Hermosa Beach is the smallest of the three beach cities located in the South Bay. It is bordered to the north by Manhattan Beach and to the south and east by Redondo Beach. It only spans 15 blocks to the east and west and 40 blocks to the north and south, and it has a population of over 19,500. Real Estate in Hermosa is known to have the highest ratio of rentals to owner occupied homes of the three beach cities. It also has a very diverse selection of properties ranging from small pre-war beach bungalows to massive ocean front estates. Hermosa’s popularity derives from beach volleyball and surfing. It is a well known destination for beach goers and singles looking for fun in the sun or exciting night life entertainment.

Hermosa Beach is broken up into three sections, similar to Manhattan Beach: the Sand Section, Valley Section, and East Hermosa Beach. The Sand Section encompasses of all properties between Valley Drive and the Strand, which usually consists of homes, condos and townhomes on small lots that have a view of the ocean. Homes in the Valley Section, located between Valley Drive and the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH/Sepulveda), have larger lots and more family oriented floor plans. Much of the same can be said for homes located in East Manhattan Beach. Homes in both the Valley and East Manhattan Beach sections are close to all levels of schools and short walking distance from the beach and downtown.

In Hermosa Beach, nothing is further than a walk or jog down the Strand or Greenbelt. The Strand is a bike and walking path that extends south to Redondo Beach and north through Manhattan Beach all the way to Santa Monica and beyond. Day and night runners, cyclists, skateboarders and walkers populate the path parallel to the beach.

Equally popular is the Greenbelt, a soft woodchip covered and lushly landscaped walking route that begins in south Hermosa (Herondo Ave.) and extends north through Manhattan Beach, ending at Rosecrans Avenue. This former railway is traversed every day by hundreds of health conscious South Bay residents and provides a safe and easy way to travel between the two beach cities.

Downtown Hermosa Beach is regarded as the most popular nightlife destination in the South Bay. This can be largely attributed to the residents of Hermosa, with nearly 45% of its residents between the ages of 21–44. There is constant activity throughout the city stemming from the Pier Plaza where coffee shops, boutiques, outdoor dining and bars, all within walking distance, are located. Most locals would agree, Hermosa Beach is for those seeking a very active lifestyle of outdoor living.