Rolling Hills Estates, CA 264 Apartments for Rent

Perched atop, well, rolling hills with views of the expanse of the Pacific Ocean, Rolling Hills Estates is the tenth-highest income community in Los Angeles County.

Rolling Hills Estates is a small, desirable community claiming the crown of Palos Verdes -- a green, lush, Mediterranean hill in southern Los Angeles County. Together with its neighbors Palos Verdes Estates, Rancho Palos Verdes, and Rolling Hills, Rolling Hills Estates offers everything for lovers of the finer things. This includes equestrians, thanks to miles of horse trails that line the streets of this sleepy suburb. At its founding in 1957, Rolling Hills Estates' population was only 3,500. The tiny size was by design: locals wanted to preserve their white fences, bridle trails, and open spaces. Today, the population is a smidge over 8,000 -- hardly a booming metropolis. The city's growth has been accomplished primarily by annexing surrounding areas throughout the years.

Moving to Rolling Hills Estates

We're not going to mince words here: this is, as mentioned, the tenth highest-income area in Los Angeles County, just one peg below Malibu (yet eight ranks below next-door neighbor Rolling Hills). With lush tree-line streets, Pacific views and perfect weather; it's no wonder the competition is fierce to live here. You need to do your homework and come prepared or your dream rental apartment in Rolling Hill Estates will be someone else's reality.

When to Look

Allow yourself two months of research to pick your preferred neighborhood and scope out the right accommodation for you.

What to Look For

You won't necessarily find too many high-rise apartments here (people are crazy protective of their views), but rental condos are available along with detached homes.

What to Bring

You need to bring your renter's 'A Game', this neighborhood is too nice to waste time on unprepared types. Have your proof of income, your credit history, your references and money enough to cover first and last month's rent as well as a security deposit.

Rolling Hills Estates Neighborhoods

Today there are 30 neighborhoods in Rolling Hills Estates, and each, according to the city, maintains its own special character thanks to strong local neighborhood and homeowners' associations. Here are a few of our favorite neighborhoods -- though it's hard to pick wrong in this city.

Hillcrest Manor: Located in the southern part of the city, this neighborhood is close to the Promenade shopping center -- a great outdoor shopping center where you won't go hungry or get bored -- though you'll probably need to drive there. You'll find some condos and town homes for rent here.

Country Club Estates: In the eastern part of the city you'll find this neighborhood. The downside: no sea views. The upside: this is horse country, so if you love horses, you'll love living here. Check out the Rolling Hills Country Club for golf, tennis, food, drink, and the social scene. There are mostly detached, single-family homes here.

Cresta Verde: Stay on the western side of the city if you'd like a little ocean air in your life. This area near Crest Road hugs the hillside and offers stunning blue views from mostly detached homes. Horsey people can get their fix here, too: it's home to the Peninsula Riding Club. You'll find some condos for rent here, some with views, and many more detached home options.

Promenade Area: Your best bet finding rental apartments or a condo for rent in Rolling Hills Estates will be tucked in the little valley atop the hill. High-rise apartments here will be high-rise for this area -- think 6 floors, not 16 or 60. This will be your most walkable area with good transit service off the hill and into the cities below.

Living in Rolling Hills Estates

While Rolling Hills Estates isn't necessarily walkable, lovely strolls abound, and destination-walks for groceries or local watering holes are less available. It is, however, home to the Promenade On The Peninsula Mall which has a movie theater, skating rink, and dozens of boutique and brand name stores, restaurants, cafes, and salons. Try Dragonfly Thai or Red Brick Pizza.

If you're retailed-out for the day, embrace the Southern California weather and head outdoors to the Vista Del Norte Reserve, a 14 acre open space preserve featuring local flora and fauna and providing walking trails for nature lovers to enjoy.

Like any good city, Rolling Hills Estates provides a calendar full of community events such as the popular Holiday Parade of Lights each December and the Old-Fashioned City Celebration featuring hay-wagon rides, equestrian events, barbeques and more. Saddle up!