Welcome to Palos Verdes Peninsula
Luxury and elegance permeate these peaceful communities just south of central Los Angeles
Make your way just southwest of central Los Angeles, and you’ll find yourself in one of Southern California’s most elite and luxurious areas. The communities within Palos Verdes Peninsula are widely considered some of the most desirable and upscale neighborhoods around, attracting an array of successful professionals, families, and retirees looking to escape the hustle and bustle of big city life and settle down in these charming equestrian-style communities.
The homeland of various local indigenous tribes for centuries, the area was eventually given as part of a massive land grant by the Spanish Crown to Manuel Dominguez. Eventually passing to Jose Dolores Sepulveda in 1846, the land was renamed Rancho de Los Palos Verdes and was primarily used as a cattle ranch. In 1913 the land was purchased by a group of wealthy east-coast investors, passing from developer to developer until the early 1920s, when commercial development really began to take off.
Today, the area is renowned for its stunning ocean views, luxurious properties, and extraordinarily beautiful scenery. While architectural styles vary from neighborhood to neighborhood, a dedication to pristine upkeep and class permeates the entire peninsula.
What to Love
People & Lifestyle
The Palos Verdes Peninsula is one of the most desirable and elite communities on the West Coast, and as a result, it is also one of the most affluent. Residents living in the area are typically public figures, executive-level professionals, and successful artists. The average annual household income varies from community to community, but nearly all homeowners earn well over twice the national average. Home values in the area are also some of the priciest in the states, with property values on the peninsula averaging $1.7 million.
There is a distinct appreciation for healthy living throughout the numerous communities, with many residents taking advantage of the several parks, hiking trails, and horse trails winding through much of the peninsula.
Dining, Entertainment & Shopping
The Palos Verdes Peninsula is a stunning and luxurious residential area with plenty of shopping and dining options in nearby communities like Rolling Hills Estates and Rancho Palos Verdes. There, you’ll find some exceptional restaurants like Mama Terrano, a popular Italian restaurant serving classic dishes like osso bucco with risotto milanese, rack of lamb with asparagus, and a fantastic pork shank with rosemary au jus and polenta.
Head over to Palos Verdes Estates to dine at Salsa Verdes, one of the best Latin-inspired restaurants on the peninsula. The menu features outstanding Mexican dishes like flautas with Oaxacan cheese, enchiladas de mole, and steak asado. And when locals are in the mood for exceptional sushi, the fresh and exciting flavors of Black Bamboo Sushi -- also in Palos Verdes Estates -- will always impress.
Things to Do
Residents of Palos Verdes Peninsula have access to some of Southern California’s greatest entertainment opportunities, shopping centers, and recreational activities, with many fun-filled events held in the nearby communities of Rancho Palos Verdes, Rolling Hills Estates, and Palos Verdes Estates. Del Cerro Park is the perfect place to escape for a bit of outdoor reading or just a relaxing day out under the sun. Right along the pacific coast, this beautiful beach is considered one of the most inspiring places on the peninsula for local artists, writers, and musicians.
The Lomita Railroad Museum is dedicated to ensuring the unique and rich history of railroads in the area is preserved and shared year after year. The only museum of its kind west of Colorado, this one-of-a-kind opportunity allows visitors to experience the thrill of railroad history up close, getting a first-hand look at how this country, especially California, came to be.
Schools
The Palos Verdes Peninsula is home to a number of great educational opportunities. Top schools include:
- Chadwick School: Independent, nonsectarian K-12 private day school.