— -- Stretching about 20 miles south from the Los Angles International Airport, the coastline of Santa Monica Bay is known as "the South Bay." First made famous in surf songs by native sons the Beach Boys, the area today is one of the nation's most desirable — and pricey — second-home areas.
South Bay's attractions are long beaches, good weather, proximity to Los Angeles, shopping and dining, and accessibility to LAX. It includes the three "beach cities" of Manhattan Beach, Redondo Beach and Hermosa Beach, along with the Palos Verdes peninsula and the more residential cities of El Segundo, Torrance and Lawndale.
There is a lot of variety in both atmosphere and price. Manhattan Beach and Palos Verdes are the wealthiest areas, with median home prices of more than $1.5 million, which rank them high on Forbes' list of most expensive ZIP codes. Many waterfront houses run $6 million to $10 million. Torrance is the most affordable city in the South Bay, though with the largest industrial base, it has the fewest second-home owners.
In El Segundo and the three beach towns, the focal points are beaches. Each town has a main street lined with restaurants and shops culminating in a pier. Redondo is a regional destination for its seafood eateries, Hermosa is known for its nightlife and bar scene, and posh Manhattan Beach skews older. One development here, Manhattan Village, is a top choice for second-home owners, including many professional athletes. "It is one of the only gated communities in the South Bay, with pools, sidewalks, golf and with benefits you wouldn't get in a standard house on the street," says realtor Cindy Shearin.
On the southern coast, Palos Verdes is much more rural, with extensive equestrian facilities and high-quality golf courses. The highest-profile development in the entire region is the 102-acre Terranea in Rancho Palos Verdes, a new luxury resort and spa offering villas and casitas from $2.25 million to more than $5 million (terranea.com).
