We like it. I grew up near the ocean in San Diego and missed it all the years we lived inland. We moved here a little less than two years ago to be near our daughter's family, who live 3 miles away in Manhattan Beach.
Politics in a small town (1.3 square miles) is great fun to watch, quite a shock after living in Los Angeles for 35 years.
This place has a real funky beach persona. For example, we have our own version of a triathlon -- run a mile in the sand, paddle a surfboard one mile, then chug-a-lug a six pack. I think the rule is that you have to keep the beer down for 30 minutes, although there is a prize for the "best hurl."
And then there's
beach volleyball, a spectator sport obviously designed specifically for the entertainment of dirty old men!