PV Drive South
The crescent of the Peninsula is the awe-inspiring Palos Verdes Drive South neighborhood of Rancho Palos Verdes. The community stretches along the coastline from the border of San Pedro to the north side of Pointe Vicente Park in Rancho Palos Verdes and includes the southern hillside. Named for the winding road, Palos Verdes Drive South is the main thoroughfare and connects the entire neighborhood amid outstanding scenic views. Residents here relish the good life and are often the outdoors-type, surfers, runners, hikers and scuba divers. Between the high-end digs, the ocean at one’s doorstep, and great dining, golf and entertainment easily at hand, this neighborhood is world-class.
This coveted location owns some of the most incredible homes money can buy. These exquisite estates follow the usual architectural aesthetic with uber-luxe Mediterranean, Spanish, and Traditional style homes; all of which offer ocean views. There are a variety of homes offered here from new executive estate developments, older tract homes, a private beach bay club, condominium/townhome complexes, and resort developments. Some of these developments are private and there are a variety of subdivisions. A few examples of private communities and their perks would be the Portuguese Bend Beach Club with its private sandy beach, or Seacove Drive where owners enjoy private pathways directly to the beach. Likewise, The Estates at Trump National owners have wonderful golf amenities.
Residents and visitors alike, appreciate the rural feel Palos Verdes still manages to hang on to via its Nature Preserve. The neighborhood holds several parcels of vacant land acquired by the Palos Verdes Peninsula Land Conservancy which includes well-maintained trails and walking paths meandering along many of these conservation areas for the enjoyment of nature, exercise and incredible ocean views that soothe the soul.
Landslides can be an issue here, especially in the Portuguese Bend area. This is evident by the utility reinforcements seen along the winding coastline drive. This area, however, is beloved for excellent whale watching from the points here called Portuguese Point and Inspiration Point. The other great spot for whale watching is Pointe Vicente Park on the north end of Palos Verdes Drive South.
Locals in the area are social folks and enjoy many options for dining and entertainment. Along the coast is the now world-famous Terranea Resort, a resort hotel with multiple pools, restaurants, spa, and 9-hole golf course. Just down the road from Terranea is the Trump National Golf Course. This challenging course located on the water’s edge offers outstanding ocean views, luxurious dining rooms, and is surrounded by gorgeous groomed parkland.
Another wonderful spot that is not to be missed is the groundbreaking mid-century Wayfarer’s Chapel. Known as the glass chapel that was designed by Lloyd Wright, the son of Frank Lloyd Wright. There is also Ladera Linda Park and Del Cerro Park with wonderful hiking trails.
Homes here range greatly in size and price. Square footage usually runs between 1,500 square feet for 3 bedroom/2 bathrooms and 8,000 square feet for 6 bedroom/7 bathrooms, although some homes can pus up to 12,000 square feet in size. Likewise, prices range from $1,000,000 to about $6,500,000. Currently, the average sale price in Palos Verdes Drive South is about $1,600,000. There are a few condominium developments that offer units for 1,400 to 1,800 square feet, typically a 2 bedroom/2 bathroom will go for $700,000 for a 2 bedroom/2 bathrooms, and a 3 bedroom/3 bathrooms as much as $2,350,000 for an ocean front casita in Terranea god for 90-days of use.
Students attend the Blue-Ribbon schools of the Palos Verdes Unified School District. Children attend Point Vicente or Mira Catalina Elementary, Palos Verdes or Miraleste Intermediate School, and choose between Palos Verdes High School and Peninsula High School.