Living Near the Beach - Rust/Corrosion: Real Issue? (Pasadena: home, moving to)

[LArenter]

Hi All,

I would appreciate some feedback. I'm contemplating selling my current home in Pasadena and moving to the South Bay. I'm looking at Hermosa or North Redondo.

One of the things people have warned me about living near the beach is the salt water affect on metals, e.g. rust on cars, metal gates, A/C units, electronics in the home, etc.

Given my budget, I don't plan on living on the beach, but I am looking at home just slightly east of PCH but west of Aviation around Prospect. This puts me about .75 miles from the water.

I understand that topography and wind direction is a huge factor; but having no experience of living near the beach, can anyone give me some thoughts on how real the issue is? And ideally, how far away from the water I should live to avoid any severe consequences.

Thanks again.

[BRinSM]

i've lived about within that distance of the coast and rust can be an issue, although not a major one. It shouldn't be an issue for your car, but cheaper metal objects will rust over time (i.e. outdoor furniture, bicycles, etc...) decently made products shouldn't have an issue though. i'd say you would need to get an inland closer to 2 miles to completely avoid this issue, but as i mentioned, it shouldn't be of serious concern. if i were to move back to the beach, the greater concern for me would be the lack of sun in the summertime.

[PureHapa]

I've lived here many years and haven't had anything corrode like what you've heard. Not household items, not cars, nothing.

[JTGJR]

The only thing that I've every noticed was the aluminum windows/screens that used to be in my house. They had a little bit of corrosion, but they were 20-years old too.

[LArenter]

Thanks for the feedback! I appreciate it. I figured it wouldn't be an issue unless I was directly on the beach, but just wanted some assurance.

[greggd1]

I dont think you will have an issue. Anything worth your concern should be parked in a garage and sheltered from the elements. The only issue I've had is that my car was sandblasted on PCH from
sand blowing onto the road. Totally pitted the paint. I am careful about taking out a nice car on
windy days. If you are right on the sand and especially close to the water, things will rust, and paint will peel.