Belmont Shore
Belmont Shore is typical of Southern California beach communities in that lots are small. The average lot in Belmont Shore is 30 x 80 for a total of 2,400sf. Sometimes lots are bigger like 90 deep or 35 wide. On occasion you will find a 45' wide lot which may be referred to as a lot and a half.
The original homes were Spanish homes built from 1900-1930 with most built in the 20's. These homes are very modest 2 or 3 bedroom homes with only 1 bath. There is usually a 1 or two car garage in the back accessible from the alley. Many of these original homes have additions. This is where things get tricky, because the lot size creates limitations in a single story home. It is usually difficult to find a home with over 1400sf a yard and two car garage in a single story. For this reason most of the more elaborate homes in Belmont Shore are newer two story homes. It is difficult to add a functional 2nd story when you are working with the restrictions of the original one story home, so many people elect to scrap the home and start from scratch. These newer 2 story homes start in the mid 400's.
There are some original Spanish duplexes which are quite functional still to this day with two, two bedroom units one above and one below. These duplexes make a nice owner occupied property for the young couple looking to get ahead and make their first real estate investment.
Price is affected by location and lot size. Streets with less apartments will be more desirable. Homes right next to 2nd Street may be slightly less desirable due to commercial noise and traffic. Having a larger than average lot is a big plus.