Both are excellent investment opportunities. The Demographics of Manhattan had changed over the past 10 years, which led to it being the "Highest Median Price" in CA at one point. The school district in Manhattan, I believe, rank in the Top 5 in Los Angeles County. Hermosa is a bit more, "beachy" feel to it. You do tend to find a younger crowd there. The rule of thumb for attractiveness will be finding something closest to the beach you can afford.

Lots of information can come from the past few years in the beach area however both cities, by comparison, faired extremely well in the downturn. In fact the major factor that effected home prices was getting jumbo loans. The area professionals can show you listings that were purchased in specific areas of each city and recent sales comparisons in the same area but unfortunately you can't essentially generalize this question to city. You're best bet is to find a good value home that fits the most common demographic buyers in your investment range.. in other words, when it's time to sell, you want to have a property with the most buyers. An example would be if you had $800k to invest then look in Hermosa - this price fits the active lifestyle younger demographics whereas if you had $1.5M to invest, Single Family Homes in Manhattan is the trick. A much deeper conversation can be made of this obviously...

Hi

I have a CPR designation in this area. A CPR is a Certifted Past Resident who knows no less or no more than the rest of the population of ex residents and current homeowners who reside there in. So let me say this about that.

Question is slightly skewed and not relevant. MB is upper crust family oriented beach community. Getting in is always desirable for prestige of living there, schools and lifestyle. Your kid will likley seek the latest top of the line Apple Lap top to compete with other 3rd grade students. Trick or treat costumes ordered from Calvin Klien a must.

Hermosa on the other hand is where the beach dwelling "check me out" bachelor can find comfort taking it deep any nightof the week. Pro party rage and nitelife destiniation of closet player hater participants crossing the border from MB to HB any night of the week. , Definitley not the spot for family minded old money versus nouveau riche long boarders seeking to make a statement.

Both are a no lose proposition when the market comes crawling back - the areas are always light years ahead of the rest of LA. Case in point - MB leads most areas in new construction (per capita) now compared to those areas in there best years.

Administrator

Over - out!

Both Manhattan Beach and Hermosa Beach have held their values well during this downturn. Hermosa Beach has always been a bit less expensive than Manhattan Beach, and some people actually prefer the feel of Hermosa Beach as they feel that it is a bit more "beachy" in feel. Manhattan Beach has had many mini-mansions built with many homes with almost zero lot lines. It really all depends on what areas of Manhattan Beach or Hermosa Beach appeal to you. Homes to the east of Sepulveda Blvd. are less expensive in both cities. I believe that both communities will remain excellent investments over the long haul. The school districts here are excellent. Manhattan Beach school district goes from Kindergarten through High School (Mira Costa High) and The Hermosa Beach City School District consists of only two elementary school sites, one for grades K-2 and the other for grades 3-8. High school students attend one of two high schools outside the city limits. High school students who reside in Hermosa Beach have the choice of which high school they may attend -- Redondo Union High School in Redondo Beach or Mira Costa High School in Manhattan Beach. You would love living in either community.

Vincent,

I would really study the prices and values in both cities and wait for the right opportunity. Both cities are very good investments as prices and values have remained so high. The prices in Manhattan have been, and will remain, above Hermosa so you can certainly get more for your money in Hermosa but on the back end you would also be selling for less than you could get in Manhattan. More important may be the areas or "sections" of each city as generally the sand section or both Manhattan and Hermosa have remained relatively strong while some of the areas east of Sepulveda and PCH have seen a greater decline in demand.

Hi Vincent,

Both Hermosa and Manhattan beach are sound investments. Obviously, the closer to the sand you can get at either location the better off the investment is. The Manhattan Beach schoolddistrict is very highly acredited. The price per squre foot is higher in Mahattan as well so you are likey to see the appreciation faster there when the market turns. Both Manhattan and Hermosa have some fabulous deals right now. I would be happen to answer any further questions you may have.

Sincerely,

Rachel

Hello Vincent,

The price point is higher in Manhattan Beach. If you can swing paying a little more I think Manhattan Beach is a better investment but if it comes to investing in a home or income property I feel that both are wise investments.

Best,

Monique Carrabba
The Carrabba Group
Keller Williams Sunset
monique@thecarrabbagroup.com