Redondo Beach Ranked as One of the Best Small Cities in America: Report

REDONDO BEACH, CA -- Living in big cities has its advantages -- an abundance of nightlife, bright lights and easy access to everything, but it also some drawbacks, such as big crowds, long commute and higher cost of living. That is why some, such as Redondo Beach residents, prefer the slower pace of small-city life.

The city was ranked in a study released Monday by WalletHub, a personal finance advice site, as one of the best small cities in the United States.

"Small city living gives you more and easier access to your local leaders," said Benjamin Y. Clark, assistant professor of public administration at the University of Oregon. "Small city living frequently means more personalized services from your local government."

People in small cities typically, the study notes, enjoy tighter networks, shorter commutes and an abundance of land -- Redondo Beach seems to be the exception in that respect.

While some in small cities also enjoy a lower cost of living, but that isn't the case in Redondo Beach, which is why the city is ranked lower than most. The average cost of living in Redondo Beach is 32 percent higher than the state average and 79 percent higher than the U.S. average, according to the website AreaVibes.com

Overall, Redondo Beach ranked in the 71st percentile, according to the study. WalletHub’s analysts compared 1,268 cities with populations between 25,000 and 100,000 based on 30 key indicators of livability. They range from “housing costs” to “school-system quality” to “number of restaurants per capita.”

Redondo Beach is ranked 1137th in affordability but 125th in economic health and 144th in quality of life.

Patch file photo