Redondo Beach is really two markets under one city hall: an inland half of narrow lots and newer townhomes, and a coastal half of beach cottages, condominiums and avenues that run down to the Esplanade. Working out which half fits your plans is the first step in reading Redondo Beach homes for sale. For help buying or selling here, contact Aimee Ghafouri of 951 Properties at (951) 331-8453.
Where Redondo Beach Sits in the South Bay
Redondo Beach is an incorporated charter city on Santa Monica Bay with its own city council, police department and fire department. Hermosa Beach and Manhattan Beach lie to the north, Torrance wraps around the south and east, Lawndale and Hawthorne touch the inland section, and Palos Verdes Estates begins just past the southern city limit. Pacific Coast Highway carries most north-south traffic through the coastal half, while Artesia Boulevard and Aviation Boulevard serve the inland half. The 405 passes the northeastern corner of the city, and the Metro C Line has a Redondo Beach station at the north end. The Redondo Beach Unified School District serves the city.
North Redondo and South Redondo
Residents and agents divide Redondo Beach real estate into two parts, and each has its own housing pattern.
- North Redondo: the inland section, where many lots are zoned for two or three homes. Older single-story bungalows have been steadily replaced by tall detached and attached townhomes built two or three to a lot. The Golden Hills area is known for especially narrow lots and vertical floor plans.
- South Redondo: the coastal section. West of Pacific Coast Highway, the avenues slope toward the Esplanade, with a mix of original beach cottages, mid-century apartment buildings, rebuilt single-family homes and condominium buildings facing the water.
- Riviera Village and the Hollywood Riviera: the southern end of the city, shared with Torrance, with a walkable shopping district and hillside streets, some with ocean views.
- King Harbor and the pier: the city-run harbor and its marinas, with several large condominium complexes close by.
What to Check Before Buying Near the Water
Houses for sale in Redondo Beach near the shoreline come with questions that inland properties do not raise. Work through these during your contingency period.
- Coastal zone: the western part of the city lies in the California Coastal Zone. Additions, major remodels and new construction there may need a coastal development permit on top of the usual building permit. Ask the city’s Community Development Department how the rules apply to the lot.
- Salt air: marine exposure shortens the life of window frames, railings, garage doors, exterior hardware and air conditioning equipment. An inspector familiar with beach properties will look for corrosion and moisture intrusion.
- Balconies and decks: California requires condominium associations to have exterior elevated elements such as balconies and walkways inspected periodically. Ask for the most recent report and any repair plan.
- Views: a view is generally not protected. Check the zoning and height limits on the lots between the home and the ocean before paying for a view that could change.
Shared Lots and Small Associations
Many North Redondo townhomes are legally condominiums even when the buildings are fully detached. The association may consist of only two or three owners, with no management company, no monthly dues and no reserve fund. That arrangement can work well, but buyers should read the recorded covenants to see who maintains the shared driveway, the perimeter walls, drainage and any common roof or wall, and how the owners insure the property. In the larger complexes near the harbor and along the Esplanade, review the reserve study, the budget, any pending special assessments, the master insurance policy and the rules on leasing.
Rental and Investment Considerations
Investors should not assume a Redondo Beach property can be used for vacation rentals. The city has restricted short-term rentals in residential zones, so confirm the current ordinance with the city before you buy with that income in mind. For long-term rentals, California’s statewide tenant protection law sets limits on annual rent increases and requires just cause for many terminations, with exemptions that depend on the age and type of the property and how title is held. Ask the city whether any local tenant rules apply in addition.
Selling a Home in Redondo Beach
Selling a home in Redondo Beach starts with knowing which buyers your property competes for. A North Redondo townhome is compared with similar homes a few blocks away, often by age and floor plan, while a South Redondo cottage may be judged as much for its lot and location as for the structure. Before listing, gather permits for any additions or remodels, since buyers and appraisers check them. Townhome sellers should collect the recorded covenants, insurance details and any agreements with the neighboring owners. Condominium sellers should order the association documents early. Accurate disclosures about past leaks, drainage and repairs protect you after closing.
Choosing a Redondo Beach Real Estate Agent
Aimee Ghafouri is a real estate agent based in Temecula and licensed across California (CAL DRE #02193341). She grew up in Murrieta, holds a business degree and brings more than 15 years of sales and marketing experience to her work with buyers, sellers and investors. Clear communication, dedication and service to others are the principles she works by. If you are interviewing for a Redondo Beach real estate agent, send a note through the contact page or call (951) 331-8453.
Nearby Communities
- Hermosa Beach, the small beach city on the northern border.
- Manhattan Beach, next up the coast and bordering North Redondo.
- Torrance, the larger city to the south and east.
- Palos Verdes Estates, on the peninsula just south of the Hollywood Riviera.
- Lawndale, inland along the northeastern edge.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between North Redondo and South Redondo?
North Redondo is the inland section, with many newer townhomes built two or three to a lot. South Redondo is the coastal section, with beach cottages, condominiums and the Esplanade.
Do I need a coastal permit to remodel a house in Redondo Beach?
Possibly, if the property is in the Coastal Zone and the project is an addition, major remodel or new construction. The city’s Community Development Department can tell you what applies to a specific lot.
Are two-on-a-lot townhomes in Redondo Beach condominiums?
Many are, even when the buildings are detached. Read the recorded covenants to learn how maintenance, insurance and shared areas are handled between the owners.
Can I use a Redondo Beach home as a short-term rental?
The city has restricted short-term rentals in residential zones, and the rules can change. Confirm the current ordinance with the city before buying for that purpose.
How do I start looking at Redondo Beach homes for sale?
Call or text Aimee Ghafouri at (951) 331-8453 and tell her whether you prefer North or South Redondo, the type of home you want and your timeline.
Buying or Selling in Redondo Beach?
Aimee Ghafouri is a real estate agent based in Temecula who grew up in Murrieta. She is licensed to work anywhere in California and represents buyers, sellers and investors.
Aimee Ghafouri, 951 Properties, CAL DRE #02193341. This page is general information, not legal, tax or financial advice. Equal Housing Opportunity.