Made up of four prestigious bedroom communities, Rancho Palos Verdes, Palos Verdes Estates, Rolling Hills Estates and Rolling Hills, the Palos Verdes Peninsula is one of the prettiest locations in Los Angeles county, built over hills with great views of the Pacific Ocean, Santa Catalina Island, downtown Los Angeles, and the basin, say local Realtors.

"School rankings are very high and crime is low," says Realtor Michele Hudson.

"Rancho Palos Verdes continues to be popular with prices beginning in the mid-$400,000s for a single family residence in the Eastview area and the high-$500,000s in the Silver Spur and Peninsula Center areas. Homes go up into the millions as well. Spectacular ocean views, harbor views, canyon views or city views are some of your options! There is very little inventory, however, so multiple offer situations do arise," she counsels. "Rolling Hills and Rolling Hills Estates are very upscale communities, with homes that range from suburban horse properties to opulent homes. Rolling Hills Estates also features upscale shopping centers, restaurants and banks. Like other areas on the Peninsula, the current housing inventory is low, making it a seller's Market. Property values remain strong."

Says Realtor Steve Setka, "Rancho Palos Verdes has seen impressive price appreciation since the bottom of the market in 1997; recently, the demand for homes increased sharply, which accelerated the appreciation. Home values in the more affordable $600,000 to $800,000 range are particularly strong, due to rising demand and insufficient supply."

"Home prices in Rancho Palos Verdes typically range from $450,000 to $3 to $4 million," he explains. "Architectural styles range from tract homes to mansions and everything in between. Some homes are situated on standard-sized lots in subdivisions with sidewalks, gutters, and the "look and feel" of typical Southern California tract housing. The other end of the spectrum involves homes in a rural setting, on large lots, with a "country feel."

Demand will continue, predict the Realtors.

"Rancho Palos Verdes one of the choicest locations in California," says Setka. "The other communities are: Palos Verdes Estates, Rolling Hills Estates, and Rolling Hills. These areas comprise one of the richest and most scenic sections of Los Angeles county. Rancho Palos Verdes has its mansions, especially near the Pacific. Much of the housing consists of large, single-family homes, highly maintained but not opulent, many of them commanding views of the Pacific; however, moving back from the shore, horse trails meander through the hills. Golf, tennis, swimming are common sports for the children. The surrounding areas include features and activities such as theater, ballet, chamber music society, private tennis and golf clubs, art exhibits, botanical gardens, Wayfarer Chapel (designed by Frank Lloyd Wright), whale watching, hiking trails, food and wine festivals and ice skating. Upscale shopping is available at "The Avenues" in Rolling Hills Estates."

Click here to view current Market Conditions in your location.

Published: August 23, 2002

Use of this article without permission is a violation of federal copyright laws.