Los Angeles neighborhood guide
Hermosa Beach
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Rent in Hermosa Beach
Rent control: Hermosa Beachhas no local rent-stabilization ordinance we track, so California's statewide cap (AB 1482) is the main protection. It limits annual increases on most buildings at least 15 years old, with exemptions. Verify a building's status before signing.
General information, not legal advice.
How Hermosa Beach scores for you
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Hermosa Beach is a beachfront city in Los Angeles County with a population of around 19,700. It sits in the South Bay, one of three beach communities in the region, bordered by Manhattan Beach to the north and Redondo Beach to the south. The city offers a coastal lifestyle with easy access to the beach and a walkable downtown core.
Living here means proximity to the Pacific Ocean and a laid-back beach town atmosphere. The city supports plenty of dining and recreation options, with about 10 restaurants within a short walk on average, and several gyms and parks scattered throughout. You'll find everyday needs like coffee shops and grocery stores nearby, though options are more limited than in larger urban centers.
Living here
Day-to-day life in Hermosa Beach revolves around its beaches and the pedestrian-friendly village core along Pier Avenue. You can walk to restaurants, cafes, and shops for most casual errands. The city ranks 33rd out of 371 South Coast communities for overall amenities, so you have enough local options to avoid frequent car trips for dining and fitness.
The beach itself defines the local rhythm, from volleyball games to morning surfers. Weather is mild year-round, which means outdoor activities are accessible most days. Without Metro rail service in the city, you'll rely on a car or buses for trips beyond the immediate area, though the compact layout keeps most of daily life local.
Who it's for
Hermosa Beach suits renters seeking a relaxed coastal community with beach access and a village-like feel. It works well for those who value proximity to the ocean over walkability to dense urban amenities, and who don't mind driving for broader shopping or entertainment. This is a good fit for people comfortable in a quieter, residential beach town where car ownership is practical.
Environment & livability
Air quality: moderate diesel PM exposure for California.
Above the state median, linked to mild long-term respiratory risk in some studies. Worth considering for sensitive households.
Traffic exposure: above-average traffic corridor exposure.
Higher traffic proximity correlates with elevated noise, diesel emissions, and reduced pedestrian comfort on nearby streets.
Tree cover: very limited tree cover, predominantly concrete.
Low canopy areas tend to run hotter and feel more exposed. Research links tree cover to lower ambient temperatures and improved pedestrian comfort.
Walkability: most daily errands can be done on foot.
High intersection density and destination access. The kind of area where a car is optional for daily life.
Transit: minimal transit access, car strongly recommended.
Very infrequent or no meaningful transit nearby. Car dependency is high in this area.
Environmental data from CalEnviroScreen 4.0 and the EPA Smart Location Database. Informational only, not professional advice for a housing decision.
Who lives in Hermosa Beach
Population
12,461
Renters
47%
of households rent
Median age
38
Median income
$172k
per household
Census ACS 5-year estimates.
Schools in Hermosa Beach
2 public schools sit inside this area · 1 with published results. Figures are the share of students who met or exceeded state standards.
| School | Grades | English | Math |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hermosa View Elementary Elementary | K-1 | — | — |
| Hermosa Valley Elementary Intermediate/Middle/Junior High | 5-8 | 77% | 69% |
Source: California Dept. of Education (directory) and CAASPP Smarter Balanced, 2025. We publish these figures as the state reports them and show the same table for every neighborhood. Saktoo does not rate schools, and school data is never part of a neighborhood match score. Attendance boundaries change — confirm the assigned school with the district before relying on it.
Around Hermosa Beach
Lazy Acres · Pavilions · Trader Joe's
Gumtree Cafe · Hi-Fi Espresso · Lavender & Honey · Lucky 7
Abigaile · Aka Sushi · Amigos Tacos · Baja Sharkeez
Ardmore Park · Clark Stadium · Ford Parkette · Fort Lots-o-Fun Park
24 Hour Fitness · 9Round · Afterburn Fitness · Allegiate Gym
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What the census says about Hermosa Beach
Facts about the neighborhood from the American Community Survey. These describe Hermosa Beach; none of them feed the scores above.
- Typical commute
- 35 min
- one way, residents who work
- Settled households
- 71%
- moved in before 2018
- Housing built
- ~1969
- average year of construction
- Above 1 per room
- 2%
- a measure of housing pressure
- Vacant units
- 13%
- of all housing units
- Broadband
- 98%
- of households subscribe
- Detached houses
- 63%
- the rest are attached or apartments
- Typical size
- 3 bed
- median across all homes here
- Homes here
- 3,627
- total housing units
Averaged across 6 areas of about a kilometre each. ACS 5-year estimates.
Hermosa Beach in the regional index
How Hermosa Beach places when every neighborhood in LA and Orange County is scored the same way.
- Plenty nearby, easy to get around
Ranks #17 of 263 neighborhoods on this weighting.
Finding a place in Hermosa Beach
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Frequently asked questions
Is Hermosa Beach walkable?+
The city center and beach areas are pedestrian-friendly for daily errands, cafes, and restaurants. However, without rail transit and a smaller overall footprint, you will need a car for trips outside the immediate area or to other parts of the region.
What restaurants and cafes are nearby?+
You'll find about 10 restaurants within a short walk on average, including options like Rockefeller, Fritto Misto, and Creme de la Crepe. Coffee shops like Hi-Fi Espresso and The Source Cafe are also nearby, making it easy to find a meal or coffee without traveling far.
Are there parks and gyms in Hermosa Beach?+
Yes. The city has several parks including Greenwood Park and Lawn Bowling Green, plus around 3 gyms per small neighborhood area. These include Anytime Fitness and Reformer Pilates Studio, so you have options for fitness and outdoor recreation.
How do I get groceries?+
Grocery stores like Pavilions, Trader Joe's, and Lazy Acres are in the city. With roughly 1 grocery store per neighborhood hex, you may need to plan or drive slightly farther than in denser areas, but staple shopping is available locally.
What is the average rent in Hermosa Beach?+
Current residents of Hermosa Beach pay a median rent of about $3,002 per month (Census ACS). Asking rents for new leases typically run higher.
How is the air quality in Hermosa Beach?+
Hermosa Beach has moderate diesel PM exposure for California, based on CalEnviroScreen 4.0 diesel particulate data (percentile 58 of 100, lower is cleaner).
Which LA neighborhoods are similar to Hermosa Beach?+
Based on walkability, rent levels, amenities, and environment, the most similar neighborhoods to Hermosa Beach are Venice, Manhattan Beach, Redondo Beach and Pico-Robertson.