Manhattan Beach

Home to volleyball players, surfers, and millionaires, Manhattan Beach is a laid-back beach town with plenty of boutiques, dining, and a respectable nightlife. Manhattan Beach Post, Fishing with Dynamite, and Mama D's are just some of the highly rated restaurants here. And the Manhattan Beach Creamery is a great place to grab an ice cream cone for a walk along the pier.

You'll find a mix of condos, single-family houses, and small apartment buildings. Prices rise the closer you get to the water, and homes along the beach can be insanely expensive. Parking near the beach can be a daily struggle, so you'll want a home that includes parking.

This is the perfect neighborhood for people who like to stay active. The Strand, a walking/running path that runs parallel to the sandy beach, is a great place for an after-work run or a sunset stroll. Sand Dune Park features a 100 foot (30 meter) high dune that attracts fitness buffs who run up its slope. 

For those who want to get into surfing Manhttan Beach is known for its rolling breaks, which makes it easier to learn than at other nearby beaches. And there are plenty of nets on the sand for a game of volleyball.

Another big draw: the neighborhood has excellent elementary, middle, and high schools.

Manhattan Beach is bordered on the north by El Segundo, on the east by Hawthorne and Redondo Beach, on the south by Hermosa Beach and Redondo Beach, and on the west by the Pacific Ocean.