El Segundo is located along the coast of the Santa Monica Bay, just north of the Chevron Oil Refinery. A popular aerospace and petroleum based community due its location adjacent to the Los Angeles International Airport (LAX); there has been a significant increase of tech companies establishing their businesses within the city in the recent years. As such, the city has earned a reputation as one of the best places to work and live. Known as a business friendly city, it is widely considered to be an extremely friendly and lovely place for its residents.
El Segundo has two distinct personalities. Sepulveda Blvd is the major north/south street that separates the two parts of town.
To the east of Sepulveda Blvd is the commercial and industrial part of town. There are a number of low-rise office buildings along Sepulveda Boulevard. Many airlines have their local offices in this area; Mattel's headquarters, Rhythm & Hues and many aerospace companies are located here. Bus lines and the Green Line Light Rail System also serve this area.
To the west of Sepulveda is a primarily residential and retail business. This part of El Segundo is close to the beach and has a small town feel (and even has a Main Street that could be plucked out of the Midwest).
The El Segundo Unified School District’s schools often receive statewide accolades. For example, the Elementary schools were recognized as a Gold Ribbon School by the California Department of Education, the Middle school achieved a California Learning Aware of Merit in 2016, and the High School was recognized as an Apple Distinguished School for innovation, leadership and educational excellence from Apple in 2015.