Overview
Rancho Palos Verdes is a coastal city in sunny California that is part of the Los Angeles metropolitan area. The rich history of this city dates back to the 1500s when it was still inhabited by Native Americans. Residents may enjoy spending time exploring the city and the surrounding scenic landscapes year round, with uninterrupted warm weather.
Climate and Geography
Rancho Palos Verdes has a highly comfortable Mediterranean climate, with summers that are warm and sunny, and winters that are mild to cool. Residents can expect less rainfall than average, no snowfall, and 279 days of sunshine throughout each year.
The city is bordered by the Pacific Ocean, with a range of bluffs making up the coastline. Much of the surrounding waters are designated as a marine conservation area.
Recreation, Culture, & Entertainment
Popular attractions in Rancho Palos Verdes include Glass Church/Wayfarers Chapel, Point Vicente Lighthouse, Abalone Cove Shoreline Park & Ecological Reserve, Terranea Discovery Trail, Ocean Trails Reserve, Del Cerro Park, Green Hills Memorial Park, Abalone Cove Beach, and Deane Dana Friendship Park and Nature Center. The city is also home to the Point Vicente Interpretive Center where Pacific gray whales migrate to from December through April.
Residents also benefit from living in close proximity to the city of Los Angeles, putting countless opportunities for shopping, dining, and entertainment within a short drive. Outdoor lovers can enjoy access to the many beautiful nature areas that California is known for, which can be reached just outside the Los Angeles city limits.
Cost of Living & Taxes
The overall cost of living in Rancho Palos Verdes is higher than the state and national average. However, the cost of health care and utilities are below state and national averages.
California has an effective income tax rate of 1.79 percent for single filers and 4.6 percent for joint filers. Retirement income like Social Security benefits are not taxed, while railroad retirement benefits are generally exempt with the exemption of Tier 2 benefits. Other retirement income like private, government, and military pensions plans are typically fully taxed.
Health Care
Residents in Palos Verdes have access to great health care centers in the surrounding area, including nationally ranked and high performing hospitals like Torrance Memorial Medical Center, UCLA Medical Center, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, and Keck Medical Center of USC. These hospitals have a wide range of specialties in conditions and procedures and are within a 23-mile radius from Rancho Palos Verdes.