Helen-
San Pedro has a lot of nice areas and beautiful historic homes. It is kind of like a small community even though it is part of the city of Los Angeles. They have two very active Catholic Churches that many of the people send their kids to their schools. San Pedro is very nice in Averill Park, Upper Vista Del Oro, South Shores, White Point and Point Fermin. Taper Avenue area is also good. Many people do send their kids to private Catholic High School because the High School is L.A. Unified, but the elementary schools are good in the San Pedro areas mentioned. They are rated higher than the schools in Long Beach. Check out http:// www.GreatSchools.net. If you have kids and do not take the realtors word for it do your own homework, remember they are trying to sell something. Much of this depends upon your job. If you can afford it, Rancho Palos Verdes is right next door with great schools. Long Beach has crime that is just about the same as San Pedro, all of it is near a big city so it is not crime free, but you will find crime in Torrance as well. I wonder if some of the people who answered actually have been to San Pedro because it is just as "nice" as Long Beach, but it does get less publicity because it is smaller. People who have not lived in San Pedro do not know how nice it is. Torrance is a good option to look at in the area as well. I would recommend Susan Smeltzer, Gary Krill or Trutanich Realty for upper San Pedro, they are very active in the area and ask them the question based upon your budget. In South Torrance and Hermosa Beach and Redondo Beach I would recommend Tashia Hinchliffe with Shorewood Realty to ask the same question. Most of these realtors would be glad to give you some time on the phone to ask your budget, job and neighborhood questions. I do not know any of the Long Beach realtors but ask them the same questions. I have so many friends in Palos Verdes who are realtors, and each have a particular "neighborhood they specialize in" who tend to know about houses coming up for sale before they hit the market. I do not know Mary Thomas as a friend, but she seems very honest with Remax in Palos Verdes. Make sure you specify if you are looking for investment, for proximity to job, to raise kids, etc. If you have over 950k go to Palos Verdes. If you are lucky enough to find a small house in Redondo Beach with a view, it will probably increase alot in value over the years. Have fun, but remember it is the big city in all these areas no matter what. If you have any kind of a club that you are in whether it is a sorority or a business group try to find a friend who is in the area and ask them.

Tue Apr 29 2008, 00:44

You might check out the South Shores area where there are mainly homes with spectacular ocean views. This would be the "Beverly Hills" of San Pedro. There are also a number of gated complexes of townhomes and condominiums that might also fit your needs and give you a feeling of more security.

Mon Apr 28 2008, 15:34

I'm with Julia on this one. From what I've seen, there really aren't very many nice areas of San Pedro, and it's drive to get to the nearest highway. Long Beach is about the same price and has a bit more to offer...
I'd only go with San Pedro if you worked there and wanted to be next to work.

Mon Apr 28 2008, 10:43

Hello, Helen, Averill Park is a nice residential area in San Pedro. For statistics on safety, contact the local station of the Los Angeles Police Department, or online resources about San Pedro. You might also want to consider Long Beach because of good freeway access and many residential areas from which to choose. Please feel free to contact me about more information. 562-896-2609

Mon Apr 28 2008, 05:16