Palos Verdes Real Estate Blog

The City of  Rancho Palos Verdes is offering a Junior Ranger Program for children from 7 to 12 years of age to learn about the Palos Verdes Peninsula.  The program will teach them about our local trails, the wildlife and outdoor preparedness to enable them to have basic trail etiquette, and safety practices here on the Peninsula.

The program will start with an introduction class on Saturday, January 28, 2012 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., at the Ladera Linda Community Center, located at 32201 Forrestal Drive, Rancho Palos Verdes 90275.  They will be able to view the documentary “The Thin Green Line” which will give the children an informational training on the “leave no trace” principles.  The program will have five sessions through June 23rd.  Upon completion of the program the children will be recognized at a graduation ceremony.  This program is free for all participants.

It is recommended one register for the program as soon as possible.  Call the recreation services manager at (310) 544-5264.

Photo courtesy of the City of Rancho Palos Verdes

Do you know where Miltenburger Park is located?  I had never heard of it and when I went searching to take this photo, I realized I had driven by it many times without realizing it.  It is located on the upper hillside of Palos Verdes Drive East, across the street from the Miraleste Auto Center (at Miraleste Plaza) in Rancho Palos Verdes.

Years ago, Val E. Miltenburger helped form the Miraleste Park District and served on its board until 1943.  The board so appreciated his efforts, the Miraleste Park District created and named a park in his honor.  When the park was originally dedicated the area had a watering system and was beautifully landscaped with annual native flowers.  After years of inattention, it is one of the areas on the Peninsula that is targeted for restoration when funds become available.

What would be better than bringing home a new pet as a Christmas gift?  According to children in this area, absolutely nothing.  There are so many animals that are looking for a home for the holidays, and this is your chance to help them find one.

The City of Rancho Palos Verdes is partnering with the Los Angeles Harbor Animal Center to hold a Palos Verdes pet adoption at Hesse Park on Saturday, December 10, 2011, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.  This is a great opportunity to see pets in person and to be able to walk, hold or just play with these loving animals.  The animals will be located in the upper picnic area which gives you plenty of visiting space.  Hesse Park is located at 29301 Hawthorne Boulevard, Rancho Palos Verdes 90275.

You can view the animals that are available at the Harbor Shelter by going to www.laanimalservices.com or call (310) 544-5268 for more information.  Cash or checks are accepted for adoption fees.

Photo courtesy of the Rancho Palos Verdes Parks & Recreation

Palos Verdes real estate area #174 is known as Crest, and is located in both the city of Rancho Palos Verdes and Rolling Hills Estates.  Multiple listing Service Area 174 has a very irregular shape and is bordered by Hawthorne Boulevard, then south on Indian Peak to Crenshaw to Crest to Highridge to Armaga Springs into Indian Valley to Hawthorne.

The Crest area includes the single family developments of Seaview, Stonecrest, and Mesa Verde and a large tract of single family Palos Verdes homes near Whitley Collins Drive (which is located near Highridge and Crest Road.  It also includes the Highridge condos, and several gated townhomes – Mira Verde, Ridgegate, Hilltop, and the Terraces.

Ridgecrest Intermediate School is located in this area as well as the Harlyne J. Norris Pavalion which is located across from the Norris Theatre.  This multi-function facility is used for meetings, education, and special events.  The Schaffer Forum which is located inside the premises can seat from 250-300 for receptions and parties.

Currently there are 13 condo/town homes in the Crest area ranging from $334,900 for a 2 bedroom/2 bath, 1,165 square foot unit to $799,000 for a 2 bedroom/2 bath, 1,834 square foot condo.  There are 5 single family Palos Verdes homes in this area for sale.  They range from $995,000 for a 3 bedroom/4 bath, 3,017 square foot single family residence to$1,295,000 for a 3 bedroom/4 bath, 3,064 square foot single family residence.

Photo courtesy of the Norris Theatre

Palos Verdes real estate area #173 is known as Los Verdes and is located in the city of Rancho Palos Verdes. Multiple listing Service Area 173 is mostly composed of track homes on the west side of Hawthorne Blvd, and is bordered by Palos Verdes Estates to the north and west and Hesse Park to the south.

This MLS area is home to Vista Grande Elementary School, and Hesse Park.  Hesse Park is one of the favorite parks on the Peninsula.  It houses a large community center which is used for not only the Senior Citizen lecture series, and summer concerts in the park, but is also the registration and game site and for many of our local sports teams.  This facility has multiple rooms that are available for public use. This park is well manicured with the upper level home to baseball and soccer fields, and a large picnic area with barbecues. It has a large playground area that has not only great equipment for older children, but also a great facility for toddlers.  On the lower level there is a sand volleyball court and also more picnic areas.  The park has great walking paths.  As you stroll along, you can take in the ocean and Catalina views.

Currently there are 13 single family homes for sale in this area.  They range from $695,000 for a 4 bedroom/2 bath, 1,834 square foot home, to $1,449,000 for a 5 bedroom/4 bath, 2,788 square foot single family residence.

Photo courtesy of the City of Rancho Palos Verdes

Palos Verdes real estate area 172 is known as La Cresta, and is located in the city of Rancho Palos Verdes.  Multiple listing Service Area 172 is bordered by the City of Rolling Hills to the east, Palos Verdes Land Conservancy acreage to the south, Hawthorne Boulevard and Indian Valley to the west and a very jagged border to the north which includes Wallace Ranch and Crestridge.

The La Cresta area includes the developments of Cresta Verde, Pepper Tree, The Ranch, Rolling Hills Country Estates, Wallace Ranch, Vantage Point, Hillcrest Manor and Rolling Hills Park.  Some of the newer developments in this area are Island View, Ocean Terrace and Sea Breeze.  These newer homes are built on larger sites some about a 1/2 acre.  The Vantage Point development was built on the former site of the Northrop Research Center.

This area is home to two parks – Highridge Park & Del Cerro Park.  Highridge Park is ten and a half acres, and has two regulation size soccer fields, a youth softball/baseball field, large playground area and running tracks with Par Course stations. Del Cerro Park is known for its hiking; it is the trail head to four trails (two to four miles long) which are part of the Canyons Ecological Reserve.  These hikes are great for both beginners and the more experienced hiker.  You’ll also really enjoy the views of the oceanfront and Catalina.

St. John Fisher’s private elementary school and Church are also located in this area. In 1947 Palos Verdes College opened on 55 acres along Crest Road and operated there with portable buildings until 1954.  The project was never completed due to financial difficulties.

Currently there are 3 condo/town homes in this area.  They range from $539,000 for a 2 bedroom/3 bath, 1,572 square foot unit to $719,000 for a 3 bedroom/3 bath, 2,148 square foot condo.  There are 13 single family Palos Verdes homes in this area for sale.  They range from $1,370,000 for a 4 bedroom/3 bath, 2,613 square foot single family residence to $3,899,900 for a 5 bedroom/6 bath, 5,810 square foot single family residence.

Here is a sneak peek at my new Palos Verdes real estate listing offered at $849,000.  3134 Corinna Drive, Rancho Palos Verdes will go on the Multiple Listing Service on Monday, November 7, 2011. This 3 bedroom, 1 3/4 bath, 1,898 square foot home is located on a 12,022 square foot lot with a pool in the Mira Catalina area.

After entering through double doors, you are immediately greeted with breathless ocean views.  The bright and spacious Great Room is perfect for entertaining.  Your guests will enjoy the Ocean, Catalina and Harbor views. A sparkling pool awaits you outdoors in addition to sunny patio and grassy areas.  For additional information and to see more photos, go to www.3134Corinna.com

There will be an Open House on Tuesday, November 8, 2011, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and on Saturday, November 12, and Sunday, November 13, 2011, from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Palos Verdes real estate area 171 is known as Country Club, and is located in the city of Rancho Palos Verdes. Multiple listing Service Area 171 includes the neighborhoods around the Los Verdes Golf Course.  Hawthorne Boulevard is the eastern and southern boundary (as the street curves), Hess Park is the northern boundary, and Calle De Suenos is the western boundary.

This area is called “Country Club” as the Los Verdes Golf Course is located here.  It is a 18 hole public golf course with clubhouse and banquet facilities and is owned by the County of Los Angeles.  Los Verdes Golf Course’s beautiful ocean views make this location one of the popular wedding venues on the Peninsula.  Ralph’s Market is located at the corner on Crest Road and Hawthorne Boulevard.  There is also a large apartment complex located off Los Verdes Drive.

Ryan Community Park is also located in this area.  This park undertook a large upgrade in the past couple of years.  Ryan Community Park was the first park to be annexed by the city in 1973 from Los Angeles County.  The park is 10 acres, with wonderful sports areas, and has a large play area that includes a ship which children love to climb on.  This facility also has community areas that can be rented out for private parties.  It can be accessed from Hawthorne Boulevard, and it has its own parking area.

Currently there are 12 condo/townhouses in this area.  They range from $199,000 for a 1 bedroom/1 bath, 778 square foot condo, to $509,000 for a 2 bedroom/3bath, 1,365 square foot townhouse.  There are 18 single family homes for sale in this area.  They range from $1,185,000 for a 4 bedroom/3bath, 2,432 square foot single family residence, to $2,300,000 for a 5 bedroom/6bath, 5,705 square foot single family residence.

Photo courtesy of Los Verdes Golf Course/American Golf Corporation

The Palos Verdes Peninsula Land Conservancy has added a new nature walk to its list.  The Frascati Canyon walk will be explored for the first time on Saturday, October 8, 2011, from 9-11 a.m.  This walk will be welcomed by hikers who love to explore our canyons.  The hillside lends itself to a moderate to strenuous walk.

Although many Palos Verdes homes owners may not be aware of the Frascati Canyon, it is one of three on the east side of the Peninsula.  It overlooks the harbor area and provides a nice secluded trail.  Along the way you will have ocean views and also shady canyon areas.  At certain times of the year, the waterfall provides a nice back drop to the trail.

No reservations are needed.  Just park at Miraleste Kindergarten at 6245 Via Canada, Rancho Palos Verdes, and then meet at Palos Verdes Drive East and Picardie.

Map courtesy of the Palos Verdes Peninsula Land Conservancy

Many Palos Verdes homes owners  are not aware of the beautiful seaside amphitheater that is located right here on the Peninsula.  The Ilbrahim El Hefni Amphitheater is an outdoor amphitheater with panoramic ocean views and and is used for public as well as private events.

Located on the grounds of the Point Vicente Interpretive Center, at 31501 Palos Verdes Drive West, Rancho Palos Verdes, this wonderful amphitheater was built for whale watching and educational talks.  The Ibrahim El-Hefni Technical Training Foundation generously sponsored/funded this venue in order to continue educational and training usages.

This amphitheater seats over 150 guests and is available for rental.  For more information regarding rental fees and availability call (310) 377-5370.

Photo courtesy of the City of Rancho Palos Verdes