includes a formal dining room, along with an
Surround yourself with striking views and stunning landscapes at Highridge apartment homes in Rancho Palos Verdes, CA.Our spacious loft, 1-, 2-, and 3-bedroom residences have been designed with your comfort in mind. Each apartment home features a fully equipped kitchen, large closets, and an in-home washer and dryer. Select homes also include a private patio or balcony showcasing stunning
Welcome home to Vista Catalina apartments located in the prestigious Rancho Palos Verdes area. Our community presents an array of exceptional one and two bedroom floor plans that offer room to breathe, play and thrive. Enjoy contemporary conveniences like stainless steel appliances and custom cabinetry in every home. Just minutes from your doorstep, enjoy a wealth of acclaimed equestrian centers
We are located at the top of the hill and surrounded with beautiful ocean views! Our resort style property has 4 large pools, a gym, shared bbq centers and covered parking. Each of our units has large private balconies, Walk in closets, Large layouts and a peaceful feel. PV Victoria is close to Markets, dining, shopping and hiking/walking trails. Everything you need for a perfect home is here!
A community perched atop a 200-foot bluff, offering sweeping views of the ocean. A setting befitting the finest resort. For you, it's called home. Avana Rancho Palos Verdes is a luxurious enclave set on the Pacific, giving you all the perks and views of the good life. On the prestigious Palos Verdes Peninsula, your finely appointed residence is adjacent to the Terranea, a five-star hotel boasting
A horseshoe driveway leads you to this Estate located in the exclusive Monaco neighborhood of Rancho Palos Verdes. Boasting South Facing Panoramic Catalina/Ocean Views. Formal marble entry as well as newer LVP floors throughout the living areas. Bright & spacious layout with lots of natural light. Enjoy the views from the downstairs living room and upstairs bedrooms and balcony. Fireplace in both
Welcome to your new home in beautiful Rancho Palos Verdes, CA! This desirable property offers a perfect blend of comfort and convenience in a stunning coastal community. With nearby restaurants and department stores, you're just steps away from everything you need. Excellent educational options are close, including Chadwick School, while Fred Hesse Community Park is within walking distance for
Feel at home wherever you choose to live with Blueground. You’ll love this bright Rancho Palos Verdes furnished two bedroom apartment with its modern decor, fully equipped kitchen, and comfortable living room. Ideally located, you’re close to all the best that Rancho Palos Verdes has to offer! (ID #LAX1429)The advertised rate of $3,320/month is the lowest available price, based on a 6
Show up and start living from day one in Rancho Palos Verdes with this lovely one bedroom Blueground apartment. You’ll love coming home to this thoughtfully furnished, beautifully designed, and fully equipped Rancho Palos Verdes home. (ID #LAX1430)The advertised rate of $2,640/month is the lowest available price, based on a 2 month(s) and 29 day(s) stay with a move-in date of November 8,
Property Id: 1943032 Step into your rarely available top floor condo at the Seagate community in Rancho Palos Verdes and you’ll be rewarded with high vaulted wood ceilings, peekaboo ocean views and the serenity of resort style living. Located on the bluffs of Rancho Palos Verdes, Seagate is a gated community with two swimming pools, a jacuzzi, sauna, clubhouse and an onsite gym. It is
Property Id: 613370 WEEKDAY & WEEKEND APPONTMENTS, CALL TODAY TO SCHEDULE A VIEWING!! Welcome home to Windsor House Apartments located in the lush hilltops of Rancho Palos Verdes! Our community boasts classic amenities such as a courtyard and pool, while treating our tenants to the convenience of an onsite fitness room. If you are looking for a tranquil oasis with the perks of luxury
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