It's easy to develop unrealistic expectations for a city that hugs the Pacific coastline and was master-planned by noted landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted, Jr. (He worked on projects like the 1893 World Exposition in Chicago and was Teddy Roosevelt's man to fix Washington, D.C.'s parks.) But guess what -- Palos Verdes Estates meets and exceeds those expectations with flying colors--most of them shades of deep sea blue.
PVE is mostly a residential community, though there are some retail centers--mostly around Malaga Cove where you'll find the Palos Verdes Public LIbrary designed by Pasadena architect Myron Hunt and included on the National Register of Historic Places
It's easy to develop unrealistic expectations for a city that hugs the Pacific coastline and was master-planned by noted landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted, Jr. (He worked on projects like the 1893 World Exposition in Chicago and was Teddy Roosevelt's man to fix Washington, D.C.'s parks.) But guess what -- Palos Verdes Estates meets and exceeds those expectations with flying colors--most of them shades of deep sea blue.
PVE is mostly a residential community, though there are some retail centers--mostly around Malaga Cove where you'll find the Palos Verdes Public LIbrary designed by Pasadena architect Myron Hunt and included on the National Register of Historic Places. Most of the old architecture pays tribute to the area's Spanish roots with lots of colorful tile, arched windows and walkways, fountains, and terracotta everything. Classic Spanish Renaissance homes and shops abound.
Give yourself a lot of time if you're looking for a rental home in Palos Verdes Estates. The housing supply is finite and most comprised of houses for rent. This is a highly desirable part of the greater LA area, too, so factor that into both the time and resources you'll need to have on hand to make the move.
There are some 1 and 2 bedroom apartments for rent in PVE. Many may even feature views of the Pacific and amenities like swimming pools and fitness centers for when you don't feel like scaling a cliff to swim in the sea. Your credit history and proof of income will be paramount--as well references--as most rentals show definite landlord pride. Be prepared, or be prepared to look elsewhere.
With a little over 13,400 residents at the time of the 2010 U.S. Census, Palos Verdes Estates lands on a lot of lists, and none of them rate based on thrift. PVE, as it is commonly abbreviated by residents and neighbors, is one of several small cities to lay claim to the Palos Verdes Peninsula, which lies just north of hidden gem San Pedro and the bustling Port of Los Angeles and south of the Beach Cities: Redondo Beach, Hermosa Beach, and Manhattan Beach. Its uphill neighbor is the city of Rolling Hills Estates. Inland are the city of Rancho Palos Verdes and the unincorporated community of Rolling Hills. (They didn't get too creative with the naming in these parts.)
Treat yourself to a superb meal at La Rive Gauche--every bit as fancy and delectable as the name sounds. Or, further south, grab a fabulous, local meal at Lunada Bay House Restaurant. The offerings are few within PVE's boundaries, but the few choices are good and fine or casual dining - usual with a view--is a short, extremely scenic drive along Palos Verdes Drive West or South into Rancho Palos Verdes, San Pedro, or the Beach Cities.
For your shopping needs, you'll need to head up the hill into Rolling Hills Estates and hit the Promenade on the Peninsula--an outdoor mall and its general surrounding area for shopping. You won't find big box stores here, though--for that, you'll need to head back downhill into Torrance or San Pedro.
PVE is about fine living and exquisite views. It's the perfect place to take up painting, finally start that novel, or take up challenging cycling as you whip around the hilly switch-back streets that climb into the hills. It's a quiet city with easy commutes (so long as you don't mind cliffside driving) into the LA area's major job centers like Downtown and West L.A. Best of luck finding your dream rental apartment or home.
