Advertisement

San Pedro: Blue-collar soul with ocean views

Share
Times Staff Writer

San Pedro, on the eastern slope of the Palos Verdes Peninsula, is known for its steep inland hills, high ocean bluffs and the Port of Los Angeles. Its own city until 1910, when it became part of Los Angeles, San Pedro recently tried to put a secession measure on the November ballot but remains under the control of the Los Angeles City Council. The low-profile community of 80,741, more than 20 miles from City Hall, is home to Mayor James K. Hahn.

Drawing card

You get more bang for your ocean-side buck here than in tonier Rancho Palos Verdes, Redondo Beach or other South Bay cities.

Wow factor

It’s all about the views, particularly those of Catalina Island. San Pedro has a rugged shoreline with crumbling bluffs and a vintage lighthouse more reminiscent of Northern California than the groomed, flat beaches of Redondo Beach or Torrance. The inland hillside homes capitalize on views of Los Angeles Harbor and Long Beach.

Advertisement

Hot spots

The two most desirable neighborhoods, South Shores ($600,000 to $800,000) and Palisades (high $400,000s to $750,000), have Catalina views. Vista del Oro (low $300,000s to $800,000) is the inland heart of San Pedro. Taper Street and its townhouse complex called the Gardens (high $200,000s to low $500,000s) is an ‘80s-era neighborhood popular with young families.

Bargain hunters may want to search the bluff-side Point Fermin area (high $200,000s to $500,000) or the inland Holy Trinity area (high $200,000s to $400,000). Prices drop the closer you get to the area’s dowdy strip-mall gateway of Gaffey Street and the older section of town on and below Pacific Avenue.

Insider’s view

The community has an unpretentious appeal likely attributed to its blue-collar soul. Its mix of dockworkers, military personnel (Ft. MacArthur is still an active base) and old and new immigrants give the area an eclectic feel. The Old Town area (6th and 7th streets) is undergoing a renaissance with new restaurants, the refurbished Warner Grand Theatre, galleries and coffeehouses. Ports o’ Call Village remains a tourist draw.

Stock report

Single-family homes dominate, with condominiums and townhouses making up about 15% to 20% of the housing stock. Unlike other parts of suburban L.A., San Pedro didn’t grow up around ‘50s- and ‘60s-era tract houses. Homes built from the 1920s through the 1960s on tree-lined streets give the area a distinctive charm. It’s not uncommon to see an older Mediterranean between a Cape Cod and an English Tudor.

Report card

Public schools in San Pedro are part of the Los Angeles Unified School District. Elementary schools are the strong suit here; test scores fall off at the middle schools and at the sole high school, San Pedro High.

Weather report

Within San Pedro, inland areas stay sunny and warm; ocean-side neighborhoods are cooler and can be fogged in during mornings.

Advertisement

Good news, bad news

San Pedro has an out-of-the-way feel. However, the congested 110 Freeway is the only main artery off the peninsula.

Also, although the seaside location means cooler temperatures and great views, it doesn’t translate to cleaner air.

A study by the South Coast Air Quality Management District found that the area nearest the port has the dirtiest air in Los Angeles County.

Historical values

San Pedro home sales, new and resale:

Year Median Price

1990... $245,000

1995... $175,500

2000... $227,250

2001...$249,000

2002...$280,500*

* Year to date

*

Sources: DataQuick Information Systems, School Wise Press, Buyer Team Realty, Re/Max Execs/Rancho Palos Verdes

Advertisement