Keith Kyle

One of the knocks on the South Bay is open space....or lack thereof. That perception is valid with many lots being under 2000 square feet with no yards and no open space and homes often being right on top of your neighbor. This is generally the price we pay for living so close to the beach and the incredible demand for beach property. There is an alterntive, however.

The equestrian community of Rolling Hills Estates....This area is unlike the rest of the South Bay in just about every way. With lots often over 20,000 feet, most homes were built in the 1960's, prior to everyone needing a mansion, when a single level home was common. The result is often ranch style one story homes that don't look too large for the land and have the look and feel of something far removed from the city, or the beach. Homes are often over 2000 square feet, with pools, spas, yards, horse facilities, and plenty of land. Often the homes have some canyon or city views and the peace and tranquility that comes with so much space. This isn't the only aspect of Rolling Hills life that is different from the South Bay. Rolling Hills Estates even comes with it's own weather. While much of the South Bay is socked in the fog, Rolling Hills Estates lies far enough east, and up on the Palos Verdes Peninsula, to have it's own weather system. In addition to the wide open spaces, Rolling Hills Estates enjoys Palos Verdes award winning schools and is an ideal place for families. If you're looking to be close enough to the beach to be a short drive away, but want room to roam without the congestion of South Bay living, Rolling Hills Estates just may be the place for you.

Keith Kyle

Realtor, e-Pro

South Bay Brokers

2501 N Sepulveda Blvd

Manhattan Beach, CA 90266

310-251-2344

Keith.Kyle@SouthBayBrokers.com

For real estate information, open houses, and FREE MLS access visit www.KeithKyleHomes.com

As a specialist in Hermosa Beach, I have many clients contact me in their search for a condo in Hermosa Beach. With prices well below neighboring Manhattan Beach, a condo in Hermosa is the perfect situation for many buyers looking to own instead of renting, while still being able to be near the beach. Unfortunately part of what makes Hermosa such a great place to live, the small town atmosphere, makes finding a condo in the area a bit difficult. Unlike Redondo Beachwith endless condominium complexes, Hermosa Beach really only offers a few possibilities, and most in the same general location.

The two most prominent condo complexes are the Apple Tree and the Commodore. Located in the heart of downtown Hermosa Beach, they are ideally located for those looking to be near the beach, shopping, the gym, and the nightlife of Pier Avenue. Some units on upper floors even have partial ocean and sunset views. The units on the west of the buildings are generally the most valuable with views, plenty of light and ocean breezes. As with many places built in the 1970s, some units have been beautifully remodeled while some are still in their original condition. Prices in these buildings generally range from the mid $400K range for a 1 bedroom, to over $700,000 for larger 2 bedrooms with views and western exposure. If you're looking for a great starter home that is close to downtown and walkable to the beach, the Commodore and Apple Tree might be for you.

See other Hermosa Beach Condos

To search for available Hermosa Beach condominiums visit our home search with daily listing updates.

For additional Hermosa Beach real estate information contact me at

Keith Kyle - South Bay Brokers - 310-251-2344 - www.KeithKyleHomes.com - www.findyoursouthbayhome.com - hermosa@keithkylehomes.com

As many of my clients come from home buyers and sellers on the internet, I'm fortunate in that I work throughout the South Bay and have the opportunity to work in various areas and price ranges. I am partial to Hermosa Beach, however, and have lived here for over 16 years. Many potential home buyers are relocating from out of the area and certainly don't know the subtleties of the South Bay and what makes Hermosa so special. Of all the cities in the South Bay, and even the Beach Cities (Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach and Redondo Beach), Hermosa has a sense of community that makes it special. Many residents and neighbors have lived here for decades and wouldn't want to live anywhere else. Smaller than the surrounding areas, it only has one elementary school, Hermosa View, and one middle school, Hermosa Valley. You not only know your neighbors, but all of the kids go to school together through high school, parents know each other and it make for a wonderful environment. All it takes to be reminded of this is a bike ride down the Strand....after running into countless friends, classmates, neighbors, t-ball coaches and everyone else you definitely realize, there's no place like home, and Hermosa is a pretty great place to live.

Keith Kyle - Realtor e-Pro - South Bay Brokers - 2501 N Sepulveda Blvd Manhattan Beach, CA 90266 - www.keithkylehomes.com - 310-251-2344 - 310-546-7611 x366 - Keith.Kyle@SouthBayBrokers.com

As a long time resident of Hermosa Beach, and a parent of two, schools are definitely important to me. But a recent experience made me realize just how important it is to others. I had a t-ball practice at Hermosa Valley earlier in the day and had forgotten something so I went to try to find it at 10:30 that night. I was a bit surprised (and just a bit frightened) to see a group of people in beach chairs, sleeping bags, and thermoses of coffee (I think). I jokingly asked them if they were waiting to audition for American Idol and then realized that they were sleeping there overnight so that their kids would be assured A.M. Kindergarten next year! If that's not dedication I don't know what is.

On a more serious note, you can certainly determine quality of schools by test scores, ratios, comparisons and other mathmatical formulas, but we were completely surprised by the level of involvement by the parents. There are two parents in our kindergarten class every day which allows the kids to break into 3 groups which makes for a fantastic learning environment.

For more information on Hermosa Beach schools visit our website or contact me.

I recently sold a home in the Victoria Knolls neighborhood of Torranceand was very surprise at just how few people even knew it existed. Victoria Knolls is actually in the Walteria area of Torrance but has a very different feel due to the fact that it's so isolated and it's actually up on the hill (see Victoria Knolls Map). The only way in and out is on a street named Crest, off of Crenshaw. It's actually located east of PCH and up on the hill adjacent to Palos Verdes and Rolling Hills Estates. It's a fantastic area with a real neighborhood feel. As it's up on the hill, many of the homes offer great views of the city and mountains and most homes are located on quiet, tree-lined streets. While the lack of peoples awareness of the area make for a bit more difficult situation when selling a house in the area, it makes for quiet and safe streets, and tranquility that's hard to find in the South Bay. Great schools, nearby Alta Loma Park, and well kept houses make it an ideal place to call home.

For local listings and more information contact Keith Kyle at 310-251-2344

Keith Kyle - Realtor - South Bay Brokers