Santa Monica

POPULATION

91,577

MED. HOUSEHOLD INCOME

$96,570

MED. HOME VALUE

$1,843,228

Listed by National Geographic as one of the Top "10 Beach Cities in the World", and as one of TIME magazine’s "Best Places to Live", the 8.3 square mile city of Santa Monica is a true gem. From the stunning, sandy beaches to shopping on 3rd Street Promenade to the rides and attractions on the eponymous pier, there is always something fun to do here.

The city is bordered by Pacific Palisades, Brentwood, West LA, Mar Vista, and Venice Beach, offering even more shopping, activities, and restaurants with beautiful views. Tech companies and startups have given Santa Monica the nickname “Silicon Beach”, and job opportunities are steady and climbing.

The city also reveres its history as the place where beach volleyball was invented by Duke Kahanamoku, who also brought surfing from Hawaii. Santa Monica will host both sports in the 2028 Summer Olympics.

If you’re looking for beach culture, fantastic schools, renowned restaurants, and celebrity sightings, Santa Monica is the perfect place to live.

 

Neighbors

Industry professionals, celebrities, families, techies

Expect

Friendly neighbors, incredible shopping, and fantastic restaurants

Lifestyle

Upscale beach living

Unexpected Appeal

Watching movies at the historic Aero Theatre

Market

Higher-end beach homes and condo complexes

Fall In Love

Stunning ocean views and gorgeous sunsets

Explore Homes for Sale in Santa Monica

The Community

Santa Monica’s community is built around the beach, the arts, fitness, great shopping, restaurants, and amazing schools. This very walkable city has 3.5 miles of sand bordered by a beach boardwalk, a fantastic pedestrian shopping district, and beautiful residential neighborhoods to wander.

You won’t be the only one writing your screenplay on the incredible patio at Coffee Connection or strolling the art galleries at Bergamot Station. Skaters have The Cove and Venice Beach Skateparks in this area where the sport was made popular, fitness buffs can work out on the monkey bars, rings, and climbing ropes at Muscle Beach, and there is virtually no time of day that a yoga class isn’t available in Santa Monica. 3rd Street Promenade provides incredible shops, restaurants, and people-watching, and farmers markets bring the community together four times a week.

The Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District runs very highly rated schools, including SaMoHi (Santa Monica High School) whose famous graduates include Sean Penn, Holly Robinson, Robert Downey Jr., and Tessa Thompson. Santa Monica College offers 90 fields of study toward associate degrees and certificates and is the city’s 4th largest employer after the Santa Monica-UCLA Medical Center, the city, and the school district.

 

FEATURED Santa Monica PROPERTIES

 
 

The Culture

When most people think of Santa Monica, they immediately picture the pier, and for good reason. The Santa Monica Pier is where Iron Man first tests his suit, Forrest Gump finishes his cross-country run, and where Paul Newman’s character in The Sting operates the historic carousel. Home to the rides and games of Pacific Park centered around the huge Ferris Wheel as well as a boardwalk full of shops and restaurants, the pier is a great place to spend an afternoon.

Just across Ocean Avenue is Tongva Park, with its huge sculptures, fountains, play areas for kids, and name honoring the original inhabitants of the land. You’ll find people walking their dogs and enjoying the views at Ocean View Park and Palisades Park, where the Annenberg Community Beach House is a draw for its swimming pool, play areas, and cultural events.

Santa Monica is home to Hulu, Lionsgate, and Illumination Animation, and hosts the SAG Awards, Independent Spirit Awards, People’s Choice Awards, and Santa Monica Film Festival every year, bringing spectators and (more) celebrities to town. Some of the city’s famous landmarks and gathering spots are Shutters on the Beach hotel, Dogtown Coffee (formerly Zephyr surf shop, home of the Dogtown Z-boys), Chez Jay steakhouse & bar, and the Aero Theatre, featured in Get Shorty.

 

 

Lifestyle

Surf the morning waves or take a long walk on the beach as the sun comes up. Swing by Sidecar Doughnuts & Coffee to pick up their famous huckleberry doughnuts and cold brew for your colleagues. Take a family bike ride along the beach boardwalk followed by breakfast at Dogtown Coffee, meet friends for matcha lattes at Urth Caffe, or celebrate a birthday with a farm-to-table brunch poolside at Fig.

Stroll the shops and watch the street performers and musicians on the 3rd Street Promenade, then do some serious shopping at Lululemon and the Apple Store. Head to the historic Bay Cities Italian Deli for one of their famous sandwiches and some Italian groceries, Cha Cha Chicken for Caribbean food, or Café Bolivar for Venezuelan arepas.

Watch (or join!) the skaters at The Cove or the fitness buffs showcasing their skills at Muscle Beach. Enjoy short rib cheeseburgers and truffle fries at The Independence gastropub, delicious seafood at Tar & Roses, or a crispy chicken sandwich and seriously innovative cocktails at The Misfit Restaurant & Bar.

If you’re seeking live music, head to 1212 Santa Monica or The Bungalow, where you can also watch the sunset from the lively patio.

 

GREAT SCHOOLS RATINGS

9

FRANKLIN ELEMENTARY

9/10

GRANT ELEMENTARY

8/10

SANTA MONICA HIGH

8/10

School District

Los Angeles Unified School District

Real Estate Market

 
 
 

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