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Manhattan Beach, CA


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Manhattan Beach, California

Introduction to Manhattan Beach, California

Manhattan Beach, California, in Los Angeles county, is 2 miles NW of Redondo Beach, California (center to center) and 15 miles SW of Los Angeles, California. The scenic town is situated along the Pacific Coast in the South Bay region. The city is known for its excellent beach, expensive houses, upscale restaurants and prosperous residents. The Hill Section includes homes located on steep hills which have scenic views of the ocean and Los Angeles. The city hosts the prominent AVP beach volleyball tournament.

Manhattan Beach History

In the early years the city was included in the Rancho Sausal Redondo. Later, it was named Shore Acres by George Peck. In 1901 the southern portion was purchased by Stewart Merrill and named after his old residence in New York City. Peck and Merrill flipped a coin to determine the name of the city and Manhattan was the winner. Two notable wooden piers were constructed in 1901. The population significantly increased after World War II ended. The defense industry had been a major factor for the economy.

Manhattan Beach Attractions

  • The Manhattan Beach Grand Prix is a prominent Pro-Am cycling race.
  • The AVP Beach Volleyball Championship is a well known event.
  • Farmer's Market Tuesdays.
  • Manhattan Avenue features a wide variety of shops and is a popular destination.

Manhattan Beach Activities

The excellent beach is popular for sunbathing, volleyball, surfing and swimming. There are more than 150 volleyball courts located on the beach. A scenic walking path traverses along the coastline. A picturesque pier is located at the end of Manhattan Beach Boulevard and is available for fishing. Residents are close to Hollywood and the popular attractions situated in Southern California including Disneyland, Universal Studios Hollywood and Knott's Berry Farm.

Hermosa, Redondo and Venice beaches are close by. The Abalone Cove Shoreline Park located in nearby Rancho Palos Verdes is a scenic destination which includes tide pools, beautiful sandy beaches and impressive bluffs. The area features popular golf courses including Marriott Golf Course, Westchester Golf Course, Palos Verdes Golf Club and Chester Washington Golf Course. The Los Angeles Zoo is a short distance away.

Manhattan Beach Transportation

Air travel is offered at the Los Angeles International Airport.

Manhattan Beach Higher Education

The University of West Los Angeles is nearby.

High Points

Manhattan Beach strengths, compared to Peers (similar size places nationally) or State (other places in California):

CategoryTrophy
Well-Paid Single Men
(vs. Peers)		Top 1%trophyManhattan Beach Well-Paid Single Men
Well-Paid Single Women
(vs. Peers)		Top 1%trophyManhattan Beach Well-Paid Single Women
Median Family Income
(vs. Peers)		Top 1%trophyManhattan Beach Median Family Income
College Educated Adults
(vs. Peers)		Top 2%trophyManhattan Beach College Educated Adults
People in Middle Class or Better
(vs. Peers)		Top 3%trophyManhattan Beach People in Middle Class or Better
Low Rate of Poverty
(vs. Peers)		Top 9%Manhattan Beach Low Rate of Poverty

Comparative Profile of Manhattan Beach, CA

Comparing Manhattan Beach to similar size places nationwide (Peers) and to other places in California (State):

Ratings range from 1 (lowest) to 10 (highest).


The People

CharacteristicCompared
to Peers		Compared
to State
Well-Paid Single Men1010
Well-Paid Single Women1010
Male Share of the Population109
Age of the Population88
Racial Diversity53
Children Under 5 Years Old54
Senior Citizens45
Female Share of the Population23

Families

CharacteristicCompared
to Peers		Compared
to State
Portion of People Married54
Average Household Size32

Wealth

CharacteristicCompared
to Peers		Compared
to State
Median Family Income1010
College Educated Adults1010
People in Middle Class or Better1010
People Above Poverty1010

Commute & Sprawl

CharacteristicCompared
to Peers		Compared
to State
Working at Home109
Walking and Biking to Work53
Short Commute Times33
Public Transportation Use22

Housing

CharacteristicCompared
to Peers		Compared
to State
Seasonal and Vacation Housing98
People Living Alone78
Studio & One-Bedroom Rentals54
Housing Recently Built32
Affordability of Property Taxes21
Affordability of Rents11

Crime

CharacteristicCompared
to Peers		Compared
to State
Low Property Crime87
Low Violent Crime77

Detailed pages on related topics: Manhattan Beach travel • Manhattan Beach mortgage and property.

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Additional Details

Manhattan Beach Hotels & TravelManhattan Beach Hotels & Travel
Manhattan Beach hotels, landmarks, tourism, transportation.
Manhattan Beach MortgageManhattan Beach Mortgage
Manhattan Beach property, mortgage, and real estate.

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