The Palos Verdes Peninsula consists of four cities: Palos Verdes Estates, Rolling Hills, Rolling Hills Estates, and Rancho Palos Verdes. The four areas in Palos Verdes were founded to preserve the beauty of the coast and hills and to guarantee a balance of preservation and development. The region is very low density with condominiums and single-family homes ranging from the affordable to multi-million dollar estates, many of them with commanding views of the Pacific.

Palos Verdes Estates

Residential housing is predominantly single-family homes, but there are several condominiums and town homes located around Malaga Cove Plaza and Lunada Bay Plaza. Overall, the preference is for Mediterranean-style architecture, with homes built in a diversity of styles, sizes and prices. All homes are custom made. Condominiums and townhouses range in price from the high-$100,000s to $425,000 and above for multi-story, contemporary models. Single-family homes start in the mid-$500,000s
and reach up to $10 million or more for cliff-side estates with spectacular ocean views. Less pricey and more modest single family homes are available near enough to the ocean to grant an enjoyable view. Deed restrictions were imposed on Palos Verdes Estates in 1923 when the trustee of the Palos Verdes project drafted a development outline for the new community that specified protective restrictions to "preserve the fine views of ocean, mountains, and parks." Setback requirements were established, billboards prohibited, and a system of architectural review instituted. These controls are still in place and administered by the Palos Verdes Homeowners Association and Art Jury. All plans for new construction or remodeling must be submitted for approval to both the City and Art Jury.

Rancho Palos Verdes

Areas of the City developed prior to 1960 are generally single-family homes; later the pattern took on a high density, multi-family dominance until the City's incorporation returned the pattern back to single-family residential. The City currently has 15,121 single-family units; adherence to strict land use principles since incorporation has saved Rancho Palos Verdes from becoming another high-density coastal community. There are mansions with ocean views; upscale family homes are more typical. Many homes are gated. Homes start in the mid-$500,000s and reach up to $10 million or more, Condominiums and townhouses vary in price from the $100,000s to $425,000 and above for multi-story, contemporary models. Oceanfront Estates is an attractive new development: a 132-acre site with 79 single-family homes a bluff top road and publicly accessible walking trails, parkland and habitat preserves. Strict planning and development controls are in place; three City Council documents form the basis of these. The General Plan covers long term development goals for things like noise control, safety and building, while the Local Coastal Plan limits coastal development and protects wilderness. The Development Code restricts developments you may make to your property; residents are encouraged to meet with city planners before making changes. Annual property taxes are based on 1% of the assessed value of your Property; the City of Rancho Palos Verdes receives a small percentage.

Torrance

Torrance's beautiful neighborhoods are lush with trees and flowers and feature an array of ranch style homes at affordable prices. Most of Torrance's three bedroom homes were built during the developmental boom of the 1950's and 60's; newer homes have four or five bedrooms. Pricing begins at around $290,000 and reaches up to $1.5 million and more for newer, larger estates with ocean views. Condominiums and townhouses range from the low-$200,000s to $500,000 and more for multi-story, contemporary models.
California property taxes are at 1.5 percent of the property's current market value; the City of Torrance retains a percentage of this.

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