Growing Up in The Bluffs

By CLAIRE MEYLAN | Intern

If you were to draw a map of Pacific Palisades, the most strategic way to break it up would be into its characteristic neighborhoods. After all, the Palisades has 25-30,000 residents, a not-so-small community with a small town feel.

A Palisadian describing where they live is as easy as naming a neighborhood such as The Alphabet Streets, the Riviera or the Highlands. Each neighborhood has its perks, such as the secluded, wooded vibe of Rustic Canyon or the larger-sized lots of the Riviera. And almost every Palisadian believes their own neighborhood is the best.

But I’m going to make the case for mine: the Village Bluffs.

The Village Bluffs—sometimes referred to as the Via Bluffs—has been my home for 19 years. The neighborhood is quiet and relaxing, especially as you move farther away from the Village toward the bluffs.

By 9 p.m., a surprising number of lights are out. Yet, the houses are within a mile of the Palisades Village, making late-night Yogurt Shoppe runs an almost effortless possibility.

As is a theme in the Palisades, the Village Bluffs contains a mix of older, small homes and remodeled, larger homes. As a result, the neighborhood feels authentic and quirky, with its fair share of one-way streets, traffic islands, canyons and ocean views.

Warm relationships with neighbors? Check.

On my street, dog sitting and babysitting for neighbors are common, as well as sharing flowers with sick neighbors and giving graduation gifts. When a fire broke out on the bluff, neighbors watched the blaze together in the middle of the street and shared updates.

For years, my family has gifted zucchini bread and chocolate star cookies with neighbors during the holidays. These are the relationships that make the Palisades feel like home.

My favorite of the neighborhoods perks is the stunning view from The Point at the Bluffs, a small park on the neighborhood’s northern side. The view includes a stretch of coastline until First Point at the Malibu Pier.

Facing the other way, you can see the neon-flashing Ferris wheel on the Santa Monica Pier, as well as local Will Rogers State Beach. Words do the view no justice, especially at sunset, so I highly recommend checking it out for yourself.

As I head back east to Boston for college, I can’t help but feel bittersweet about leaving summer on the bluffs. Boston, with its American historical significance and charming brownstones, is a pleasant place to be.

But the Village Bluffs—full of ocean views, wildflowers, dogs and breezy weather—is difficult to leave behind. No matter how long I’m gone, it still feels like home.

Each Palisades neighborhood brings its own charm—so why not take the time to explore different areas in your own community?

This not-so-small town is full of quirky neighborhoods and hidden gems, but the Village Bluffs will always be closest to my heart.