Hermosa Beach is a small beachfront community located in the South Bay region of the greater Los Angeles area. As one of three existing Beach Cities, it borders the other two popular beach cities, Manhattan Beach and Redondo Beach. With temperate weather year-round, a breathtaking oceanfront view, and a laid-back vibe, Hermosa Beach is considered to many as one of the best beach towns to live in California. With attractive homes and amenities, as well as a good balance between city life and quaint coastal life, it’s no wonder Hermosa Beach was ranked among Southern California’s top 10 beaches, according to The Travel Channel.

Here are five reasons to live in Hermosa Beach. 

Beach Living

Beach games photo by Shutterstock

Known for its spacious and flat beach, Hermosa Beach is a go-to destination for beachgoers who enjoy surfing, beach volleyball, fishing, swimming, or simply laying out on the sand. Residents and visitors can easily spend the entire day at the beach. This beach community is home to the AVP Hermosa Beach Open as well as several smaller volleyball tournaments throughout the year. The Strand is the city’s trademark paved trail, and it runs about 20 miles from Torrance through Hermosa Beach to Santa Monica. This path is a popular hotspot for pedestrians, joggers, and cyclists. Head towards the Hermosa Beach pier, and you’ll find some of the city’s most popular places to shop, dine, and party by the beach. Fun fact? Out of the three Beach Cities, Hermosa Beach is the only city that owns its beach, while the other two are owned by LA County.

Health-Conscious Community

Bike-friendly paths in Hermosa Beach photo by Shutterstock

Because there are so many sports and activities to do in Hermosa Beach, many athletes are naturally drawn to the community. The City of Hermosa Beach is home to many small neighborhood parks and pedestrian trails, perfect for outdoor adventurers. Most people in the community enjoy an active lifestyle and enjoy walking, jogging, or cycling. Hermosa Beach is so health-conscious that it’s the first South Bay beach city to be certified in the Beach Cities Health District’s Blue Zone Project, which emphasizes health-conscious hotspots. The Hermosa Valley Green Belt, which is a popular trail in the city, has also been enhanced in recent years to include workout stations. 

Family-Friendly Town

Family-friendly activities in Hermosa Beach photo by Shutterstock

Hermosa Beach is a great place for many young families. Its local schools have a reputation for providing quality public education, and they receive a high rankings on GreatSchools.com. The Hermosa Beach City School District consists of two elementary schools and a middle school, but high school students living in Hermosa have the choice of attending either Redondo Union High School in Redondo Beach or Mira Costa High School in Manhattan Beach. Families with kids will be glad to know that Hermosa Beach specializes in youth sports as well, such as little league baseball, soccer, basketball, and of course, volleyball. 

Desirable Homes and Neighborhoods

Home in Hermosa Beach

Since Hermosa Beach is a tiny town in itself, with a square footage of less than a mile and a half, homebuyers looking to purchase a home in this city can expect limited inventory. All of the neighborhoods in Hermosa Beach are considered highly desirable, with the most popular being the Sand Section, which sits near the oceanfront between Herondo Street and Valley Drive. West Hermosa Drive is another competitive area for homebuyers because of its beachfront properties along the Strand. The Valley Section is bordered by Valley Drive and the Pacific Coast Highway, and this area includes the Hermosa Beach Valley neighborhood which attracts homeowners who enjoy hillside living. First-time homebuyers might have the best luck finding a home around Hermosa Beach East, which sits between Valley Drive, the Pacific Coast Highway, Prospect Avenue, and Artesia Boulevard. This neighborhood is located farthest from the beach, so home prices tend to be slightly more affordable when compared to the Sand and Valley sections. 

High-Energy Entertainment Scene

Resturant with outdoor seating in Hermosa Beach

While families in Hermosa Beach can enjoy a tranquil neighborhood atmosphere, young professionals and singles in the area can have the luxury of great nightlife and dive bars in the area. Hermosa’s cozy and pedestrian-friendly downtown area as well as the Hermosa Pier have a number of boutiques and restaurants to visit, and at night, there are plenty of entertainment and bar options to choose from. If you’ve watched the popular film “La La Land,” you might recognize The Lighthouse Cafe, which is a great spot to find craft cocktails and the latest jazz shows. To watch theatrical productions and plays, residents also like to frequent the local Hermosa Beach Community Theatre.