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Rancho Palos Verdes is the newest of the 4 cities located on the Palos Verdes Peninsula. Until approximately 30 years ago, it was under the jurisdiction of Los Angles County as an unincorporated area. The cityt is known as a bedroom community, although it does have a commercial district along Western Avenue in the Eastview area of San Pedro. There are no hotels, hospitals or industry. The city is one of the most scenic areas in Los Angeles County with spectacular ocean views of the bluffs and coves. It is built on top of rolling hills with great views of the Pacific Ocean, Santa Catalina Island and the Los Angeles Harbor. Besides, the spectacular ocean views, the city offers upscale residential neighborhoods, fabulous schools, and low crime. The population is approximately: 41,145.
From the beginning, the tract housing built in the early 1960's was aimed at the affluent professionals working in aerospace and other industries. 90% of the housing construction occurred between the 1950's to the 1970's. On some streets, especially with ocean views, there are the newer, large mansions as well as the older neighborhoods with more modest ranch style homes. Some of the newer neighborhoods are gated communities. The terrain is lush and beautiful with 2 lane roads twisting through the hills, with houses sitting on hilltop with ocean and pastoral views. There are approximately 15,700 residential housing units: 12,100 single family homes, 1,110 attached residential units and 2500 multiple units. All in all this is a lovely place to live; bring money!
Served by the nationally acclaimed Palos Verdes Peninsula School district, the school scores are among the highest in the state. The crime rate is low, with the city contracting with the Los Angeles County Sheriffs department for police protection.
Rancho Palos Verdes, like its 3 neighboring cities is a legally incorporated city with an elected city council and city hall. The city imposes strict controls on planning and development. In recent years, it has allowed the development of the prestigious Ocean Trails Golf Course, along the bluff. However, plans to develop the old Marineland site have been stalled for nearly 20 years. This city has beautiful parks providing recreational facilities that include 2 golf courses, horseback riding, kids sports and play equipment, as well as arts and crafts and whale watching.
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