Pacific Palisades

Just north of Santa Monica and south of Malibu lies Pacific Palisades, named for and located on the bluffs where Sunset Boulevard meets the Pacific Ocean. Pacific Palisades is surrounded by six major canyons that wind their way from the Santa Monica Mountains to the ocean. They add beauty and contrast to the community, because some are uniquely blessed with lush vegetation, wildlife, underground springs, and streams and brooks. Because of the geography created by the canyons and mountains, many Pacific Palisades residents enjoy panoramic views of the ocean shoreline, forested canyons, and spectacular undeveloped mountain landscapes.

The town attracts upscale young families for the high quality of the local schools. Besides the numerous top-notch private schools, all of Pacific Palisades’ public schools are charter schools, which means they have autonomy over their budgets and curricula and there is a lot more parent involvement than in a non-charter school. Pacific Palisades’ proximity to the production facilities of L.A.’s entertainment industry makes it popular, too, with screenwriters, directors, producers, and TV and film stars. Among celebrities who live or once lived in Pacific Palisades are Arnold Schwarzenegger, Martin Short, Tracy Ullman, Tom Cruise, Billy Crystal, Whoopi Goldberg, Sugar Ray Leonard, Chevy Chase, Bill Cosby, Steven Spielberg, and John Goodman. The late Walter Matthau was one of the first stars to break the “Beverly Hills or Bel Air tradition” by moving to Pacific Palisades. The community attracts beach lovers, too. Residents are just a 10-minute drive from Will Rogers State Beach.