The Pros and Cons of living in Manhattan Beach, CA

The Pros and Cons of living in Manhattan Beach, CA

  • John Bathurst
  • 02/9/23

PROS

Beautiful beaches and ocean views

  • Manhattan Beach boasts some of the most beautiful beaches and ocean views in all of Southern California. Located just south of Los Angeles, this picturesque coastal community offers residents a chance to live in a serene, beach-front setting. With its pristine sands and crystal clear waters, it's easy to see why Manhattan Beach is considered one of the most desirable places to live in the area. Whether you're a beach lover, an outdoor enthusiast or just someone who appreciates the beauty of the ocean, living in Manhattan Beach will give you access to a slice of paradise every day. Whether you enjoy walking along the shoreline, sunbathing on the sand, or taking a dip in the ocean, the opportunities for outdoor recreation in Manhattan Beach are endless. And with its vibrant downtown area, which features a variety of shops, restaurants, and entertainment options, there's never a shortage of things to do when you're not soaking up the sun. So if you're looking for a place that combines the best of both worlds - a beautiful natural setting with a bustling downtown area - then Manhattan Beach is worth considering.

 

 

Vibrant downtown with shops, restaurants, and entertainment

  • The downtown area of Manhattan Beach is a true gem and a big part of what makes this city so special. With its vibrant atmosphere, diverse mix of shops and restaurants, and plenty of entertainment options, there's never a dull moment in this bustling coastal community. Whether you're looking for a place to grab a bite to eat with friends, do some shopping, or take in a movie, you'll find it all in the heart of Manhattan Beach. The area is known for its eclectic mix of independent boutiques, cafes, and restaurants, making it a popular destination for both locals and visitors alike. And with so many outdoor seating areas and sidewalk cafes, there's no better place to enjoy a sunny California day. Whether you're in the mood for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, you'll find a restaurant to suit your taste and budget in the downtown area of Manhattan Beach. And with so many entertainment options, from live music venues to movie theaters, you'll never run out of things to do in this thriving coastal community. So if you're looking for a place with a vibrant downtown area that offers a little bit of everything, Manhattan Beach is worth considering.
    • Here are some popular shops and restaurants in Manhattan Beach, CA

Shops:

  • Manhattan Village Shopping Center
  • Roundabout Boutique
  • The Strand South Bay
  • Beaches N' Dreams
  • MB Post

Restaurants:

  • MB steak
  • Fishing With Dynamite
  • Rock'N Fish
  • The Strand House
  • Petros Manhattan Beach

Photo Credits to: strandhousemb

Outdoor recreational activities

  • For outdoor enthusiasts, Manhattan Beach is truly a dream come true. With its stunning beaches, inviting waters, and endless recreation opportunities, there's never a shortage of things to do in this beautiful coastal community. Whether you enjoy swimming, surfing, beach volleyball, or simply soaking up the sun, there's something for everyone in Manhattan Beach. The city is famous for its beach volleyball scene, with several courts located along the shoreline and an active community of players. And with its ideal location and consistent waves, Manhattan Beach is also a popular spot for surfers of all levels. So if you're looking for a place that offers endless opportunities for outdoor recreation, Manhattan Beach is worth considering. But even if you're not an athlete, you'll still find plenty of ways to enjoy the outdoors in Manhattan Beach. Whether you prefer taking a walk along the shoreline, having a picnic on the sand, or simply relaxing in the sun, there's something for everyone in this beautiful coastal community. So if you're looking for a place that offers the perfect balance of outdoor recreation and urban amenities, Manhattan Beach is the place for you.

Photo by Charlie M on Unsplash 

Good Schools and a safe community

  • For families and those who place a high value on safety, Manhattan Beach is a great place to call home. With its strong sense of community and excellent schools, it's no wonder why so many families choose to raise their children here. The city is known for its top-rated public schools, which consistently rank among the best in the state. And with a low crime rate and a friendly, tight-knit community, Manhattan Beach is a safe and secure place to live. Whether you have young children, are starting a family, or simply value a safe and secure neighborhood, you'll find everything you're looking for in Manhattan Beach. With its beautiful beaches, excellent schools, and a strong sense of community, Manhattan Beach is the perfect place to call home for families and anyone who wants to live in a safe and secure environment. So if you're looking for a place that offers the best of both worlds - a beautiful natural setting and a safe, tight-knit community - Manhattan Beach is worth considering.

Here are some popular Schools in Manhattan Beach, CA

  • Manhattan Beach Unified School District:
    • Meadows Elementary School
    • Pacific Elementary School
    • Pennekamp Elementary School
    • Robinson Elementary School
    • Manhattan Beach Middle School
    • Mira Costa High School
  • Private schools:
    • American Martyrs Catholic School
    • St. Cross School
    • South Bay Lutheran School

https://www.instagram.com/miracostahs/

Convenient location near LA and other SoCal Cities

  • For those who value convenience and easy access to all that Southern California has to offer, Manhattan Beach is an ideal choice. Located just a short drive from Los Angeles and other major cities in the region, Manhattan Beach provides the perfect balance of urban amenities and coastal tranquility. Whether you need to commute to work, attend cultural events, or simply explore all that the area has to offer, you'll find it all within easy reach from Manhattan Beach. With its convenient location, you'll be able to take advantage of all the shopping, dining, and entertainment options that Los Angeles has to offer, without having to sacrifice the peace of the coastal living. And if you need to travel further afield, you'll find that Manhattan Beach is conveniently located near several major airports, making it easy to get where you need to go. So if you're looking for a place that offers the best of both worlds - a beautiful coastal community and easy access to all that Southern California has to offer - Manhattan Beach is the place for you.

Photo Credits to: Istockphoto.com | Art  Wager


CONS

 

High cost of living and real estate prices

  • For those on a tight budget or simply looking to stretch their dollar as far as it can go, Manhattan Beach may not be the best choice. With its high cost of living and sky-high real estate prices, Manhattan Beach can be a pricey place to call home. Whether you're looking to rent or buy, you'll find that the cost of living in Manhattan Beach is significantly higher than in many other parts of Southern California. And while the area offers many top-notch amenities and a high quality of life, these come at a premium price. From the high cost of housing to the expense of dining out or shopping, everything in Manhattan Beach seems to come with a higher price tag. So if you're on a tight budget or simply looking for a more affordable place to call home, Manhattan Beach may not be the best choice. But if you're willing to pay a premium for a high quality of life and all the amenities that come with it, Manhattan Beach is worth considering.



Limited parking and traffic

  • For those who don't like the hustle and bustle of city life, Manhattan Beach may not be the ideal choice. With limited parking and heavy traffic during peak hours, navigating the city can be a real challenge. Whether you're commuting to work or simply running errands, you'll find that traffic can be a real headache during peak hours. And while there are some public transportation options available, getting around without a car can be difficult. What's more, parking can be a real challenge in Manhattan Beach, especially during the summer months when the city is packed with tourists. So if you're looking for a place where you can get around with ease, Manhattan Beach may not be the best choice. But if you're willing to deal with the traffic and parking headaches in exchange for all that the city has to offer, Manhattan Beach is worth considering.



Crowds and noise in summer

  • For those who prefer a more peaceful and relaxed lifestyle, Manhattan Beach may not be the ideal choice during the summer months. With its beautiful beaches and vibrant downtown area, Manhattan Beach attracts large crowds of visitors and locals alike during the summer months. Whether you're trying to enjoy the sand and surf or simply take a stroll through the city, you'll find that the crowds and noise can be overwhelming. From the sounds of live music and street vendors to the chatter of beachgoers, there's simply a lot of activity and stimulation during the summer months in Manhattan Beach. So if you're looking for a place where you can escape the hustle and bustle of city life, Manhattan Beach may not be the best choice during the summer months. But if you're willing to deal with the crowds and noise in exchange for all the fun and excitement that the city has to offer, Manhattan Beach is worth considering.

 

Coastal erosion and flooding

  • For those who are looking for a place that's immune to the effects of coastal erosion and flooding, Manhattan Beach may not be the ideal choice. With its location along the Pacific Ocean, Manhattan Beach is vulnerable to coastal erosion and flooding during high tide and storm events. This can lead to damage to homes and public areas, as well as disruptions to daily life. While the city does have some measures in place to mitigate these effects, such as seawalls and sand replenishment programs, the threat of coastal erosion and flooding is always present. So if you're looking for a place that's immune to these effects, Manhattan Beach may not be the best choice. But if you're willing to deal with the potential impacts of coastal erosion and flooding in exchange for all the other benefits that come with living in this beautiful coastal city, Manhattan Beach is definitely worth considering.



High Property Taxes

  • For those who are looking to keep their housing costs low, Manhattan Beach may not be the ideal choice. With its high cost of living and real estate prices, Manhattan Beach can be a pricey place to call home. Whether you're looking to buy or rent, you'll find that housing costs in Manhattan Beach are among the highest in the area. This can make it challenging for those who are looking to save money, especially if you're trying to balance housing costs with other expenses, like food, transportation, and entertainment. So if you're looking for a place where you can keep your housing costs low, Manhattan Beach may not be the best choice. But if you're willing to deal with the higher housing costs in exchange for all the other benefits that come with living in this beautiful coastal city, Manhattan Beach is definitely worth considering.


John Bathurst
Luxury Real Estate Advisor | Principal | John Bathurst Group | Founding Member | Compass South Bay | DRE# 01977487
Mobile: 310.594.5705
Email: [email protected]

 

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