The name “Del Cerro” means “of the hill,” and was undoubtedly intended to reflect that the Del Cerro community is truly a hilltop neighborhood, as its properties are among the highest on the Palos Verdes Peninsula. Most lots are 1250 to 1350 ft. above sea level. Only San Pedro Hill at 1425 ft. above sea level (a mile or 2 to the east in Rolling Hills) is higher.

 

The community is a blend of custom homes of varying styles built on spacious lots surrounded by mature landscaping. Many of the homes have expansive views of the ocean, canyons, the city and/or the scenic valley to the east of the development.

 

Del Cerro is a highly sought-after place to live. Some of our residents are original owners. Many residents have lived here for decades. As homes are occasionally sold, younger families have joined our community – creating a vibrant mix of residents of all age groups. Our residents’ appreciation of our community is reflected in the fact that there are several cases in which 2 generations of families live or have lived in the neighborhood. Several residents who spent their childhood in Del Cerro are now raising their own families here. 

 

Our neighborhood shares a boundary with the approximately 400-acre Portuguese Bend Reserve –the largest of 12 reserves within the 1,400-acre Palos Verdes Nature Preserve. The residents of the Palos Verdes Peninsula, with active support from our community, worked many years to acquire and to preserve open space in its natural state for future generations. In 2005, the City of Rancho Palos Verdes and the Palos Verdes Peninsula Land Conservancy teamed together to raise both public funds and private donations to acquire the 400 acres of land adjacent to Del Cerro from developer Barry Hon - with the commitment to preserve it in perpetuity for the protection of endangered native species and for the recreational enjoyment and education of all who visit it. 

 

The nature preserve contains over 30 miles of trails, has coastal sage scrub habitat and cactus scrub habitat, and is home to at-risk species: the Coastal California gnatcatcher, the cactus wren, the El Segundo blue butterfly and the Palos Verdes blue butterfly. The preserve also contains many unique geological formations that are studied by area students and researchers.

 

In addition, Del Cerro residents enjoy a 4-acre neighborhood park, known as Del Cerro Park, adjacent to the Del Cerro community. The park was developed on land the City of RPV acquired from the federal government in 1976 with the commitment that it would remain open to the public in perpetuity for recreational purposes. The passive park was completed in 1983 and contains panoramic views of the Palos Verdes Nature Preserve, canyons, coastline, ocean and offshore islands.