With its “21 miles of scenic beauty”, Malibu is arguably one of the most sought-after places to both live and play in Southern California. This exclusive beach enclave is home to Hollywood stars and the wealthy elite, and most residents live within a few hundred yards of the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH). Fondly referred to as “the Bu” by locals, this coastal city has one-of-a-kind oceanfront homes, pristine beaches, beautiful natural spaces, and a host of luxury amenities.
Malibu at a glance
Malibu is located along the coast of California about 30 miles west of Downtown Los Angeles. Known for its year-round temperate climate and 21 miles of beaches, Malibu offers privacy, an abundance of natural resources, and a little bit of magic. With a population of approximately 12,645, Malibu has the laid-back vibe of a small beach town, yet it’s within close proximity to everything that Los Angeles has to offer. The list of celebrities that live in Malibu is almost as long as its beaches and includes Halle Berry, Jim Carrey, Miley Cyrus, Leonardo DiCaprio, Bob Dylan, Lady Gaga, Tom Hanks, and many, many more.
Malibu real estate and neighborhoods
Malibu has some of the most expensive real estate in the country, with an average median home price of about $2.2 million. The city is divided into several smaller neighborhoods that are located on either the beachside or the landside of the PCH. One of the most well-known enclaves is Malibu Colony, developed in 1926 and one of the first areas that featured private homes. It’s one of the priciest neighborhoods in Malibu and the only guard-gated community where some homes sit on the sand. Point Dume homes offer expansive views of the ocean and a bit of untamed nature. The Big Rock Mesa neighborhood is tucked into the steep hillside with hairpin turns and incredible views of the Malibu shoreline and Catalina Island. Malibu Park is located across from Zuma Beach with many homes close to hiking and horseback riding trails. The Broad Beach neighborhood is located on a narrow slice of public beach and features some of the city’s most beautiful homes.
A brief history of Malibu
The Chumash originally inhabited the area that is now Malibu. They named the place “Humaliwo” which translates to “the surf sounds loudly”, and the city’s name is derived from this. By the early 1800s, the Spanish were present in the area as part of the California mission system. It was part of the Rancho Topanga Malibu Sequit land grant, which eventually passed into the hands of May K. Rindge. In 1926 she created a small ceramic factory that made decorative tiles, many of which can be found in public buildings and homes in Beverly Hills and which are highly collectible today. Malibu did not incorporate as a city until 1991.
Malibu amenities
Malibu is full of unique amenities, which is one reason why it has attracted so many affluent residents and millions of tourists over the years. The city’s beaches are a huge draw, of course. Surfrider Beach near the Malibu Pier is a magnet for some of the region’s best surfers. Families flock to Zuma Beach to catch some sun and play in the ocean waves. And Point Dume is an excellent location to spot migrating whales in winter.
The Getty Villa is another prominent attraction in Malibu. It was the original home of the Getty Museum and today houses a world-class collection of sculptures, art pieces, antiquities, and artifacts from ancient Greece, Rome, and Etruria. The Adamson House is a state museum that was the original home of the Rindge family and is now run as a historic house and gardens.
There is plenty for nature lovers to enjoy in Malibu. The Malibu Bluffs Open Space features 90 acres of bluffs with stairways that lead down to the shore. It surrounds the Malibu Bluffs Community Park which is home to sports fields, the Michael Landon Community Center, and the Malibu Little League. Hike through hills and canyons at the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area, or take a two-hour Malibu Wine Hike which tours the Saddlerock Ranch Vineyard and includes a wine tasting. End the day with a relaxing cocktail on the beach at Paradise Cove.
Malibu schools
Malibu students are served by the Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District. There are three elementary schools in Malibu: John L. Webster Elementary School, Juan Cabrillo Elementary School, and Point Dume Elementary School. Middle and high school students attend Malibu High School in the northwestern section of town. Malibu is also home to Pepperdine University.
Explore Malibu today
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