El Segundo, California

The Vibe:
This is the true heart of El Segundo. Picture 1940s and ‘50s single-story homes, a low-slung skyline, tree-lined streets, and kids biking home from school. It’s walkable to Main Street and Recreation Park, and the whole place feels like a set from a modern-day The Wonder Years. You’re not here for flash, you’re here for friendliness and civic life.

Bonus: a short walk to the library, high school football games, and the Thursday farmers market.

Zoned Schools:
-El Segundo Unified School District
-Center Street Elementary
-El Segundo Middle School
-El Segundo High School

Median Home Price: ~$1.85M

Similar Neighborhoods:
-Brentwood Glen (West LA): For its peaceful streets and postwar homes
-South Redondo (Redondo Beach): Coastal, residential, and local
-Lomita Pines (Lomita): Quieter, family-oriented, under the radar

The Vibe:
Once an industrial zone, Smoky Hollow is now full of cool, creative offices, tech start-ups, coffee shops, and converted warehouse studios.

Mixed-use lofts and condos are increasingly common, and this is the closest El Segundo gets to having a “scene.” The location is prime for walkability, you’re steps to Main Street, restaurants, breweries, and co-working spots. It’s modern but still low-key.

Zoned Schools:
-El Segundo Unified School District
-Richmond Street Elementary
-El Segundo Middle School
-El Segundo High School

Median Home Price: ~$2.1M for condos/townhomes; houses can push higher

Similar Neighborhoods:
-Helms District (Culver City): Industrial-chic and walkable
-Arts District (DTLA): Edgy energy but far less dense
-Westside Village (West LA): Low-key with quick freeway access

The Vibe:
If you want to walk to the ocean from your front door, this is your zone. Homes west of Pacific Coast Highway sit within biking distance to Dockweiler Beach and the Strand. The architecture here is a little more varied — some new construction mixed with classic SoCal cottages and bungalows. Locals surf before work, host backyard BBQs after school, and watch planes take off overhead like clockwork.

Zoned Schools:
-El Segundo Unified School District
-Center Street Elementary
-El Segundo Middle School
-El Segundo High School

Median Home Price: ~$2.2M

Similar Neighborhoods:
-El Porto (Manhattan Beach): Same beach-adjacent vibe with surf culture
-Playa del Rey: Quiet coastal with similar walkability
-South Hermosa: Less flashy, more homey

The Vibe:
This pocket southeast of Main and PCH is a residential zone with larger lots and less through-traffic. It’s a bit more tucked away, making it popular with families looking for elbow room but still within El Segundo limits. Think backyard gardens, remodeled ranches, and a calm pace.

Zoned Schools:
-El Segundo Unified School District
-Richmond Street Elementary
-El Segundo Middle School
-El Segundo High School

Median Home Price: ~$1.75M

Similar Neighborhoods:
-West Torrance: Larger lots, quiet streets
-View Park-Windsor Hills: Elevated homes with quiet pride
-Del Rey (LA): Slightly urban but still family-driven

The Vibe:
Not exactly charming, but very functional. This area borders the Aerospace corridor, home to Raytheon, Northrop Grumman, and Boeing. Many homes here are simple single-family houses or townhomes built for convenience rather than character. What you get: quick work access, good value (by Westside standards), and space to grow.

Commuting Families & Dual-Income Pros

Zoned Schools:
-El Segundo Unified School District
-Center Street Elementary or Richmond Street Elementary
-El Segundo Middle School
-El Segundo High School

Median Home Price: ~$1.65M

Similar Neighborhoods:
-North Redondo (Torrance): Efficient, slightly industrial, but central
-Westchester (LA): Aerospace-adjacent and neighborhood-y
-Mar Vista flats: Commuter-friendly and family-heavy