What Makes Point Dume Homes the Best Place in Malibu to Live?

If you’ve ever dreamed of living the real “beach life”, there is no better place in Malibu to look for a home than Point Dume. Point Dume, a promontory jutting out from Malibu into the Pacific, forms the northern end of Santa Monica Bay. The long bluff provides expansive views of the Palos Verdes Peninsula and Santa Catalina Island. For those who are ready to escape inland life and head to the shore to take a long, relaxed breath of salty air and serenity, you’ll want to check out Point Dume homes.

Coastal Living with Ocean Views

Home buyers looking to relocate to this ocean paradise will find a wide selection of Point Dume homes available at prices ranging from $500,000 to $30,000,000, with anywhere from 2-6 bedrooms on average. With so much real estate located on its long coastline, Point Dume offers a nice percentage of coastal living, with many homes perched on its ocean-side cliffs boasting incredible views.

Favorite Spot for Whale-Watching

What’s even more impressive about the views from Point Dume homes is that the area is known for being a perfect place to spot migrating whales from November through the Spring. You can also see dolphins or seals cruising up and down the coast, playing in the ocean, and sitting out on the rocks.

Since Point Dume has always been along the route for migrating whales, it used to be a favorite spot for whaling companies, like the California Whaling Company, which anchored its steam-schooner California off the coast of Point Dume in the 1930’s. Anchored about a mile offshore in Paradise Cove, the ship spent about four months each winter parked there, catching large numbers of whales on the migration path from Alaska to Baja and back.

Now that whaling is banned and whale populations are thriving, homeowners in Point Dume enjoy the beauty of these amazing sea mammals during the season of their migration. A home in Point Dume with ocean views will give you the rare opportunity to watch these whales daily through your windows and on walks along the shores.

A Thriving Garden Ecosystem

Point Dume didn’t always offer the luxury of impressive Point Dume homes with views of the ocean. Up until the 1940’s, it was merely a windblown, treeless bluff covered in native chaparral.  Right after WWII, the bluff was settled by a group of self-sufficient people who planted trees and native plants. Now the area is lush with succulent gardens and colorful bougainvillea vines.

In the spirit of those early residents who planted trees and plants, gardening and sustainable living remains an important value held by the Point Dume community. Point Dume Marine Science Elementary School, a school that took many years to establish in the community, has received numerous accolades for its environmental advocacy programs, including the Environmental Sustainability Award from state Sen. Fran Pavley and the California Business for Excellent Education Award in 2006 through 2010.

Peaceful, Secluded, and Safe Community

Although many of its houses are less than 10 years old, Point Dume is now a vibrant community that residents find peaceful, safe, and friendly. With a population that hovers around 13,000, a low crime rate, and a dog-friendly, walkable town, residents are attracted to the secluded island-like feel of Point Dume.

But even though Point Dume feels removed, it is not far from downtown LA and Hollywood for those who seek a little connection to the urban vibe. Point Dume is also sought after by Hollywood; a popular location for films, TV, and videos, Point Dume often stars as the stand-in for any scene that calls for a beach. With its spectacular views and pristine sands, Point Dume’s performance does not disappoint. One of its most well-known appearances was in the movie classic, Planet of the Apes.

Delicious Dining Spots

It’s sense of seclusion from society hasn’t made Point Dume a place where you can’t find a good bite to eat. On the contrary, Point Dume brags some well-accolated establishments with tempting edibles for just about any occasion and budget.

Everyone likes pizza, but Point Dume has a pizza place that is agreed by most to be among the nation’s best. Making it on the list of Top 10 Best Pizzas in America by Citysearch.com, the 28-year-old family-owned Damores Pizza has one of its locations in Point Dume. According to comedian Ray Romano, “It’s the best pizza in Los Angeles.”

If you’re feeling less like pizza and more like a great cup of joe to jumpstart your beach-perfect morning, you can sip some organic fair trade goodness from Cafécito Organico. Voted one of the LA’s best brews, Cafecito Organico is committed to sustainable grounds or, as they put it, “We are committed to serving great coffees, grown on Earth by humans.”

If you want to try the “epitome of the Malibu experience”, you can relax in the style at the Sunset Restaurant in Point Dume, where you can get a perfectly concocted drink at the bar and view frolicking dolphins. Regulars love the great food and atmosphere at this welcoming establishment.

Unique Outdoor Recreation

Besides being more peaceful and quieter than beaches in Malibu, the state beach in Point Dume is also part of the Point Dume Nature Preserve. With accessible hiking trails up to the bluffs above the beach, it contains views of the Pacific you won’t find anywhere else on earth. Up on the bluff, there is wildlife to watch: lizards, ground squirrels, rabbits, raccoons, and birds such as plovers, wrens, roadrunners, and pelicans.

Buying a home in Point Dume can also give you the opportunity to learn the sport of rock climbing in a location that is easy to access, with routes that are suitable for novices. The pitch of the routes is moderate and there are established fixed anchors to tie your rope off to. Surfing is also a favorite pastime of some Point Dume residents, and with limited access to parking and a long walk to the beach for non-residents, those who live nearby have prime pick of waves on good days.

A Home by the Sea

For those home buyers who feel drawn to a life by the ocean, where the pace is slower and the air fresher, Point Dume can hardly be matched in serenity and beauty.

6 Reasons You'll Love Living in Calabasas

Although Calabasas has gained some notoriety from rappers who drop the name of this LA suburb in their lyrics, as well as exposure through the reality TV shows that film in neighborhood homes (Keeping Up with the Kardashians, The Osbournes), when it comes to purchasing real estate, Calabasas has many community features and market advantages that compare favorably with other areas you may be considering in the Greater Los Angeles area.

1. A Young City Committed to Sustainability through Green Initiatives

Calabasas is a “green” city in that it is both environmentally conscious and a “newer” city. As the youngest city in Los Angeles County, Calabasas was incorporated in 1991, when its residents voted 9-1 to break away from Los Angeles. After incorporation, the Calabasas City Council, Commissions and staff took charge of managing local development, protecting the environment, creating parks, and maintaining the independence that differentiates Calabasas from the rest of Los Angeles County. The City’s first ordinance was an oak tree preservation and protection law. 

Now that the City of Calabasas has passed its 20^th birthday, residents remain committed to securing the city’s long-term sustainability. By adopting a new green initiative to improve the quality of the environment, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, use finite natural resources more efficiently, and save money, Calabasas’ green initiative is aimed at promoting environmentally responsible development, upgrading existing city facilities, and educational outreach.

2. A Rich History of Growth and Diversity

Incorporation was a long time coming for Calabasas, which was originally settled by Chumash Native Americans. There is disagreement over where the name “Calabasas” came from: one group says that it is derived from the Spanish word “calabazo” which means “where the pumpkins fell” after a wagon overturned and spilled pumpkin seeds along the road to LA; another group believes Calabasas comes from the Chumash word for “where the wild geese fly.”

The Leonis Adobe, built in 1844, is one of the oldest buildings in the L.A. area. The oak trees are even older; some are reputed to be 700 years old.

Calabasas became a ranching community as the first houses were built, and then later developed into a vacation spot, as well as a Hollywood filming location for several movies, because of its beautiful location. By the 1950’s, Calabasas was quickly becoming populated as one of the favorite residential areas around LA.

3. A Wide Range of Housing Options for Calabasas Homebuyers

Whether you are looking to downsize your mortgage or upscale to a luxury home on a larger lot, there are a selection of different neighborhoods in Calabasas that offer housing styles and prices to match a wide range of requirements and budgets. Prices of homes for sale in Calabasas currently range from $174,900 to $14,900,000 and include a mix of new homes and residences dating as far back as 1926.

Calabasas real estate has remained strong despite the housing market bursting in 2008, perhaps because it continues to attract residents with so many options for affordable luxury, in addition to offering a top-ranked school system. Calabasas properties, which can one or two floors, have at least three bedrooms while several them have four bedrooms and more. Along with the stunning location, homes in the area come with luxury amenities and features that mix function with elegance. 

4. Close to the Sand: An Easy Drive to Swim, Surf, Fish, and Dive

 

Located in the foothills of the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area in northern LA, Calabasas is just a short drive along Topanga Canyon Boulevard to the shores of the Pacific and an abundance of opportunities to get your toes in the sand and soak up some sun.

Will Rogers State Beach offers sand volleyball, gymnastic equipment, and a playground for the kids. You can also ride bikes on 10 miles of connecting paths and then wash off the sweat and sand in restrooms complete with showers.

If surfing and fishing are more up your alley, try Topanga State Beach, where surf fisherman like to catch bass and ocean whiting. Surfers go here because of the point break that offers nice waves and a sandy beach access.

For picnicking on the beach, whether packing your own or purchasing at the snack bar, Zuma County Beach offers a long stretch of smooth sand for setting up chairs. For additional fun, there are swings and volleyball, as well as a 2.5-mile bike path. Restrooms are available if you need them, and if you prefer to swim, be aware that Zuma water is a little cooler than the other beaches.

If you enjoy adventurous swimming, head over to County Line Beach where you will find small waves, good water visibility, and outer reefs with an abundance of sea life. Another option where you’ll find reefs and kelp forests for diving is La Piedra State Beach, a frequented spot in October when lobster season opens.

5. Plentiful Shopping and Entertainment

Although downtown LA is only a 30-minute drive, you’ll hardly miss it when you live in Calabasas. The city offers a wide array of shops, movies, and entertainment that make it easy to run your errands or plan a fun night out with friends. One of the area’s most popular places to find the latest fashion and catch the season’s blockbuster is The Commons of Calabasas, an open-air venue for everything from an evening of live music to back-to-school shopping. If relaxing in front of the big screen with some popcorn in a king-size recliner sounds perfect, you can head over to Edwards Calabasas Stadium to take in must-see flicks in comfort. Once a year, you can step out in style at the Calabasas Film Festival to celebrate Hollywood’s best offerings.

6. The Archetype of Suburban Bliss

Despite its youth as an incorporated city, Calabasas is one of LA’s oldest suburban areas. What you’ll find there is the definition of what attracts homebuyers to take up residence outside the city: safety, comfort, and affordable home prices that offer functional luxury. Choosing to buy a home in Calabasas means finding a haven in a community that values localized decision-making to keep the community sustainable for the future.

5 Perks of Living in the Pacific Palisades

If you’re ready to take the leap and purchase a home in the LA area, one of the neighborhoods for you to consider in the Greater Los Angeles area is Pacific Palisades. Located to the far west of LA, Pacific Palisades overlooks the Pacific Ocean, with several home purchase options that perch on the cliff faces of this first-class community. Offering high-end boutiques and sophisticated dining options, Pacific Palisades is a small community with a Downtown feel.

Perched above the Pacific Ocean with cliffs that cascade into hiking trails and beaches, Pacific Palisades sits next to Brentwood to the east, Malibu and Topanga to the east, Santa Monica to the southeast, the Santa Monica Bay to the southwest, and Santa Monica Mountains to the north. Aside from its advantageous location in proximity to LA, Pacific Palisades has some perks to continually attract an influx of new residents into this upscale community. 

Top 5 Reasons to Live in Topanga Canyon

 If you’re considering a move to the Los Angeles area and you love small communities with a relaxed, hippie vibe, you might fall in love with the eclectic community of Topanga Canyon, CA. Nestled between LA and Malibu Beach, Topanga Canyon prides itself on being the “wild side of LA” and is an enclave for the artistic at heart—a favorite escape for the urban-tired to find a little respite.

Topanga lovers would probably ask the question, “What’s not to love?” about their beloved community, but for those uncertain about where to plant some roots in the LA area, we’ve come up with a list of the Top 5 reasons to set your sights on Topanga Canyon, CA.

Quick Guide to Preparing Your House For Sale

Ok, so you’ve found the one—a house that is perfect in every way, one that you could imagine spending the rest of your life with—OR you’re just ready to move on from the one you’re currently involved with. Whatever the situation, you are ready to move on.

The time has come to put your house for sale, but where do you start? Many sellers struggle with this question and for good reason—there are a thousand ideas out there on ways you can get your home ready for the market. In this post, we’ll save you some time wading through information by giving you proven ideas that sell houses faster by attracting more buyers.

How to Choose Between a House or Condo

Are you shopping for a new home and confused about which makes more sense to buy: house or condo? Maybe you just did a walk-through of a nice big home in a subdivision and happened to drive by the adjacent condo complex on your way out and thought to yourself, “Wow…it might be nice to be free from yard work, wouldn’t it?”

At some point in the house hunting process, many buyers, whether first time or downsizing, examine the pros and cons of houses vs. condos. While there are risks and benefits to both, what it comes down to are the answers to some essential questions concerning your lifestyle and personal preferences. There might not be a right answer for everyone, but there will be a right answer for you.

7 Important Questions to Ask While House Hunting

Are you in the market for a new home? House hunting can be an exciting time—as well as disappointing when houses you love go under contract with another buyer—but in spite of the emotional roller coaster ride that house hunting can be, it pays to keep a level head and pay attention.

Yes, it’s easy to get sidetracked with strange paint color choices (chartreuse, really?) or the owner’s strange 1960’s decorating style, but don’t get too distracted by the wild color patterns on the sofa and keep these 7 important questions at the ready during your next showing or open house. 

8 Important Things to Look for in a New Home

The search for a new house is exciting because it’s filled with possibilities. You can buy a home with the amenities that you’ve been missing and in an area that suits your lifestyle. Just don’t let the excitement overshadow the equally-important practicalities associated with this major purchase.

You’ve probably already considered the neighborhood in which you’d like to live. But have you thoroughly thought about it?  What about the school district? If you have kids, you should check that out. Is your new home close enough to work? If you’re a working couple, you need to think about proximity to two jobs. 

A Guide to Purchasing Your First Home

You’ve decided that it’s time to own your first house. Maybe you’re tired of throwing money away on monthly rent payments and want to build equity in something tangible. Or maybe it’s just a feeling of independence--being your own landlord, so to speak--which you’re hoping to get from being a homeowner.

Whatever your reasons, you need to do some thinking and deciding before you buy your first home. And the learning curve for first-time buyers can be rather steep. But don’t be discouraged. There is help available for you, and you can also help yourself by following some simple suggestions for resolving many issues before they even come up:

Your Guide to Buying a Malibu Home

Buying any home is a complicated process, and if you’re looking to purchase it in beautiful Malibu, you need to have a plan. You don’t want to end up disappointed, so planning is the key starting point for ensuring that you have a relatively stress-free experience.

You’ll need to make lots of decisions before you close this significant sale, and you should have a checklist of sorts, so nothing is missed and left to chance. If you’re buying real estate in Malibu (or any other area, for that matter), here are some things to keep in mind, many of which you may not have previously considered, to help your selection process of your Malibu home move efficiently.