Area 143 – Tree Section
The Tree Section is close to daily conveniences such as shopping at Target , Trader Joe’s, The Point and the newly refurbished Manhattan Village Mall. The Tree Section is named for its tree-lined streets that are protected by a local ordinance designed to preserve the special rural feel of this urban neighborhood. Many streets within the neighborhood are named after tree species such as Laurel, Pine, Maple, Walnut, etc. Homes within the Tree Section vary from ultra-custom, new construction to older, original homes that are popular to remodel as entry-level properties. Many residents enjoy a 10-15 minute walk to Downtown Manhattan Beach, while still enjoying larger yards and more space between neighbors.
A 4-mile greenbelt walking path cuts through the heart of the Tree Section. The Santa Fe Railroad ran through Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach and Redondo Beach back in the 1880s and the greenbelt now sits on what was the old railway line. The greenbelt is popular with local residents as a jogging path and dog-walking route, as it leads right to all of the community happenings in Downtown Manhattan Beach.
The gleaming bell tower of American Martyrs church and school centers the Tree Section. Homes located along the borders of this community hub are referred to as belonging to the “Martyrs” section. These homes are ideally located within walking distance of both the private school at American Martyrs and Pacific Elementary School. The weekly Farmer’s Market held at the nearby Metlox Center, the local little league and soccer fields, the Badminton Club & Pool, and the community center are also within walking distance of most Martyrs area homes.
Another sought after micro-neighborhood of the Tree Section is the Gas Lamp section. The Gas Lamp section is made up of a few streets lined with original turn-of-the century gas lamps that still burn at night as reminders of original Manhattan Beach streets. Many newly constructed homes in this area have embraced the charm of the working gas-lamp and have added them as exterior lighting on personal property.