Santa Monica

Welcome to Santa Monica

Diverse and walkable coastal city that is full of excitement

Situated west of Los Angeles, Santa Monica is a vibrant and diverse city. The area borders Pacific Palisades and Venice Beach, making it a fantastic location to relocate. This city is home to a population of 91,577 and encompasses one of Southern California’s most iconic attractions, the Santa Monica Pier. Additionally, residents enjoy highly rated public schools, convenient shopping, and outstanding local restaurants.

When searching for a home in Santa Monica, you will have your pick of eight unique communities: North of Montana Ave, Wilshire-Montana, Sunset Park, Ocean Ave, Mid-City, Ocean Park, Pico District, and Downtown Santa Monica. Certain areas have a more affluent and upscale feel, while others are walkable, lively, and family-oriented.

The median list price for homes in Santa Monica is $1,880,000. What’s so wonderful about this city is the wide selection of residential property types. Move into everything from an eclectic townhome to a stylish condo to a sprawling estate. Among all of the surrounding cities, Santa Monica has some of the best home options for prospective buyers.

What to Love

  • Bustling shopping at Third Street Promenade
  • The iconic Pacific Park and the Santa Monica Pier
  • The iconic Pacific Park and Santa Monica Pier
  • Highly-rated public schools

People & Lifestyle

Santa Monica is a picturesque and delightful place to live. Located directly on the ocean, the laid-back California beach culture definitely sets the tone for life in the area; Santa Monica is a popular place for surfers and beach lovers, not to mention anyone who’s looking for a more relaxing pace to their life.

Families also appreciate the many conveniences and amenities found in Santa Monica. The Sunset Park neighborhood is particularly family-friendly, and the schools in the area are phenomenal. Kids will love spending time playing and exploring Santa Monica’s beautiful beaches. Thanks to the city’s many amazing characteristics, it is easy for anyone to feel comfortable and welcome.

Dining, Shopping & Entertainment

The thriving urban environment of Santa Monica has an exceptional shopping and dining scene. Locals have the pleasure of enjoying a leisurely afternoon of shopping just steps away from the beach!

Located just a few blocks from the beach, Santa Monica Place is a premium open-air mall with all your favorite retailers. Check out the latest arrivals at upscale stores like lululemon, Anthropologie, Nordstrom, Urban Outfitters, and Bloomingdale’s. There are also plenty of great restaurants to choose from at Santa Monica Place, from the farm-to-table cuisine at the Curious Palate to the tasty burgers and milkshakes at Johnny Rockets. The Co-opportunity Market Santa Monica features an impressive selection of organic and all-natural items, great for bringing the community together. Santa Monica also has all the shops you might need for your weekly errands; grab groceries at Vons or Whole Foods, pick up necessities at CVS or Walgreens, and there’s even the family-friendly Santa Monica Airport where community events are held frequently. 

Santa Monica is also recognized for its highly rated restaurants that span every kind of cuisine. Some fabulous restaurants are located downtown, like the Independence Tavern and scenic farm-to-table spot Fig. Meet friends for a drink at one of Santa Monica’s downtown bars, like the retro patio at Bungalow or the sleek lounge at ONYX Rooftop Bar. Local favorite The Lobster overlooks the glittering Pacific Ocean, serving up decadent seafood options, and you’ll love the handmade pasta bar at UOVO.

Things to Do

Locals in this city never run out of fun things to do, see, and experience. With so much going on in the immediate area, you won’t even want to venture outside of Santa Monica on your days off!

Hands down, the most iconic and historic attraction in the entire city is the Santa Monica Pier. Open since 1909 and packed with fun things to do, this destination has entertained guests for generations. For over thirty years, the Pier has held its Twilight concert series; visitors to the Pier can also enjoy activities like surfing, paddleboarding, kayaking, beach biking, or fishing. The Pier is also home to Pacific Park, where you’ll find the iconic solar-powered Ferris wheel, midway games, and seaside dining. Your whole family will love visiting the Heal the Bay Aquarium, enjoying exhibits like the Kelp Forest, the Rocky Reef, and the interactive Touch Tank filled with hermit crabs and sea urchins.

If a relaxed day at the beach is more your speed, head over to Santa Monica State Beach. Sunbathe, surf, or simply admire awe-inspiring views of the Pacific Ocean! You’ll also love exploring the six acres of Tongva Park, a community space that’s perfect for nature walks and spending time in the sunshine, and Palisades Park, which is located just by the ocean. This 26-acre park offers incredible views of the ocean and coastal mountains, featuring historic features and art installations as well as picnic areas and a rose garden. Finally, head over to the Santa Monica History Museum to view notable photographs and learn more about the area’s fascinating history.

Schools

Santa Monica is home to several excellent schools. Top educational opportunities include:

A charter elementary school that provides a nurturing and educational environment for young children.

Named as an International Baccalaureate Candidate School, this acclaimed public elementary school has also been lauded as a National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence and a California Distinguished School. The school benefits from lots of parental and community involvement and offers visual and performing arts programs.

Also known as SMASH, this alternative school has provided “non-authoritarian” education since 1973, serving students up until 8th grade.

A major public high school that offers plenty of extracurriculars and sports teams, Santa Monica High School has a renowned marching band, Science Bowl team, and a Symphony Orchestra that has been ranked as the best in the nation.

This private, independent college preparatory school is known for its notable celebrity alumni as well as its inclusive environment, college guidance program, and progressive curriculum.

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