Malibu offers many ways to live along the coast, but for buyers who want views, convenience, and everyday livability, Malibu Country Estates continues to stand out. Perched above Pacific Coast Highway adjacent to Pepperdine University and near the Cross Creek area, this hillside neighborhood offers a distinct lifestyle that blends coastal beauty with practical advantages — without the congestion and constraints often associated with beachfront living.
A Hillside Perspective Above PCH
The Malibu Country Estates neighborhood is located just above Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu, CA.
One of the most common reasons buyers choose Malibu Country Estates is its elevated position above Pacific Coast Highway. Homes here are set above the coastline, allowing for expansive ocean, coastline, and sunset views while remaining just minutes from the beach.
Living above PCH often means:
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Less road noise than beachfront properties
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Better sun exposure and airflow
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A feeling of separation and privacy without isolation
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Faster access to multiple routes in and out of Malibu
For many buyers, this elevation offers the best of both worlds: coastal proximity without the intensity of beach-level living.
Central Access Without the Congestion
Wide residential streets and elevated ocean views are a defining feature of Malibu Country Estates
Malibu Country Estates benefits from its location, providing convenient access to:
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Pacific Coast Highway
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Malibu Country Mart and Cross Creek
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Santa Monica and the Westside
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Beaches, trails, and local amenities
Unlike some coastal neighborhoods where access funnels through a single road, this area allows residents to move efficiently whether commuting, running errands, or welcoming guests.
Proximity to Pepperdine University: A Lifestyle Advantage
Pepperdine University’s Malibu campus is located next to Malibu Country Estates.
Another compelling reason buyers gravitate toward Malibu Country Estates is its close proximity to Pepperdine University, without being directly impacted by campus traffic or activity.
Why this matters:
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Convenience for faculty, staff, and visiting scholars
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Attractive location for graduate students and academic professionals
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Proximity to a globally respected university adds long-term desirability
The Pepperdine Wave Associates & Community Connection
Malibu Country Estates also benefits from its proximity to Pepperdine University, an institution that plays an active role in the broader Malibu community. One way nearby residents engage with the university is through Pepperdine Wave Associates (formerly known as Crest Associates), a donor-based community that supports Pepperdine’s mission and programs in Malibu.
Wave Associates contribute annual gifts at varying levels and, in return, may be invited to participate in select university-related opportunities. Depending on membership level and availability, this can include access—often for an additional fee—to Pepperdine’s recreational, cultural, and academic facilities such as the fitness center, tennis courts, pool, theater performances, and library resources.
Beyond amenities, the Wave Associates program helps foster meaningful connections between Pepperdine and the Malibu community by supporting student initiatives, service projects, and local programs. For residents of Malibu Country Estates, this proximity offers a unique opportunity to engage with the university’s cultural and civic presence while enjoying a residential setting just minutes away.
In addition, Pepperdine hosts lectures, speaker series, cultural events, and athletic competitions that add intellectual and cultural depth to everyday life nearby — a unique lifestyle enhancement that few Malibu neighborhoods can offer.
A Residential Feel with Coastal Character
Malibu Country Estates features primarily single-family homes in a quiet residential hillside setting.
Malibu Country Estates is primarily composed of single-family homes, ranging from original residences to thoughtfully remodeled properties. Streets are residential in character, and homes are typically set back with private driveways and garages — a contrast to tighter beachfront configurations.
Buyers often appreciate:
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Larger homes relative to beachfront lots
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More flexible layouts for full-time living
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A quieter, neighborhood-oriented environment
This makes the area particularly appealing for full-time residents, families, and long-term homeowners.
Why Buyers Choose Malibu Country Estates Over the Beach
While beachfront living has undeniable appeal, it also comes with tradeoffs. Buyers comparing options often choose Malibu Country Estates for:
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Fewer coastal restrictions
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Reduced exposure to salt air and marine wear
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Easier daily access and parking
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Greater flexibility for remodeling and ownership
For many, the ability to see the ocean rather than live directly on it — while enjoying a more manageable day-to-day lifestyle — is the deciding factor.
A Smart Choice for Long-Term Living and Ownership
Whether purchasing as a primary residence, second home, or future rental, Malibu Country Estates offers a blend of livability, location, and long-term appeal. Its position above PCH, proximity to Pepperdine University, and residential character continue to attract buyers who want Malibu living that works just as well on a Tuesday morning as it does on a summer weekend.
Malibu Country Estates FAQs
Q: Is Malibu Country Estates located above Pacific Coast Highway?
A. Yes. Malibu Country Estates is a hillside residential neighborhood situated above Pacific Coast Highway within the Sunset Mesa area of Malibu. This elevated position allows for coastal views and easier access without the congestion commonly associated with beachfront neighborhoods.
Q: Do homes in Malibu Country Estates have ocean views?
A. Many homes in Malibu Country Estates enjoy partial to expansive ocean views due to the neighborhood’s elevation, though views vary by property, lot orientation, and home design.
Q. How close is Malibu Country Estates to Pepperdine University?
A. Malibu Country Estates is located just minutes from Pepperdine University’s Malibu campus, making it a convenient location for faculty, staff, visiting scholars, and residents who value proximity to the university’s cultural and community presence.
Q: What is Pepperdine Wave Associates, and can residents participate?
A. Pepperdine Wave Associates (formerly Crest Associates) is a donor-based community that supports Pepperdine University and its programs. Participation is optional and subject to membership requirements. Members may receive invitations to use certain university facilities or attend events, often for an additional fee.
Q: Why do buyers choose Malibu Country Estates over beachfront neighborhoods?
A. Buyers often choose Malibu Country Estates for its elevated views, quieter residential streets, easier daily access, and greater flexibility for full-time living, while still being close to Malibu’s beaches, shopping, and amenities.
Explore Malibu Country Estates Further
Learn more about homes, lifestyle, and ownership considerations in this sought-after neighborhood on our Malibu Country Estates community page, or contact 4 Malibu Real Estate for personalized insight into buying, selling, or managing property in Malibu Country Estates and beyond.
- Written by the Team at 4 Malibu Real Estate.