If you’re seeking a new home in Redondo Beach, research is key when it comes to making the right choice. After all, what’s around it can sometimes matter just as much as what’s in it. That means you’ll want to assess your and your family’s needs to determine what matters to you the most. With that in mind, here are just some of the neighborhood amenities you should look into before buying a home in this world-class coastal resort city.
Schools
If you have children, schools should be at the top of your list. Even if you’re planning on having kids in the future, having good schools in your neighborhood will make things easier down the road. You won’t have to deal with your kids taking long bus rides or a shuffling of schedules to try to drop them off at the right time. So, before buying, you should know what schools are in the area and what their boundaries are.
In Redondo Beach, many preschool-age children get their start at one of two Beach Cities Child Development Centers found at 850 Inglewood and 514 N. Prospect avenues. There, the philosophy and curriculum are geared toward encouraging and empowering children to learn and succeed in a positive, caring and nurturing environment, and building the foundation for a strong educational future. Both preschools are situated in recently remodeled facilities boasting age-appropriate classrooms and playgrounds surrounded by trees and grassy areas that provide students with abundant opportunities for outdoor play and adventure time.
Both follow the same curriculum and guidelines, offering a developmental program designed to foster the physical, cognitive, social, emotional and cultural development of each child. With a belief that children learn through hands-on activities, the environment is designed to allow free movement, choices, and exploration according to all interests and abilities, and includes music and yoga. Members of the teaching staff are experienced educators of young children, and all have at least an equivalent of an associate’s degree from an accredited institution of higher learning. Teachers are required to attend in-service training, workshops, and conferences throughout the year, and each staff member also is certified in CPR and First Aid.
The top-rated Redondo Beach Unified School District (RBUSD) is the next stop for many students. It consists of eight elementary schools, two middle schools, one high school, one continuation school, and one adult school. The District’s instructional program includes language arts, mathematics, social science, science, physical education, and visual/performing arts. World languages are taught in middle and high school, and an optional dual-language program in Spanish/English also is offered to begin in kindergarten. Each school has received one of the following recognitions: California Distinguished School, California Gold Ribbon School, California Green Ribbon School, California Model Continuation High, and National Blue-Ribbon School.
Conveniences
Malls and retail establishments within a five-mile radius can also make a difference, so you should look into these things before making an offer. If you ever need anything, that means you won’t have to run across town. Some of the places you might want to be near include:
South Bay Galleria, a three-level shopping, dining and entertainment destination boasting more than 140 retailers. Found at 1815 Hawthorne Blvd., just off the 405 Freeway, South Bay Galleria also offers various community activities, including Kids Club events on the first Tuesday of each month, along with a Farmers Market every Thursday (through Dec. 26) from 8 a.m.-2 p.m. at the corner of Artesia and Hawthorne boulevards.
Riviera Village, nestled along the Pacific Ocean at 1799 S Catalina Ave., just 20 miles southwest of L.A. and minutes from LAX. One of the South Bay’s best-kept secrets, Riviera Village is a charming pedestrian-friendly district offering more than 300 one-of-a-kind boutiques, restaurants, galleries, salons, and services. Riviera Village also is known for its many activities, including the free Riviera Village Summer Festival each June with more than 300 exhibitors, arts and crafts, a beer and wine garden with live entertainment, an international food court and carnival rides for the kids; First Fridays, when participating merchants and art galleries stay until 8 p.m. on the first Friday of every month and offer live music, dining specials and sales; and a Farmers Market (each Sunday from 9 a.m.-2 p.m., in the triangle parking lot at 1801 S Elena Ave.)
The Redondo Beach Pier, with more than 50 oceanfront dining, shopping and entertainment opportunities. The Redondo Beach Pier is situated at 100 Fisherman’s Wharf—at the end of Torrance Boulevard, west of Pacific Coast Highway—and is a great place to take in some panoramic and coastline ocean views while on a leisurely stroll, enjoy a variety of water activities, hear some live music, and pick up unusual gifts and souvenirs. Among the Pier’s annual events is the Summer of Music, the biggest free summer concert series in the South Bay, featuring live performances by nationally touring artists. Scheduled this year for July 4 through Aug. 31, concerts are held at the west end of the Pier and on the Boardwalk. Coming up: tributes to the Police (July 27), Beatles (Aug. 8) and Eagle’s (Aug. 31).
Public Parks
Love the outdoors and exercising? Make sure there are public trails or parks close by. It can motivate you and your family to stay active. Some of the most popular parks in Redondo Beach where you can partake in almost every summertime activity imaginable include:
El Retiro Park, a 4.78-acre park known as “the retreat” found at 126 Vista del Parque that was acquired in parcels from 1945 to 1950 and formerly used as a tree nursery. It features two recreation buildings, as well as a duo of lighted tennis courts, children’s play equipment, a rotunda, picnic area with barbecues, a small softball field, a basketball court, and two parking lots with a total of 60 parking spaces. An added bonus? The El Retiro Branch Library can be found adjacent to the park and is open daily from 6 a.m.-10 p.m.
Hopkins Wilderness Park, an 11-acre facility at 1102 Camino real that serves as a great place for families to camp on the weekends. Among the highlights is a garden featuring drought-tolerant plants to educate the community about native plants and California friendly demonstration gardens, along with numerous hiking trails offering several different views of the surrounding areas. This is a great place to explore with kids. Just be sure to bring quarters to buy food to feed the turtles and fish.
Veterans Park, a 6.4-acre green space at 309 Esplanade. Not only will you find some beautiful ocean views here, but there’s also a children’s play structure, plenty of grass and trees, and a memorial to Redondo Beach’s veterans. Be sure to bring a kite to take advantage of great kite-flying conditions here. In addition, each Thursday, from 8 a.m.-1 p.m., Veterans Park hosts the Redondo Beach Certified Farmers’ Market.
Other things to consider
Do you or your family like to partake in activities such as team sports? You’ll want to find out if the community has leagues you or your kids can join and whether games take place close to your new home. If your kids are into competitive dance, find out where the closest studio is.
These things will matter, especially when they become regular activities. Entertainment also is important to consider, with local restaurants, theaters, and bowling alleys providing an abundance of things to do. Find out what is offered near the home you’re looking into buying, get the lowdown on these entertainment aspects, and then decide if it’s right for you and your family.