If you're considering a move to the Los Angeles area but don't know which town to choose, you should consider Manhattan Beach. 

Since it was founded in 1912, this coastal haven has become ideal for folks who want access to Los Angeles but prefer a quiet life by the Beach. Despite being less than four square miles, Manhattan Beach is jam-packed with everything from unique real estate and fine dining to immaculate beach vibes and a robust economy. 

Still, choosing which Southern California beach town best suits your lifestyle can be a tough call. That's why the team from  Prevu Real Estate has compiled the top reasons why Manhattan Beach is an incredible place to live. 

Top reasons to live in Manhattan Beach

• Easy access to Los Angeles County

• Career opportunities 

• Luxury homes near the beach

• Amazing weather year-round

• Beach access

• Dining for all occasions 

• World-class shopping

Easy access to Los Angeles County

Manhattan Beach has access to roadways that connect it to all of Los Angeles County. 

Commuters heading into Los Angeles proper can take Route 1, which connects to I-105 and then I-110, making for a 40-minute drive into Downtown. For those that travel by rail, the nearby Redondo Beach LA Metro Rail station is less than five minutes from town. A public parking lot on Marine Avenue allows travelers to park just steps from the station. 

Folks who are living in Manhattan Beach also benefit from proximity to Interstate 405. Less than a mile from Manhattan Beach, the major thoroughfare connects Los Angeles County and the South Bay to Orange County. 

Finally, Los Angeles International Airport is only six miles from Manhattan Beach on Route 1, making it an easy trip for frequent flyers. 

Career opportunities in tech

Select areas on the Westside of Los Angeles earned the "Silicon Beach" moniker because of their growing tech economy, and Manhattan Beach is no exception. 

Numerous startups maintain offices near the eastern border of town. On Parkview Avenue, you'll find Saritasa and Think Mobily, both expert app and web developers. Nearby, Roller Software works with entertainment venues to manage customer flow using cloud-based software. 

Just across Rosencrans Avenue, another collection of tech companies offers potential careers. For example, both Kaleo Software and Metaspike Software help larger businesses organize their digital data. Similarly, iSpace is an information technology company that empowers healthcare providers with data analytics. 

Even tech giants like Heavy Iron Studios (who developed the SpongeBob video games) and Dell Technologies hold offices in Manhattan Beach. Beyond local opportunities, Netflix, Amazon, YouTube, and Google hold offices in the LA metro area, enriching the job market across technology, media, and entertainment. 

Luxury homes near the beach

Manhattan Beach's neighborhoods, known as "sections" by locals, host a vast array of luxury homes.

The Sand Section, which spans the city's two-mile coastline, should be your first stop if you’re shopping for beachfront homes. Here, you can find modern, multi-story residences with asymmetrical facades and expansive glass walls that give way to verandas with ocean views. While each home is unique, interiors tend to embrace open-concept designs with high ceilings and abundant natural light. 

From there, head east to the Hill Section, a neighborhood that gets its nickname from high elevation and panoramic views. This area is known for older residences with stunning views of the Pacific. Here, homebuyers can explore Colonial estates and Mediterranean mansions with lush landscaping and large lots. 

The Tree Section, meanwhile, gets its name from its timber-themed streets such as Walnut and Elm Avenue. This area is the city's largest suburb, hosting diverse architectural styles such as Spanish Colonials with red-tiled roofs and Cape Cods with dormer windows. These quaint homes often feature driveways and well-maintained yards. 

Amazing weather year-round

Manhattan Beach enjoys nearly perfect weather thanks to the Pacific Ocean. In the summer, the ocean's cooler temperatures prevent extreme heat, while the ocean's comparative warmth prevents exceedingly cold weather in the winter. The result is an average year-round high temperature of 70 degrees and a low of 55. 

Manhattan Beach enjoys 286 days of sunshine, providing ample opportunities to sunbathe, go for a run, or visit the Manhattan Beach Pier. While the weather is delightful throughout the year, the period from June to October is particularly inviting, with a consistent temperature of around 75.

Beach access

Regardless of where you are in Manhattan Beach, a short trek of about 15 minutes is all you’ll need to find yourself by the water. 

Through the twentieth century, Manhattan Beach has remained a hidden gem among the sandy beaches of Los Angeles, retaining a quieter local charm compared to tourist destinations like Venice Beach and Malibu.

The city's two-mile seashore is 450-feet wide, resulting in 40 acres of accessible sand that creates a perfect beach for surfing, picnics, or sharpening your beach volleyball skills. 

Between the sand and Ocean Drive, a paved pathway known as The Strand lines the beach. The 22-mile path begins at Will Rogers State Beach and follows the shoreline to Torrance Beach, meandering through Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach, and Redondo Beach along the way. You can find plenty of locals enjoying morning jogs or multi-mile bike rides, as the path allows residents to enjoy the ride without the interference of traffic. 

Dining for all occasions 

GQ magazine voted Manhattan Beach the "best beach for chowing down," which continues to hold true. Whether you're looking for seaside snacks or fine dining, you’ll have no trouble finding a spot along the beach. 

For a quick refreshment, you can grab a drink at Preso Tea or an ice cream next door at Manhattan Beach Creamery. Just a short distance away, Lemonade satisfies lunchtime cravings with quick poke and quinoa bowls.

In the evening, Manhattan Beach offers a variety of upscale dining options. For starters, you can check out Manhattan Beach Post, which transforms traditional American fare into gourmet cuisine. Try the house-made buttermilk biscuits with applewood smoked bacon, aged cheddar, and whipped maple butter.

Manhattan Beach also boasts a collection of Italian restaurants, ranging from cozy pizzerias to elegant trattorias. Mangiamo Ristorante & Bar is a standout, preparing California's freshest seafood with an Italian flair. The crab crusted sea bass, accompanied by lemon shrimp and zucchini linguine, is a great dish to start with. 

World-class shopping

Beyond delicious restaurants, Downtown Manhattan Beach offers residents a variety of shopping opportunities. Fashion aficionados can explore locally-owned boutiques like Manhattan Denim or All Yoo. For beachwear, check out Aviator Nation's 70s-inspired styles or Spyder Surfboards for flip-flops or swimming trunks. 

For a broader retail experience, head over to Manhattan Village on North Sepulveda Boulevard. There, you'll find famous brands such as Apple, Macy's, and Urban Outfitters. If you've just moved into the area, you can search for kitchenware at Williams-Sonoma or find the perfect sofa at Pottery Barn. 

Towards the city's northern border, where Rosencrans Avenue and Highland Avenue meet, you'll discover a quaint retail district called the North End. Cafes and shops like the Little French Bakery or Sand Spa provide a relaxed atmosphere for those seeking a peaceful morning near the beach. 

Homes for sale in Manhattan Beach

Interested in buying a homee in Manhattan Beach? Browse listings and see how much you can save with Prevu’s commission rebate.