Rolling Hills is one of the most private and exclusive residential enclaves in all of Southern California; a city that lives up to its name with gentle, rolling hills. This gated equestrian community was created when the Palos Verdes Land Corporation subdivided approximately 600 acres of property in the 1930’s. Its large parcels of residential home sites were called “ranchitos”, and originally a stable adjoined every home. Behind the three white guard gates restricting entrance into this private equestrian themed city, are eucalyptus and pepper trees lining winding country lanes with the mandatory split rail fence and 23 miles of bridle paths, alongside groves of lemon, orange and avocado orchards.

The City is noted for its breathtaking views which include Catalina Island; the coastline from Malibu to Newport Beach; the Santa Monica Bay with its “Queens Necklace” view; the San Pedro Harbor; city lights; snowcapped mountains; and the pastoral beauty of undeveloped rolling hills and canyons.

Rolling Hills was incorporated as a General Law City in 1957 and is subject to the laws and regulations of two governing entities: the city government of Rolling Hills and the Rolling Hills Community Association (a homeowners association). These entities maintain the current stature of Rolling Hills through strict zoning and development laws.

Rolling Hills is located at the center of the Palos Verdes Peninsula and is one of the 4 sister cities that occupy the beautiful Peninsula. The City has approximately 685 homes, 2300 residents and 200+ horses and is one of only six incorporated U.S. cities with entirely enclosed residential perimeters; a private city. The approximate size of this small exclusive city is 3 square miles. Except for a few new homes with sewer hookup; there are no sewers (septic systems instead); no schools, commercial areas or retail shops, or gas stations; but there are 3 tennis courts, 23 miles of equestrian and hiking trails, several riding rings and million dollar views.

In this community of multi-million dollar homes with a minimum lot size of one acre, Rolling Hills is consistently ranked by WORTH magazine in the top 10 of the wealthiest communities in the United States. About 70% of the homes, single story ranch style architecture with the mandatory white paint, were built between 1950-1980. The Rolling Hills Home Association strictly controls growth, development and remodeling of the existing homes to ensure the rural nature of the community. They also maintain the private roads, bridle trails, riding rings, and tennis facilities located in the city. Each homeowner is assessed .20 per thousand of their home sales price as a yearly association fee, known as the” gate tax”. Because of the age of the homes and the value of the property; there has been extensive rebuilding and remodeling in the last ten years resulting in many spectacular estate properties.

The city is served by the prestigious Palos Verdes Unified School district, which has some of the highest test scores in the nation. Rolling Hills has one of the lowest crime rates in the state as well as the nation, with many residents never locking their doors. It joins two other Peninsula cities, Rolling Hills Estates and Rancho Palos Verdes, and contracts with the Los Angeles County Sheriffs department for police service. Security guards at the three entry gates augment the police service. Located within the city is the original fire station that is now staffed by the Los Angeles County fire department.

Rolling Hills residents value their privacy and enjoy the beautiful pastoral setting of their community; they try to avoid any publicity or notoriety. There is no truer axiom about this city; then it counts on “whom you know ” if you want to pass through one of the three entrance guard gates.

PROFILE: THE CITY OF ROLLING HILLS

Legally a city but in reality a country-club neighborhood with about 680 homes. Population: 2300 approximately

Prestigious, pastoral, pretty, Rolling Hills is located in one of the nicest sections of Los Angeles County, on the Palos Verdes Peninsula.

Gated community. Casual visitors cannot enter. The city council and the homeowners association govern the town. About 70 percent of the homes were erected between 1950 and 1980.

Some homes are looking towards downtown Los Angeles and have views of the San Gabriel Mountains and the LA Basin. Other homes command views of the Pacific Ocean and Catalina Island.

Approximately 75% of the homes have nine or more rooms, according to the 2000 census.

The City is served by thePalos Verdes Peninsula Unified School District, which also includes the communities of Rancho Palos Verdes, Palos Verdes Estates and Rolling Hills Estates. School rankings are among the highest in the state and the country.

For a “city,” it has one of the lowest crime rates in the state and the country; statistics from the California Dept. of Justice..

The local cities contract with the L. A. County Sheriff’s Office for police protection. Rolling Hills augments this with its own security guards.

For recreation, Rolling Hills loves the horses. Stables and 23 miles of trails are found throughout the community. There are also riding ring and 3 tennis courts.

There are no stores or commercial development but a large shopping mall is located in the adjoining town of Rolling Hills Estates.

Interstate 110 is only a few miles east of the city.