A Southern California mother purchased what seemed like an incredible bargain—a hillside home with Pacific Ocean views for $1.3 million—only to discover the property sits on one of America’s largest active landslides, where the ground moves up to a foot per week toward the sea.

The Deal That Came With a Catch

Eilen Stewart, 45, and her husband bought the ranch-style home in Rancho Palos Verdes in May 2024 for roughly $1.3 million, far below typical coastal California prices. The property featured a bright kitchen, outdoor space for their two children, and sweeping Pacific views. Stewart admitted she never imagined such a deal was possible in the expensive area. The couple, experienced in renovating distressed properties, believed they could handle the challenges ahead despite knowing the risks involved.

The home sits within the Portuguese Bend landslide complex, where ground beneath approximately 400 houses has been creeping downhill for decades. The movement accelerated dramatically in recent years, leaving visible cracks in roads and homes while damaging infrastructure throughout the neighborhood. Mike Phipps, a contract geologist for Rancho Palos Verdes, described it as probably the largest active residential landslide in the entire United States, possibly the world.

Ancient Problem With Modern Consequences

The landslide was triggered partly by a 1950s road construction project that reactivated an ancient geological formation. The clay-rich soil becomes lubricated by underground water, causing the massive earth movement. Engineers and city officials have attempted drainage efforts to remove water and slow the slide, but experts warn the problem may prove impossible to stop completely. Some residents have already abandoned their homes as conditions deteriorated, while others see opportunity in the discounted real estate prices.

Gambling on Scenic Living

The Stewarts were drawn to the area’s highly rated schools and tight-knit community where children roam freely between neighbors’ homes. The picturesque neighborhood features horses, peacocks, and winding coastal roads that create an idyllic setting despite the geological threat. For families willing to accept the risk, homes sell at steep discounts compared to similar Southern California coastal properties—a rare opportunity to access otherwise unaffordable real estate. Phipps stated that common sense would suggest not building there anymore, but families continue taking the gamble on beautiful coastal living where the ground refuses to stay still.