Redondo Beach, California

You can think of Redondo Beach in two distinct sections: North and South. North Redondo Beach, surprisingly, includes no beach at all. Instead it lies directly east of Hermosa Beach and the southern part of Manhattan Beach. This makes it popular with those who wish to live in Hermosa but cannot yet afford it, or more generally with all who find the price is more realistic for them without compromising on good schools and proximity to the coast.

Both North and South Redondo have a variety of housing options including everything from apartment buildings and duplexes to condos and single-family homes, but one criticism of North Redondo is how all of these options can coexist within the same few blocks, leaving it lacking in “residential neighborhood feel.” One exception to this is the TRW Tract area. Comprising the northeast corner of North Redondo, the TRW Tract consists exclusively of single-family homes and wide streets. It is also close to schools and the 405 freeway for easier access to LA.

Median home price for North Redondo is $1.4m.

South Redondo is where you will find the oceanfront and oceanview homes that you’d expect from a beach town. Similar to its northern “sister cities” of Manhattan and Hermosa, South Redondo is a bit pricier because of its proximity to the beach. It includes King Harbor, Redondo Beach, the Redondo pier and beach front street of the Esplanade. Two of the most popular neighborhoods in South Redondo are The Avenues and the Lower Riviera (or Hollywood Riviera).

The Avenues is popular for its community feel, safety and location. Here large, single-family homes sit on large lots nestled into tree-lined streets. Some blocks shut down periodically for block parties, and most streets have speed bumps allowing parents to feel comfortable allowing kids to play in the front yard. And all of this exists only a 10-minute walk to the beach and Riviera Village shops and restaurants.

Interestingly, the Lower Hollywood Riviera neighborhood is technically located in Torrance Beach, but has RB addresses. Here the single-family homes often boast ocean views and are walking distance from “everything.” Just south are the hiking trails of Palos Verdes and just north are the boutiques and restaurants that make up the Riviera Village.

Median home price in South Redondo is $1.4m (includes more condos/townhomes than North Redondo).