Palos Verdes Real Estate Blog

Palos Verdes homes owners are quite happy with the recent statistics by Advance Publication Inc. (which publishes magazines such as Parade).  It found that Palos Verdes Estates ranked 6th in the Western United States and 23rd nationally for their “Quality of Life”.  On Numbers, a publication owned by Advance Publications, completed a study which looked at over 20 criteria in 3,764 communities with a population over 10,000.  The study looked for well-rounded areas with healthy economies, light traffic, moderate cost of living, impressing housing stocks and strong educational systems.

In a recent Daily Breeze article, Palos Verdes Estates Mayor John Rea described “the Palos Verdes Peninsula community of 13,500 as being a “rustic paradise by the sea”.  Rea went on to say, “Our city is located on a beautiful peninsula with spectacular ocean views and well maintained, tree lined streets where we have invested in our infrastructure.  Our community is more rural than suburban because of open space and our urban forest and minimal business center.”  Palos Verdes Estates does not have any traffic signals, only a handful of street lights, no sidewalks in residential areas, its own Police Department and the trash collectors come to your side yard to pick up your barrels.

Manhattan Beach ranked #25 and Rancho Palos Verdes ranked #71.   Click here to read the entire Daily Breeze article with information on other local cities.

Palos Verdes homes owners are lucky to have the PVE-CARES (Palos Verdes Estates Community Assistance and Resources for the Elderly and Seniors) Program which is geared to our residents 65 and older.  The program was created by the Palos Verdes Estates Police Department to assist seniors so they may live independently and feel safe in their homes on the Peninsula.

The program offers many different events to increase awareness of what the city offers for seniors – updating them on security issues, how to notify the police department when leaving on vacation to local assistance in health care and medical needs.  Contact PVE-CARES, or go to the website (click here to view) to learn more.  Members will receive information, sent directly to them, regarding all the activities.

The next event, “Taking Care of You“, will be held on Thursday, September 15, 2011, starting at 10:30 a.m. at the Palos Verdes Country Club, located at 3301 Via Campesina, Palos Verdes Estates.  There will be special speakers and then a light lunch following the event.

These events require a reservation; please contact PVE-CARES (310) 378-4211 x 2131.

Photo courtesy the Palos Verdes Police Department

Have you ever wondered how to keep your Palos Verdes home safe while your away?  The Palos Verdes Police Department offers a periodic surveillance of your home or property if you are traveling overnight.  It’s easy to participate in the program by just going to the city’s website at www.pvestates.org and then go to the Police Department page.  Click on “Forms” then “Home Vacation Check” to fill out an online request. This information is kept within the Police Department so they can provide extra patrol to your home while you are away.  For more information contact the Police Department at (310) 378-4211.

Photo courtesy of the Palos Verdes Police Dept

Palos Verdes real estate area 164 is the Valmonte neighborhood which is located in Palos Verdes Estates and is east of Malaga Cove bordering Rolling Hills Estates on the South and Torrance’s Hollywood Riviera on the North and East.  Valmonte has always been known for its dense eucalyptus grove that runs through the area. The Valmonte area was originally home to many smaller older Palos Verdes homes, but  there has been a lot of remodeling in the area and the house size is growing as well.  This area is particularly liked by families with younger children.  The old Valmonte elementary school site once housed the Peninsula’s school district office until it moved recently to its newly renovated location at the old Malaga Cove intermediate school site.  Currently the old Valmonte School site is being used  to house its Sunrise program, which specializes in children with mild limitations, and its open pre-school facilities. There is also a huge playground and one of the larger baseball fields in the area.  During the summer families get to enjoy the big movie nights with the large blow up screen, and lounge chairs sprawled throughout the lawns.

The Palos Verdes Estates “gatehouse” also known as the Tower House is located in Valmonte on Via Valmonte just bordering Torrance.  The building is two stories high, 15 feet in diameter with 18 inch thick walls.  It was never actually used as a gatehouse and it is now rented out by the city.

Valmonte also has public horse stables (Palos Verdes Stables) that are located at its Northeast border off Via Opata.  The municipal stables once were located across from the east end of the golf course and had trails going through the city and to the beach.  Valmonte Plaza (Palos Verdes Drive North and Via Pavion) was planned as a beautiful Spanish mall but never materialized due to the Great Depression; it is now part of the city’s park lands.

Currently, Valmonte has 20 active Palos Verdes homes for sale.  They range from $884,000 for a 4 bedroom, 2 bath, 2,109 square foot home to $2,295,000 for a 5 bedroom, 5 bath, 4,063 square foot home.

Palos Verdes Real Estate is sectioned into 17 different Multiple Listing Service areas for Palos Verdes homes.  Malaga Cove (Area 163) in Palos Verdes Estates 90274 is located along the North shoreline of Palos Verdes Estates from the Malaga Cove Triangle to Bluff Cove at the Margate border.  From there it goes inland up the hill to the area near LaVenta Inn and towards the Palos Verdes Country Club.  This is the first area developed in Palos Verdes Estates with its planned commercial plaza (Malaga Cove Plaza) and the famous “Neptune Fountain” replica sculpture.  Malaga Cove is also a popular location for movie filming and commercials.  It is home to the Palos Verdes Police Department, library, city government offices, the county fire station and also the Palos Verdes Pool and Athletic Club.  Malaga Cove is the site of the first school that was built in Palos Verdes in 1926.  The old Malaga Cove intermediate school building now houses the Palos Verdes School District offices and the Costume Closet.

There are two churches in this area, the Neighborhood Church on Paseo del Mar and St. Francis Episcopal church on Via Rosa.

The Olmsted brothers were responsible for much of the park-like design in the Malaga Cove area. They worked on the area around the library, and are responsible for laying out the design that enables the open areas to showcase the beauty.  Malaga Cove is also home to peacocks which one can see roaming the area.

The Palos Verdes Country Club which is located at the end of Malaga Cove area, is a championship golf course with a Mediterranean style clubhouse.  The course was completed in 1925.  The clubhouse is also a popular wedding venue.  The property also houses a tennis club.

Currently Malaga Cove has 12 active listings for sale.  There are 3 condo/townhouses ranging from $625,000 for a 2 bedroom, 3 bath, 1,558 square foot unit, to $1,550,000 for a 3 bedroom, 4 bath, 2,940 square foot townhome. The single family homes range from $1,499,000 for a 3 bedroom, 2 bath, 2,029 square foot home to $10,900,000 for a 5 bedroom, 9 bath, 9,790 square foot home.

Palos Verdes Real Estate is sectioned into 17 different Multiple Listing Service areas for Palos Verdes homes.    Montemalaga (Area 162) is located above Lunada Bay and north of Rancho Palos Verdes, to the Malaga Cove area near La Venta Inn.  Some of the largest homes on the Palos Verdes Peninsula are located in this area.  The lots in Montemalaga are also some of the largest in Palos Verdes Estates.  Montemalaga has the highest elevation in Palos Verdes Estates and contains an area referred to by locals as New York Hill.  This development of custom built homes are larger in size (up to 39,000 square feet).  At one time the Seaver family owned the acreage that surrounds the area which now houses the Zurita baseball field (but later sold if off) .   Coronel Plaza was originally planned as a small commercial district,  but those plans changed and now it is exclusively residential.  Montemalaga Elementary School is also located in this area.

Currently Montemalaga has 22 active Palos Verdes homes for sale.  They range from $995,000 for a 3 bedroom, 2 bath, 1,677 square foot home to $11,500,000 for a 5 bedroom, 8 bath, 8000 square foot home.

The photo above is of the recently remodeled Montemalaga School library.

Earlier this week, I attended a Palos Verdes real estate Board Breakfast Meeting with the City Managers from all 4 cities on the Peninsula – Palos Verdes Estates, Rancho Palos Verdes, Rolling Hills and Rolling Hills Estates.  Here is a summary of their updates:

Tony Dahlerbrach from Rolling Hills reported on the initiative going on the ballot for the next election in March 2012 regarding passive and storage usage of barns.  The property involved in the Poppy Trail landslide is being remediated by the insurance company and will be sold as two separate lots in December.  Verizon and AT&T have installed new cell sites so there will be better cellular coverage.  There is a new ordinance going before the Planning Commission regarding glare studies for solar panel installations.

Carolyn Petru, the Rancho Palos Verdes Deputy City Manager reported on the Mirandela Project (affordable housing) at Crenshaw and Crestridge with 34 units on a 3-acre build site within 19 acres for the total project.  Many of the residents are former Palos Verdes residents who qualified for the program.  We also heard about the Park Ranger Program on the 1400 acre Nature Preserve manned by the Mountains Recreation & Conservation Authority.  Most of the citations have been for off leash dogs, improper trail use, unauthorized paragliding, off-road motorized vehicles, camping, issues at Sacred Cove, graffiti removal and illegal dumping.  There is a Junior Ranger Program in pilot phase to teach trail skills, recognizing animal tracks, etc.

Joe Hoefgen from Palos Verdes Estates reported that the speed cushions on Via Del Monte will be reviewed next month – most feedback has been positive however bicyclist are not in favor.  There is a current study to monitor the underground water in the Malaga Cove commercial area.  Applications are being accepted from Palos Verdes Estates residents who want to volunteer for committees within city.   They have a new website: www.PVestates.org

Douglas Prichard from Rolling Hills Estates reported that the local economy is showing signs of recovery based on tax revenues.  It will be another 2-3 years before improvements to Palos Verdes North, west of Crenshaw are complete.  He discussed several development projects.  828 Silver Spur (former Arco site) will probably be approved as a small commercial building.  627 Deep Valley Drive (old car wash site) is currently approved for 58 senior units and may become an assisted living site.  655 Deep Valley Drive (Brick Walk) will go to Planning Commission for 150 units.  Rolling Hills Covenant Church expansion was approved for 16,000 square foot office and school expansion on south campus.  Butcher Ranch subdivision at Palos Verdes Drive North and Palos Verdes Drive East is approved for 11 single family homes.  Chandler Preserve status: Planning Commission approved project and now going before City Council for 114 single family residences on 1/2 acre lots, private streets, total redesign of Rolling Hills Golf Course and boundary line adjustment between Torrance and Rolling Hills Estates.

Photo courtesy of Arvin Design

“The Childrens’ Fountain”

Palos Verdes Real Estate is sectioned into 17 different Multiple Listing Service areas for Palos Verdes houses.  As promised in a prior article (click here to read), I will give you information on each one beginning with Lunada Bay/Margate.

Palos Verdes homes in Area 160, Lunada Bay/Margate are located in the city of Palos Verdes Estates. The ocean creates the border to the west, Bluff Cove area is the northern border and the city of Rancho Palos Verdes creates both the southern and eastern border.  There are three schools located in Lunada Bay/Margate – Lunada Bay Elementary, Palos Verdes Intermediate  and Palos Verdes High School.  This area also boasts a small commercial center that runs along a two block corridor in and around Lunada Bay Plaza (built in 1966).  This area was one of the original planned developments and  although it is not as grandiose as was once dreamed of, it is very true to style but on a much smaller scale.  The Plaza today has a 5,000 square foot interior courtyard with an ornate fountain.  You will find restaurants and shops in the courtyard, while offices occupy the second story.  Other neighborhood businesses surrounding this area are additional restaurants, a small grocery store, hardware store and miscellaneous shops. The fountain in the middle of the Palos Verdes Drive West (which lies outside the plaza itself) was installed in 1963 and is called the Fuente de los Ninos or the Children’s Fountain.

Currently, Lunada Bay/Margate has 34 active Palos Verdes homes for sale.  Four are condo/townhomes which range in price from $489,000 for a 2 bedroom, 3 bath, 1,250 square foot townhome to $510,000 for a 2 bedroom 2 bath, 1.315 square foot townhome. The 30 single family Palos Verdes homes range in price from $998,000 for a 3 bedroom, 2 bath, 1,349 square foot home to $5,995,000 for a 5 bedroom, 7 bath, 7,528 square foot home.

Photo courtesy of the city of Palos Verdes Estates

The Palos Verdes Beach and Athletic Club located in Palos Verdes Estates will be offering for the first time their expanded summer swim lesson program to non-members at the PVBAC pool. Lessons are provided for children of all levels. This is not for recreational swimming, just for the specific lesson/program being offered. For a Palos Verdes Estates resident, non-member session is $180. The enrollment will be capped at 1 instructor per 6 students so it’s important to enroll the first day for open registration which will be Monday, May 2nd. I recommend you print the program flyer and have all your registration and waiver forms available.  You can do this at www.pvestates.org.

Three-week Swim Lesson Sessions: (Tuesday-Friday (12 lessons/session) Session l: June 21-July 8, Session 2: July 12-July 29, Session 3: August 2-August 19.

The Palos Verdes Beach and Athletic Club is located at 389 Paseo Del Mar, Palos Verdes Estates 90274  - phone number 310-375-8777.

Photo courtesy of the Palos Verdes Beach and Athletic Club

Did you know that in 1913, the entire Palos Verdes Peninsula was purchased for development for $1,500,000 by a group headed by Frank Vanderlip, Sr.?  That is probably the median price for one our Palos Verdes houses today!  After the stock market crash in 1929, portions of the original purchase were sold off.  Today, the Palos Verdes Peninsula is actually composed of 4 different cities – Palos Verdes Estates, Rancho Palos Verdes Estates, Rolling Hills, and Rolling Hills Estates (and 2 Los Angeles County areas known as Westfield and Academy Hills). All Palos Verdes homes in these four cities and 2 areas are part of the Palos Verdes Peninsula Unified School District.

Palos Verdes Estates was the first city on the Palos Verdes Peninsula to incorporate in 1939. The city has 4.5 miles of coastline. Twenty-eight per cent of the city land is permanently deeded as parkland and maintained as dedicated open space. In 2009 the US Census count was 13,546 residents for this area.  The unique Mediterranean flair of Monte Malaga and Malaga Cove, and charm of Valmonte and Lunada Bay bring their own history to this area.

Rancho Palos Verdes was the last city on the Palos Verdes Peninsula to incorporate in 1973. It has 7.5 miles of coastline and 12.3 square miles of land.  It is the largest city on the Peninsula.  The US Census count was 40,964 in 2009.

Rolling Hills Estates was incorporated in 1957 and is the third largest city on the Palos Verdes Peninsula both in size (4.18) mi and population – 7,834 according to the 2009 census.  It has a rural atmosphere and some lots are 1/2 acre (or more) and some areas are zoned equestrian. The city has six parks, 25 miles of scenic trails and 36 acres of open space. It is often called the Heart of the Peninsula because of its large shopping and entertainment areas.

Rolling Hills is a privately gated equestrian community located atop the scenic hills of the Palos Verdes Peninsula. It was in incorporated in 1957.  It is the smallest city on the Peninsula and the most private; most lots are over one acre.  The city has 26 miles of private roads and 23 miles of equestrian trails. It’s 2009 U.S. Census count was 1,972.

In the next few weeks I will be going over the seventeen different Multiple Listing Service areas for Palos Verdes real estate and concentrating on their locations and what makes each of them so special. You will be able to access information on current listings in these areas and the different price points.