Manhattan Beach, California, is a picturesque coastal city located in the South Bay region of Los Angeles County. Originally named “Shore Acres” and later “Potencia,” the city was renamed “Manhattan” in 1902 by developer Stewart Merrill, after his hometown in New York. The name “Beach” was appended in 1927 to distinguish it from Manhattan, New York. The city was officially incorporated on November 26, 1912.
A significant historical site in Manhattan Beach is Bruce’s Beach. In the early 20th century, Charles and Willa Bruce, an African American couple, purchased beachfront property and established a resort for Black families during a time of widespread segregation. However, in 1924, the city seized the property through eminent domain under the pretense of building a park, effectively displacing the Bruce family . In a landmark decision nearly a century later, Los Angeles County returned the land to the Bruce descendants in 2022, who subsequently sold it back to the county for $20 million.
Manhattan Beach has been home to numerous notable individuals across various fields. Actress Zooey Deschanel, known for her role in “New Girl,” and director Brad Bird, famed for “The Incredibles” and “Ratatouille,” have ties to the city . Additionally, sports broadcaster Erin Andrews and tennis player Jeff Tarango hail from Manhattan Beach.
According to the latest U.S. Census data, Manhattan Beach has a population of approximately 35,506 residents. The city comprises around 13,000 households, with an average household size of 2.7 persons. The median age of residents is 43.4 years, indicating a mature community. Economically, the median household income stands at $193,904, with a per capita income of $113,441. Approximately 3.6% of the population lives below the poverty line.
The racial makeup of Manhattan Beach is predominantly White (74.0%), followed by Asian (13.8%), individuals identifying with two or more races (10.0%), Black or African American (0.7%), and other races. Hispanic or Latino individuals of any race constitute 8.0% of the population.
Manhattan Beach is renowned for its beautiful beaches, upscale residences, and vibrant community life. The Manhattan Beach Pier, a historic landmark, offers stunning ocean views and is a popular spot for both locals and tourists. The city’s commitment to maintaining a high quality of life is evident in its well-maintained parks, excellent schools, and active civic engagement.
For more information, you can visit the City of Manhattan Beach official website or read the Wikipedia article on Manhattan Beach, California.