Coastal Dreams or Sinking Nightmare? Homebuyers Brave Unstable Ground
Residents of Portuguese Bend, Calif. face a unique dilemma as they weigh the risks and rewards of owning property on an active landslide. Explore the allure and challenges of this coastal real estate.
Portuguese Bend, a picturesque coastal community in Rancho Palos Verdes, Calif., sits precariously atop an active landslide, presenting a unique set of challenges for both longtime residents and new homebuyers. While some have chosen to flee the area, a growing number of individuals are seeing this as a rare opportunity to own a piece of coveted Southern California real estate, despite the inherent risks.
The landslide in Portuguese Bend has been an ongoing issue for decades, with the ground slowly shifting and causing damage to homes and infrastructure. Yet, the allure of living in this scenic oceanfront location has continued to draw new residents, many of whom are willing to take a gamble on the unstable terrain.
For longtime residents, the decision to stay or go is a complex one. Some have chosen to leave, unable to bear the constant worry and threat of their homes being damaged or even destroyed by the shifting ground. Others, however, have remained, seeing the community as a unique and irreplaceable part of their lives.
One such resident, Jane Doe, has lived in Portuguese Bend for over 20 years.
Source: The New York Times
