Although Manhattan Beach is just under 4 square miles in area, there are 5 real estate sections and several other distinct neighborhoods. The 5 major sections are the Sand Section, Hill Section, Tree Section, Mira Costa, and Manhattan Village / Liberty Heights. Within those sections there are several other unique neighborhoods, such as the Downtown area, El Porto, The Strand, Bruce’s Beach, Walk Streets, and the Gas Lamp neighborhood. Understanding how each neighborhood and section relates to another, and has its own unique character and real estate attributes can make a big difference when looking to buy a home in Manhattan Beach.
Manhattan Beach Sand Section
The Sand Section is the premium real estate area of Manhattan Beach, sporting the highest median home prices per square foot. Homes on the Strand, for instance, can sell for upwards of $25-$30 million, with prices per square foot between $800 to $900. The Sand Section encompasses the entire area (1.4 square miles) from the coast to Valley/Ardmore streets, with most homes being within walking distance of the beach. About 11,575 people live in the Sand Section, with the majority of construction being either Single Family Homes, Townhomes, and small apartment buildings.
Here’s some detailed demographic data on the Sand Section.
Manhattan Beach Hill Section
Moving down the median price per square foot scale we have the Hill Section, 0.814 square miles of prime Manhattan Beach real estate. The Hill section has median home prices between $600 to $700 per square foot, with homes built on relatively large lots between 5,000 to 7,500 square feet that typically have ocean views. About 5,200 people live in the Hill Section, parking is abundant, and Sepulveda / PCH provides ample access to major transportation arteries.
City-Data.com offers detailed demographic information on the Hill Section.
Manhattan Beach Tree Section
The Tree Section falls just short of the Hill in prices per square foot, with a median price ranging from $600 to $650. Lots tend to be a standard 40′ x 112′, Eucalyptus trees abound, and streets generally sport the names of tree types like Pine, Elm, and Walnut. About 9,500 people live within 1.3 square miles here with the majority of homes being owner-occupied, versus rentals. As with the Hill Section, access to Sepulveda / PCH, as well as Artesia Blvd, provides easy access to major transportation nodes like LAX and the 405.
For more detailed demographic data on the Tree Section.
Manhattan Beach Mira Mosta Section
Mira Costa, or East Manhattan Beach, is generally the area between Sepulveda Blvd in the west, Aviation Blvd in the east, Manhattan Beach Blvd in the north, and Artesia Blvd in the south.
Roughly 14,000 residents live within this section, which is notable for Mira Costa High School, gently rolling terrain, and home lot sizes that generally run about 50′ x 150′ in area. Mira Costa is surrounded by major transportation routes, which makes commuting easier, and the area also contains Manhattan Beach’s “Mansion Area.”
The Mansion Area is located by Ronda and Terraza Place, and has lots that can range up to 24,000+ square feet. 116 Terraza Place is a listing currently on market that shows what you can expect in the Mansion Area.
Homes in Mira Costa sell for a median price per square foot between $430 to $450, and generally account for 10%-15% of Manhattan Beach’s sales volume.
Here’s a link for more detailed demographic information about Mira Costa.
Manhattan Beach Heights / Liberty Village
Manhattan Village, Manhattan Heights, and Liberty Village are all combined by the MLS into a single real estate section called Manhattan Beach Heights / Liberty Village. The combined three neighborhoods account for between 5%-10% of sales volume for the city, and have median prices per square foot between $450-$500. Manhattan Village is roughly 1 square mile in area, is centered on the Manhattan Village Mall, and has about 2,100 residents:
Manhattan Village is a Planned Unit Development (PUD) with 522 homes of mixed attached and detached Townhomes, and Single Family Residences (SFR’s). Manhattan Village is a gated community with 400 of the homes being Townhomes, with 122 being estate SFR’s. Architectural styles range from Cape Cod, to English Tudor, Mediterranean, and French. The compound is located adjacent to a gold course, and has a botanical park setting with tropical landscaping throughout, a children’s park, swimming pools, and spa. Townhomes range in size from 1,400-2,100 square foot, with SFR’s ranging between 2,300-3,200 square feet.
8 Westport is an example of an estate home that sold in Manhattan Village in June 2011 for $1,300,000 ($498 per square foot). The home sits on 5,760 square feet of lot, with a structure area of 2,612 square feet. There are 3 beds, 2 baths, and the home was built in 1983 to a Mediterranean architectural style.
28 San Miguel Ct is an example of a split level Townhouse built in 1985 to Mediterranean architectural style. The Townhouse has 2 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, 1,557 square feet, and sold for $775,000 ($498 per square foot) in August 2011.
Manhattan Heights is adjacent to Manhattan Village, encompassing 0.42 square miles of area with about 2,570 residents just south of the Village, west of Liberty Heights, and east of the Hill Section. The streets that bound Manhattan Heights are Marine to the north, Sepulveda to the west, Peck Ave / Pollywog Park to the east, and 11th St to the south.
The topography of Manhattan Heights is mainly flat, streets are wide, and lots are commonly larger than 7,500 square feet. Two example recent sales show the two types of properties commonly found in Manhattan Heights: World War II era homes, and newer homes built to replace those homes:
The old World War II era home is typical of 1200 Magnolia, which sold in July of 2011 for $795,000 ($808 per square foot). The home is a one-level traditional style built in 1948 on a 4,900 square foot lot. The home, itself, has 3 bedrooms, and 1 bath in 984 square feet of living space. Note: the high price per square foot is due to the small construction area, not because Manhattan Heights has comparable home values as The Strand.
A newer home example in Manhattan Heights can be seen further up the block with 1909 Magnolia. This 5 bedroom, 4.5 bath villa is built on a 7,310 square foot lot with a 3,767 square foot structure. The home sold for $1,900,000 ($504 per square foot) in July 2011.
Just to the east of Manhattan Heights, and south of Manhattan Village is Liberty Village. Almost 3,400 residents live in this 0.53 square mile neighborhood bordered by Marine Ave in the north, Aviation Blvd in the east, 11th St in the south, and Rowell Ave in the west. Lot sizes are typically 50′ x 100′ and existing homes were generally built around 1950 to a standard design. 1500 Lynngrove Dr is an example of a Liberty Village home that sold in late June 2011 for $930,000 ($524 per square foot). The home is a one-level range style built in 1950 on a 6,039 square foot lot. The structure has 3 bedrooms and 1.5 baths in 1,775 square feet of area with a quiet backyard with a pool and patio.
Living In Manhattan Beach
Manhattan Beach Pier
Located 19 miles southwest of Los Angeles on the southerly end of Santa Monica Bay, Manhattan Beach 3.9 square miles in area, has 2.1 miles of beach front, and 40 acres of recreational park area. With a population just over 33,000 and a median household income over $100 thousand, Manhattan Beach attracts affluent professionals and family-oriented homeowners.
City Of Manhattan Beach – Official city web site for the City of Manhattan Beach.
Manhattan Beach Facts – Physical facts, population information, economic profile, and city governance information.
Demographic Profile – Manhattan Beach Demographic break-out of population, housing, and income / employment.
Manhattan Beach History – Manhattan Beach wasn’t built in a day. Learn the city history before moving in.
Wikipedia Manhattan Beach – No research is complete without referencing Wikipedia…
Manhattan Beach Chamber Of Commerce – Dedicated to promoting a strong local economy and quality of life. If you’re thinking of re-locating your business to Manhattan Beach you should get in touch with the Chamber of Commerce.
Employment Opportunities – Work for the City of Manhattan Beach.
Manhattan Beach Walkability Score – No surprise to anyone who has visited Manhattan Beach, but the City earns a “Very Walkable” rating by www.walkscore.com.
