Harbor City, CA

Originally home to the Tongva people, the area now known as Harbor City was given as part of the Rancho San Pedro Spanish land grant to Juan Jose Dominguez in 1784, along with the Palos Verdes Peninsula. American settlers later acquired the land and began building Harbor City as a land-locked gateway between the L.A. metropolis and the harbors.

Due to Harbor City's largely residential makeup, most cultural attractions are located in neighboring cities. Check out the nearby Lomita Railroad Museum for a taste of local history, or ask about private dance lessons at the South Bay Dance Center.

Harbor City delivers an eclectic dining scene as diverse as the local community, with a spread of hole-in-the-wall Mexican, Thai and seafood restaurants serving up authentic cuisine at rock-bottom prices. Most establishments perch along Pacific Coast Highway with a cluster situated in front of Kaiser Permanente.

For authentic Thai cuisine and cheap lunch specials, head to Smile Thai. The green papaya salad and lightly flavored honey lemon chicken keep locals coming back for more. Be sure to order a young coconut for a refreshing beverage to complement your plate of Pad Thai.

Harbor City has a slim selection when it comes to nightlife, so most locals head to nearby Redondo Beach for a lively party scene. For in-town entertainment, stop by Muse Karaoke, a Korean-style joint where you can belt out your favorite songs with a group of buddies in your own private room. Bring your own beer and food, and remember to make a reservation for a weekend visit.

This centrally located South Bay city provides ample public transportation and easy access to major freeways for a fast commute. The Pacific Coast Highway near the south end of the neighborhood brings you to the beach cities, and the 110 freeway provides direct access to central L.A. Enjoy free parking along most streets, but keep in mind that busier retail areas along the major roads fill up fast.

Explore the surrounding neighborhoods via the Torrance Transit bus system, or hop on the Metro bus for a ride to downtown L.A. For a quick ride to the airport, give Uber or South Bay Taxi a call. Harbor City doesn't create the best environment for pedestrians, but bikers enjoy open residential streets and a bike lane along Normandie Avenue.

Take a short drive to the beach or the South Coast Botanic Garden for a relaxing getaway, or head to Ken Malloy Harbor Regional Park, a neighborhood gem with plenty of green space. Have a picnic by Machado Lake while you spot frogs, ducks and other wildlife, or let your kids climb on the playground. Feel free to walk your canine friend along the nature trails as long as you keep him leashed. Locals also head to nearby Lomita Park when they want to play a game of tennis on the lighted court or shoot a few hoops on the basketball court.

As you embark on your journey to this beautiful Californian gem, you're probably wondering about the cost of renting your new abode. For those who enjoy the cozy charm of a one-bedroom apartment, you're looking at an average rent of around $1,340 per month. If you're dreaming of spreading out a bit more, a house might be the right option for you. The average rent forHouses for rent in Harbor City comes in at around $2,500 per month, giving you more space to kick back and relax. And for those considering planting more permanent roots, the average house price for homebuyers is approximately $740,000. So, whether you're apartment hunting or house hunting, Harbor City has options that cater to various budgets and lifestyles. Time to make this sunny paradise your new home sweet home!

Harbor City residents find themselves just minutes from some of the best shopping in South Bay, with upscale malls like the Peninsula Shopping Center in Palos Verdes and Del Amo Fashion Center in Torrance just a short drive away. However, shopping in Harbor City covers your basic amenities, with grocery stores along with a few motorcycle stores, pawn shops and drug stores scattered throughout the city. You also find hidden treasures, such as Emerson Knives and Antique Stove Heaven, that attract visitors from all over South Bay. The high-end folding knives and rapid-deploy knives made at Emerson Knives may cost more than your standard blade, but these top-quality pieces have no rival when it comes to survival gear. Stop by to meet the Emerson family and their staff while you browse a wide selection of blades with innovative locking mechanisms, or order a knife with a custom finish for a unique gift. If you're in the market for a restored vintage stove from the 1940s, head to Antique Stove Heaven, the sister store of the flagship located in central L.A. This shop sells favorite brands such as Magic Chef and Wedgewood at reasonable prices for the work put into them, and you can also browse hard-to-find replacement parts. Grab some quick snacks and other convenience items at 7-Eleven. For local produce and fresh-baked goods, check out the MNP Farmers Market outside of Kaiser Permanente every Wednesday.