Where would you live if you could live anywhere in Palos Verdes?

Personally, I love where I live in Lunada Bay in Palos Verdes Estates. I have raised 3 boys here and it the perfect location for those with children. There are three schools ( Lunada Bay elementary, Palos Verdes Intermediate, and Palos Verdes High ) all within easy walking distance or a short bike ride . Lower Lunada Bay has flat streets perfect for kids riding bikes.

The local shopping Plaza has everything you could want, including 5 restaurants, a hardware store, barber and beauty shops, dog food/pet store, dental offices, liquor store, and several very good clothing stores.

Of course, the best thing is the incredible beauty of the area. Many homes enjoy ocean views, and residents enjoy walking the tree lined streets down to the ocean cliffs, especially the gorgeous half moon bay that gives the area its name.

The neighbors here are all very friendly, and there is a very active homeowners association planning local events including the October Harvest festival, summer concerts, and of course Santa's visit to the neighborhood children. We have a local park, called Lunada Bay Plaza park which is a wonderful venue for these neighborhood gatherings.

You can tell that I am a very happy 28 year resident.

This is a tough question to answer as there are so many great areas on the peninsula, all unique and appealing in their own way. Palos Verdes Estates, Rancho Palos Verdes, Rolling Hills and Rolling Hills Estates are all distinctly different and diverse.

I currently live in Malaga Cove, a short walk from the Malaga Cove Plaza, my office, the Ranch Market, Yellow Vase, Post Office, banking etc. and roughly a half mile from my parents who've been in the same house since I was in high school. It's very convenient for me. Malaga Cove, and Montemalaga directly above are truly beautiful and representative of the breathtaking views and Mediterranean flavor for which Palos Verdes Estates is renowned.

The question however, "where would you live in Palos Verdes. . ." invokes other questions pertaining to needs, preferences etc., the perfect spot and I'd pick Lunada Bay for many of the same reasons Maureen pointed out in her response. With two young, pre-high school boys the flat topography, proximity to their schools, friends, restaurants and convenience shopping makes this an ideal community for a young family. Valmonte is a similar neighborhood, closer and more convenient to roads out of PV, but without the abundance of local amenities.

I believe where you live should should address a balance of needs and personal preference.

I would choose the Dapplegrey Lanes area of Rolling Hills Estates. The lots are large enough and zoned for horses, but close enough together for a great neighborhood feel. Lots of families have lived there a long while and neighborhood parties are common, especially impromptu parties where good friends just share good conversation and some drinks enjoying the mild evenings. It's also close enough to shopping at both Peninsula Center and the Crenshaw/PCH stores to not feel isolated, yet quiet (except for the peacocks :-) )