Hermosa Beach calls itself “the Best Little Beach City”, and I will venture to say it
has one of the best beaches in the world. It may be only 1.43 square miles, but
Hermosa Beach is a great beach town that caters to singles and families.
Hermosa Beach is a beautiful coastal city located in the South Bay. This quintessential beach town boasts a mild climate, stunning beaches, and a laid back lifestyle that attracts residents and visitors alike. Whether you’re looking for outdoor activities, cultural events, or excellent schools, Hermosa Beach has it all.
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About Hermosa Beach
This beach city is only one square mile, making it very walkable no matter where you decide to plant your flag. When searching for a place to make home, you can opt for the “Sand Section” closest to the beach and potentially stunning views, the “Valley” which is defined by the greenbelt/chip trail that runs through the middle of town or “Hermosa East” which is defined by hills which can lend to beautiful ocean views and larger lot sizes.
Sand Section
The Sand Section runs along the beachfront from the north to the south end. It’s bordered on the east by Valley Drive. Not surprisingly, the homes on The Strand are the most expensive real estate in Hermosa. These homes have unobstructed ocean views that typically span from PV to Santa Monica. Step out your back door, and you are on The Strand, and a few more steps put you on the beach. There’s no need for a backyard when you have the beach and ocean right outside your house.
The walk streets are certain streets in Hermosa that run perpendicular to the beach. They are closed off to cars; hence the name “walk street”. The typical lot size for these properties is 30’ x 95’.
At one time, there was a plan to put a train through Hermosa. When the land was converted to residential homes, these properties benefited from the wider lots specs that had been carved out to fit the train (usually from 38’-40’). And it’s also important to know that the city owns a portion of a Walk Street home’s front patio. The city grants an easement to the homeowners so that they make personal use of the space in front of their homes. All these patios are enclosed by the same style wall that divides The Strand from the beach.
Other common lot sizes are 30’x100’ and 30’x80’. There are also half lots and other deviations. You will notice that close to the beach, the lots are smaller, lending toward more vertical architecture. Homes are typically three stories, and more often than not, you will find your living space on the top floor to enjoy the ocean or city views.
Hermosa Valley
This is the strip of Hermosa Beach between Valley Drive and Pacific Coast Highway. Its main feature is the “green belt” or “chip trail” that runs through it. This is a popular place for people to walk, jog, or run their dogs. The green belt starts at 190th St and makes its way all the way through Manhattan Beach, where it hits Sepulveda Blvd. Lots in this section of Hermosa typically range from 2,500 – 5,000 sq feet. You can also find some larger lots here. There is an incline up to Pacific Coast Highway that lends to ocean views for many properties.
Hermosa East
Everything east of Pacific Coast Highway is part of Hermosa East, also popularly known as the Hermosa Hills. Because of the elevation, many homes enjoy ocean views. This neighborhood is a combination of single families and townhomes. Lot sizes are typically between 2,500 – 6,000 sq feet.
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Hermosa Beach School District
Hermosa Beach is served by the Hermosa Beach City School District which includes two highly rated schools: Hermosa Valley (grades K-2) and Hermosa View (grades 3-8). Both schools have benefited from brand new facilities. Residents of Hermosa Beach have the option to attend either Mira Costa High School in Manhattan Beach or Redondo Union High School in Redondo Beach. Many Hermosa families have taken advantage of this choice sending siblings to different high schools depending on their needs and goals.
Downtown Hermosa
The downtown area of Hermosa Beach consists of Pier Avenue that travels east/west and runs right into Hermosa Avenue that runs parallel to the beach.
At the end of Pier Avenue, and west of Hermosa Avenue, is the iconic Pier Plaza. It leads to the Strand, beach, and ocean. What was once a street is now a large pedestrian plaza for people to gather and socialize, making a fun, lively environment outside of the restaurants, bars, and shops that line either side.
Some popular events in Hermosa include:
Farmers’ Market: Every Friday from 12 p – 4pm, local farmers, artisans, and vendors set up shot in downtown Hermosa Beach at Valley and 11th. You can find fresh produce, handmade crafts, and delicious treats.
Shakespeare by the Sea: Each summer Shakespeare by the Sea brings the works of William Shakespeare to Hermosa Beach. The performance take place outdoors typically at Valley Park which lends to a magical night of picnicking and theatre.
Summer Concerts: Every year, the city hosts a series of free concerts just south of the Hermosa Beach Pier. The concerts feature a variety of music genres and is a fun evening to gather with friends on family. Bring a blanket and some beach chairs, pack some food, and chill out and enjoy the ambience.
Holiday Tree Lighting: Every year, Hermosa kicks off the holidays with a tree lighting ceremony at the Hermosa Beach Pier. The event includes live music, food, and a visit from Santa Claus.
Hermosa Fiesta: This is one of the largest arts & crafts festivals in southern California and currently takes place on Memorial Day weekend. The event features a plethora of vendors selling goods, clothing, art as well as live music, rides, and a beer and wine garden.
Beach Volleyball Tournaments: Hermosa Beach is famous for its volleyball and its homegrown professional volleyball players. But don’t worry, all levels of play are welcome! The city also hosts several tournaments throughout the year. The AVP’s Hermosa Open is always a huge draw.
Fourth of July Iron Man: A relay of swimming, running, and chugging a six pack. (Who needs to ride a bike?)
Hermosa has a residential profile that is made up of 60% renters and 40% owners. There is a mix of apartment buildings, condos, townhomes, and single family residences. Lot sizes get smaller as you get closer to the beach, and with that, homes get more vertical in order to maximize space and views.
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Hermosa Beach provides a hometown feel with a cute downtown area with an array of shops and restaurants. It has a low-key beach vibe and one of the prettiest beaches in southern California.
