Manhattan Beach in California was formed in 1912 and is called the "Pearl of the South Bay." Just south of El Segundo, the beach community is located along the Pacific shoreline in Los Angeles County. More than 35,000 residents live in this city, with beachfront homes, beautiful parks, various breweries, bars, restaurants, a historic pier, and many recreational activities for all ages.
For its residents, Manhattan Beach provides a laid-back community that caters especially to families and outdoor enthusiasts. Bikers follow the Strand path through the oceanfront neighborhoods with their modern mansions and wide stretches of sand lined with volleyball courts. Manhattan Beach is also distinguished by its aquarium and surf culture. Newcomers will find several excellent parks and a small downtown area with boutiques, brunch cafes, pubs, and upscale eateries.
Manhattan Beach is home to some of the best public schools in the United States. Commonly referred to as MBUSD, the district includes five elementary schools, one middle school, and one high school within its city limits. Collectively, these schools consistently maintain API scores in the top 1% in both the state and the nation. MBUSD has been among the top three school districts in the state and LA County for many years. It is also currently ranked 14th in the country.
Here, you'll find an overview of a few unique neighborhoods for luxury living in Manhattan Beach with their distinguishable character and amenities.
Sand Section (The Strand)
In The Sand Section, you can navigate from El Porto Beach in the north to Manhattan Beach in the south. With Manhattan Beach's waterfront homes and affluent real estate, The Strand is a signature location for Manhattan Beach luxury living. Expect unique oceanfront homes with unobstructed ocean views and walkable streets ideal for families.
The Strand is where you'll find beachfront homes in Manhattan Beach. It's part of the sizeable Sand Section, where the houses are slightly more spacious and luxurious than their neighboring properties. It's one of the South Bay's most desirable neighborhoods. Living in beachfront homes is top of mind for many people moving here.
What is there to do in The Strand?
Living on The Strand keeps you engaged with daily Manhattan Beach activities like surfing, volleyball, and perfect beach days. Families and individuals always jog and walk along The Strand, frequently with their beloved dogs.
There's also the Manhattan Beach Pier, found at the end of Manhattan Beach Boulevard. The pier is almost 930 feet long and houses the popular Roundhouse Marine Studies Lab Aquarium.
More than 100 marine animals retrieved from the waters of Southern California live in the Roundhouse Aquarium. Many are native to the local Santa Monica Bay waters. Some notable wildlife include sharks, moray eels, octopuses, moon jellies, lobsters, and more. You'll also find a touch tank filled with sea urchins, sea cucumbers, sea snails, and sea stars.
Where can you eat in The Strand?
The Strand House is a happening place for farm-fresh fine dining in a polished setting with expansive ocean views. It's a comfortable but sophisticated family-owned restaurant devised by small families in the South Bay out of their appreciation for friends, great food, and wine. The Strand House is also home to a carefully and thoughtfully crafted wine and cocktail program that's sure to please all their guests.
If you like warm smiles, fresh food, and appealing spirits, you'll want to try Rock'N Fish, located at the foot of the Manhattan Beach Pier, down at the beach. This vibrant local chain outpost is well known for its steak and seafood paired with creative martinis and cocktails.
The Strand real estate
The Strand houses the most distinctive luxury real estate that Manhattan Beach has to offer, typically between $6 million and $30 million. Marvel in unobstructed panoramic ocean views. Modern homes frequently come with designs that maximize views and floor-to-ceiling windows.
The Strand real estate is evolving, and Strand homes are being constructed increasingly as single-family homes, although you will find multi-family condos and townhomes. Meanwhile, school-aged children in The Strand may attend Grandview Elementary School or Robinson Elementary School.
East Manhattan Beach (Mira Costa)
East Manhattan comprises Manhattan Heights, Liberty Village, and Mira Costa. The latter is an alluring residential area combining modern convenience and coastal charm. If you're moving or investing in real estate, you'll find a gratifying blend of diverse amenities and an inviting community that will grab your attention.
What is there to do in Mira Costa?
Along with the coastal allure of Mira Costa, this neighborhood offers a whole range of conveniences and amenities that cater to the resident's needs. From unparalleled retail options to bustling shopping centers, the area ensures you have everything you need within reach.
Where can you eat in Mira Costa?
In Mira Costa, you’re never far from excellent dining. For example, Manhattan Beach Post is a casual restaurant that serves American comfort food with a modern twist. The restaurant has a lively and fun atmosphere, and it is a great place to go for a casual meal with friends or family.
The Arthur J is a modern American restaurant serving a seasonal menu of fresh, locally sourced ingredients. The restaurant has a sophisticated and elegant atmosphere and is a great place to go for a special occasion meal.
Mira Costa real estate
Mira Costa sets the stage for a fulfilling and relaxed lifestyle. Many of the lots in the Mira Costa district allow for sizable yards and large homes. There are also several enclaves of exclusive homes situated on vast lots.
Mira Costa real estate, like the neighborhood itself, is diverse and offers a range of home options to suit different preferences. It provides an exceptional selection of properties for anyone in the market for a home. From townhouses with contemporary amenities to charming single-family homes with pristine gardens, you'll surely find the home of your dreams in this friendly and warm neighborhood. Expect larger lots, beautiful parks, and excellent schools (Meadows Avenue Elementary School and Pennekamp Elementary School).
Tree Section
The Tree Section of Manhattan Beach is just east of the Strand and west of Manhattan Village and East Manhattan. It’s a quaint neighborhood with tree-lined streets dotted with custom, one-of-a-kind homes with gorgeous landscaping and ample yard.
What is there to do in the Tree Section?
Visit Manhattan Village, an outdoor shopping center with various stores and restaurants. It is a great place to shop, eat, and people-watch.
Though not strictly within the Tree Section, several nearby parks and gardens suit the neighborhood’s leafy character. Take a break at the Manhattan Beach Botanical Garden, a beautiful oasis with various plants and flowers. It is a great place to relax and enjoy nature. You can also attend a concert or event at the Polliwog Park Amphitheater, a small outdoor amphitheater that hosts a variety of concerts and events throughout the year.
Where can you eat in the Tree Section?
Tin Roof Bistro is a New American restaurant that serves seasonal dishes made with fresh, local ingredients. The restaurant has a relaxed and casual atmosphere, and it is a great place to go for a delicious meal with friends or family. Some of the most popular dishes at Tin Roof Bistro include the wood-fired pizzas, the grilled salmon, and the roasted chicken.
Two Guns Espresso is a cozy, Kiwi-owned cafe in Manhattan Beach specializing in expertly crafted espresso drinks, freshly baked pastries, and a delicious food menu with breakfast and lunch offerings. The cafe has a quirky vibe, with mismatched furniture, vintage signage, and a friendly and relaxed atmosphere. The baristas are passionate about coffee and take pride in making each drink perfectly.
The Tree Section real estate
A peaceful residential area, the Tree Section is a quaint neighborhood with tree-lined streets. Homebuyers will find a robust selection of custom, one-of-a-kind homes with gorgeous private backyards. Many lots offer an ocean view. Families in the Tree Section enjoy excellent local schools, beginning with Pacific Elementary School.
Hill Section
The Hill Section lies east of the Strand, west of East Manhattan, and below the Tree Section. It’s famous for sweeping ocean views, wide streets, and spacious lots with some of the biggest homes in Manhattan Beach.
What is there to do in the Hill Section?
The Hill Section is a quiet residential enclave near some of Manhattan Beach’s most exciting attractions. The beach is less than a mile from many addresses in the Hill Section. The neighborhood lends itself to contemplative activities like reading, which makes the Manhattan Beach Library highly convenient. The library offers programs and events for children that incentivize reading and bring the printed word to life.
Where can you eat in the Hill Section?
The nearest restaurants to most Hill Section homes are along Sepulveda Blvd. to the east. A few local favorites include Thai Dishes, Big Wok Mongolian BBQ, and India’s Tandoori Restaurant. The beachside restaurants of The Strand are also a short walk from the Hill Section.
The Hill Section real estate
The Hill Section of Manhattan Beach is a newer, upscale neighborhood with large lots and stunning ocean views. It is home to many of the city's most expensive homes and is known for its privacy and exclusivity. Families enjoy access to excellent public schools, starting with Robinson Elementary School.
Learn more about Manhattan Beach luxury living
If Manhattan Beach luxury living is what you're seeking, Dave Caskey and his real estate team at Caskey Real Estate Group are here to help you find that perfect home in that perfect neighborhood. Contact Dave today to discuss your ideal version of a Manhattan Beach home and community.
*Header photo courtesy of Shutterstock
