While the real estate market around the country was taking a hit, home values along the coast of the South Bay remained as stable as ever.  The “sand” section of Manhattan Beach   remained particularly strong as oceanview and oceanfront homes that are walkable to the beach are always in demand.  Home prices in the sand section (see map) are reaching unbelievable highs with full lot walkstreets in the 3-6 million dollar range, depending on age, condition and view.

While these homes are out of reach for most South Bay buyers, there is an area of Manhattan Beach that offers far more reasonable home prices.  The area is known as “north” Manhattan, although it’s more familiar to most as El Porto.  El Porto is the northernmost neighborhood of Manhattan Beach. Ideally located for commuters traveling to Santa Monica or downtown Los Angeles, El Porto offers close proximity to LAX, Marina Del Rey, the Westside and more. As El Porto lies on a fairly steep grade, homes in the area often offer stunning ocean and panoramic views from Palos Verdes to Malibu. One unique feature of El Porto is that it offes many half lots generally measuring 45×30 which allows for some more affordable housing within a block or two from the ocean.  Many of these homes are “legal non-conforming” duplexes with a 2 bedroom unit upstairs and a 1 bedroom or studio rental downstairs.  Homes in the area start in the mid $800,000 and depending on size, age, and views can go up to the $2,000,000+ range.  The area is ideal for people not needing a huge home, that love the beach and ocean, and want to shave off 15 minutes of their commute.  For surfing enthusiasts, it happens to front the best surfing beach in the South Bay.  If you are looking for an oceanview home in Manhattan Beach you may want to consider the El Porto.

Keith Kyle – Realtor, e-Pro – Vista Sotheby’s International– 2501 N Sepulveda Blvd Manhattan Beach, CA 90266 – 310-251-2344

For real estate information, open houses, and FREE South Bay and Beach Cities MLS access visit www.KeithKyleHomes.com