Discover Palos Verdes Estates: A Guide to Neighborhoods and Schools

The City of Palos Verdes Estates is a 4.75 square mile enclave with approximately 12,424 residents. As the oldest of the four cities on the Palos Verdes Peninsula, it is renowned for its tranquil neighborhoods and planned community layout. This picturesque city features predominantly single-family homes built in the 1950s, 1960s, and 1970s, and is characterized by its narrow, hilly roads with minimal traffic signals and a few sidewalks. Residents appreciate the city's serene environment, highlighted by its ocean and hillside views, parklands, pathways, and lush urban forest. Known for its low density, rural charm, and preserved open spaces, Palos Verdes Estates consistently ranks as one of the most desirable places to live in Southern California due to its magnificent views, and excellent schools.

Neighborhoods in Palos Verdes Estates

The Multiple Listing Service (MLS) identifies Palos Verdes Estates as having four distinct real estate sections: Lunada Bay (Area 160), Monte Malaga (Area 162), Malaga Cove (Area 163), and Valmonte (Area 164).

Lunada Bay - Area 160
Homes in Lunada Bay are bordered by the ocean to the west, Bluff Cove to the north, and Rancho Palos Verdes to the south and east. This serene neighborhood is divided into ‘Lower Lunada Bay’ and ‘Upper Lunada Bay,’ also known as Margate, each known for its tranquility and diverse architectural styles. The area features beautiful parks, a green belt, and the charming Lunada Bay Plaza with various dining options.

Montemalaga - Area 162
Montemalaga is a neighborhood in Palos Verdes Estates, California, renowned for its stunning elevation of up to 1,380 feet. This hilltop area offers breathtaking panoramic views of the South Bay Beaches and Santa Monica Bay, famously known as the “queen’s necklace” view. Located above Lunada Bay and north of Rancho Palos Verdes, Montemalaga is accessible via Granvia Altamira from Hawthorne Blvd. The neighborhood is distinguished by classic red tile roofs that dot the skyline, atop predominantly Spanish, Italian, and Mediterranean-style homes. Due to the large lot sizes, which typically range from half to a full acre, Montemalaga is home to many of the largest mansions on the peninsula.

Malaga Cove - Area 163
Malaga Cove, nestled along the North shoreline of Palos Verdes Estates, is a historic and picturesque area extending from the Malaga Cove Triangle to Bluff Cove. This charming area is renowned for its Mediterranean-style Palos Verdes Country Club, complete with a championship golf course and a popular wedding venue. The neighborhood boasts the bustling Malaga Cove Plaza, the iconic Neptune Fountain, and important community institutions such as the Palos Verdes Police Department, library, and city government offices. Notable sites include the first school in Palos Verdes, now home to the School District offices and the Costume Closet, and two local churches: the Neighborhood Church and St. Francis Episcopal Church. Designed by the Olmsted brothers, who are famed for their work on Central Park in New York City and Prospect Park in Brooklyn, the area is known for its beautifully landscaped open spaces and peacock sightings, adding to its allure.

Valmonte - Area 164
Valmonte, east of Malaga Cove and adjacent to Hollywood Riviera in Torrance, stands out for its unique charm and ideal weather. This serene, park-like neighborhood avoids heavy fog, strong winds, and extreme temperatures. The real estate in Valmonte reflects its history, with many homes from the 1940s, '50s, and '60s. These smaller, individually built homes feature a mix of architectural styles, from ranch to Mediterranean. The wide median along Palos Verdes Drive North offers a safe space for running, walking, and biking, while dense eucalyptus groves add a lush backdrop. Key features include the Palos Verdes Stables in the northeast and the Palos Verdes Country Club’s golf course to the southwest, providing scenic canyon views and recreational options.

Schools in Palos Verdes Peninsula

When it comes to education, Palos Verdes Estates is served by the Palos Verdes Peninsula Unified School District (PVUSD), which is renowned for its high academic standards. Be sure to check your residential address for school zoning.

Palos Verdes Peninsula Elementary Schools

Lunada Bay Elementary School (K-5th Grade)

Montemalaga Elementary School (K-5th Grade)

Cornerstone School at Pedregal (K-5th Grade)

Dapplegray Elementary School (TK-5th Grade)

Mira Catalina Elementary School (K-5th Grade)

Point Vicente Elementary School (K-5th Grade)

Rancho Vista Elementary School (K-5th Grade)

Silver Spur Elementary School (K-5th Grade)

Soleado Elementary School (TK-5th Grade)

Vista Grande Elementary School (TK-5th Grade)

Palos Verdes Peninsula Middle Schools

Palos Verdes Intermediate School (6th-8th Grade)

Miraleste Intermediate School (6th-8th Grade)

Ridgecrest Intermediate School (6th-8th Grade)

Palos Verdes Peninsula High Schools

Palos Verdes High School (9th-12th Grade)

Palos Verdes Peninsula High School (9th-12 Grade)

Rancho del Mar High School (9th-12th Grade)

Private Schools

Rolling Hills Country Day School (K-8th Grade)

Chadwick School (K-12th Grade)

Other areas on the Palos Verdes Peninsula include:

Rancho Palos Verdes:
The Multiple Listing Service (MLS) identifies Rancho Palos Verdes as having ten distinct real estate sections: PV Drive East (Area 167), Mira Catalina (Area 168), Palos Verdes Drive South (Area 169), PV Drive West (Area 170), Country Club (Area 171), La Cresta (Area 172), Los Verdes (Area 173), Crest (Area 174), Peninsula Center (Area 175), and Eastview (Area 177).

If you're zoned in Rancho Palos Verdes, you'd likely attend Palos Verdes Peninsula High School (grades 9-12). However, there are some exceptions, such as the Eastview section (Area 177) of Rancho Palos Verdes, where students can choose to attend a PVUSD school even though their district of residence is Los Angeles USD (LAUSD).

Rolling Hills Estates:
The Multiple Listing Service (MLS) identifies Rolling Hills Estates as having two distinct real estate sections: PV Drive North (Area 165), and Silver Spur (Area 176).

Rolling Hills - Area 166
The deed restrictions of the homes in the gated community of Rolling Hills require that all homes be painted white, and that they can only be one level.

Palos Verdes Peninsula - Unincorporated Area
There is a small area at the northern part of the Palos Verdes Peninsula within the boundaries of the City of Rolling Hills Estates which is in an unincorporated area and is governed only by the County of Los Angeles. This area is the residential area on either side of Crenshaw Boulevard,south of Palos Verdes Drive North, which is accessible only from Palos Verde Drive North, as well as a small area just south of the intersection of Rolling Hills Road and Crenshaw Boulevard.

Discover Palos Verdes Estates

Palos Verdes Estates offers a serene and picturesque living experience with its distinctive neighborhoods and scenic landscapes. From the coastal charm of Lunada Bay to the elevated views of Monte Malaga and the historic allure of Malaga Cove, each area provides its own unique appeal. With its excellent schools, expansive open spaces, and peaceful environment, Palos Verdes Estates is an ideal choice for those seeking a blend of natural beauty and community-focused living.

If you’re thinking about making Palos Verdes Estates your home or would like to learn more, don’t hesitate to reach me HERE.

Best regards,
Lindsay Woolf | CA DRE #02236711
DOMO Real Estate | CA DRE #01290500

Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog post is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Real estate transactions can be complex and subject to local regulations.

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