Santa Monica

Renowned for its world-class shopping, diverse dining options, and stunning beachfront.
Search Homes

Welcome to Santa Monica

The Epitome of Westside Living

Santa Monica, California, is famed for its top-tier shopping, diverse dining scene, and picturesque beachfront. This Los Angeles County city, with a median single-family home price surpassing $3 million, boasts an array of residences from modern constructions to charming 1920s houses, townhouses, and numerous condos.
 

A Hub of Innovation and Creativity

With around 93,000 residents, Santa Monica is conveniently located 15 miles from downtown L.A. and about 50 miles from Orange County. The city is home to several prominent digital game development studios, including Activision Blizzard, SCE Studios Santa Monica, and Riot Games, alongside major creative production companies like Hulu, Universal Music, and Lionsgate.
 

Diverse Housing Market

Santa Monica’s real estate market is a tapestry of luxury beachfront homes, modern apartments, and stylish condos, reflecting the city’s desirability and prime location. Neighborhoods such as North of Montana are renowned for their upscale single-family homes, while Ocean Park and Main Street offer a blend of mid-century bungalows and contemporary developments. Home and condo prices vary widely, ranging from $1 million to $13 million on the beach, with North of Montana having a median home price of $4.2 million, reaching up to $60 million for the most luxurious properties.

 

Inland single-family homes typically list between $1.5 million and $2.5 million, while properties near the beach often start at $3 million and can be significantly higher. The diversity in the housing market ensures that there is something for everyone, from luxurious beachfront estates to cozy inland homes, making it an attractive destination for a variety of homebuyers.

 

Luxury Beachfront Properties

Santa Monica's coastline is lined with stunning luxury properties offering breathtaking ocean views and direct beach access. These homes often feature expansive floor plans, state-of-the-art amenities, and high-end finishes. Beachfront properties are highly sought after and command premium prices, reflecting their prime location and the lifestyle they offer.

 

Modern Apartments and Condos

For those looking for a more urban living experience, Santa Monica boasts a variety of modern apartments and condos. These properties are often located in the heart of the city, providing easy access to shopping, dining, and entertainment. Many new developments include amenities such as rooftop pools, fitness centers, and concierge services, catering to the needs of modern city dwellers.

 

Historic and Mid-Century Homes

Santa Monica also has a rich history reflected in its housing market. Areas like Ocean Park and Main Street are home to charming mid-century bungalows and historic homes. These properties often feature unique architectural details and a sense of character that newer homes may lack. Many have been updated to include modern conveniences while preserving their historic charm.

 

Investment Opportunities

The dynamic nature of Santa Monica's housing market presents numerous investment opportunities. With its prime location and high demand, real estate in Santa Monica is considered a solid investment. Whether it's a single-family home, a multi-unit building, or a luxury condo, investors can find properties that offer both rental income and potential for appreciation.

 

Top-Rated Education

The Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District is one of the strongest in LA County. Santa Monica High School, rated 9/10 on GreatSchools, boasts notable alumni like Robert Downey Jr. and Sean Penn. The school offers diverse learning pathways, from Computer Science and Engineering to Graphic Design and Career Technical Education.
 

Shopping and Dining Paradise

Santa Monica is a shopper's haven, featuring high-end boutiques and unique local shops. The Third Street Promenade offers a pedestrian-only shopping experience with a mix of retail chains, independent stores, and entertainment venues. Santa Monica Place, a luxury mall, houses designer brands, upscale eateries, and a rooftop dining area with ocean views. Main Street and Montana Avenue are also popular for their boutique shops and cafes, providing unique shopping and dining experiences.
 

Culinary Delights

The city's dining scene caters to a wide range of tastes, from casual beachfront cafes to gourmet restaurants, emphasizing organic and farm-to-table cuisine sourced from the local Santa Monica Farmers Market. Notable establishments include the historic Chez Jay, renowned for its seafood and steak, and Tar & Roses, known for its innovative American cuisine.
 

Transportation and Connectivity

Transportation in Santa Monica is facilitated by the Big Blue Bus system and the E Line light rail, which connects to West LA and Downtown. The city promotes biking with an extensive network of bike lanes and the Breeze Bike Share program, along with the 22-mile Marvin Braude Bike Trail along the ocean.
 

Outdoor Spaces and Recreation

Santa Monica's outdoor spaces, including the expansive Santa Monica Beach and Palisades Park with its ocean views, are central to its appeal. The city also features numerous parks and community gardens like Tongva Park, known for its innovative landscaping and recreational facilities.
Cultural Events and Community Spirit
 
Cultural events and community gatherings are integral to Santa Monica's vibrant social fabric. The Santa Monica Pier hosts concerts, outdoor movies, and family-friendly events throughout the year. The Third Street Promenade and Santa Monica Place offer venues for live music, holiday celebrations, and public performances. The weekly Santa Monica Farmers Market is a local favorite, attracting residents and chefs with its fresh produce and artisanal foods.
 

Safety and Community

While Santa Monica does experience crime, property crimes such as theft and burglary are more common than violent crimes. The Santa Monica Police Department actively engages in community policing to address and prevent crime, maintaining a strong law enforcement presence in tourist-heavy areas.
 
Santa Monica is a coveted location that offers a blend of upscale living, community spirit, and proximity to both urban conveniences and natural beauty.

Around Santa Monica, CA

There's plenty to do around Santa Monica, including shopping, dining, nightlife, parks, and more. Data provided by Walk Score and Yelp.

80
Very Walkable
Walking Score
97
Biker's Paradise
Bike Score
71
Excellent Transit
Transit Score

Points of Interest

Explore popular things to do in the area, including Cubcakes, Cookie Notes by Shiri, and Warm Into Fitness.

Name Category Distance Reviews
Ratings by Yelp
Dining 1.09 miles 23 reviews 5/5 stars
Dining 3.4 miles 5 reviews 5/5 stars
Active 4.64 miles 7 reviews 5/5 stars
Active 0.81 miles 9 reviews 5/5 stars
Beauty 2.96 miles 6 reviews 5/5 stars
Beauty 2.58 miles 10 reviews 5/5 stars

Demographics and Employment Data for Santa Monica, CA

Santa Monica has 46,719 households, with an average household size of 2. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau. Here’s what the people living in Santa Monica do for work — and how long it takes them to get there. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau. 92,945 people call Santa Monica home. The population density is 14,587.013 and the largest age group is Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.

92,945

Total Population

High

Population Density Population Density This is the number of people per square mile in a neighborhood.

43

Median Age

49.4 / 50.6%

Men vs Women

Population by Age Group

0-9:

0-9 Years

10-17:

10-17 Years

18-24:

18-24 Years

25-64:

25-64 Years

65-74:

65-74 Years

75+:

75+ Years

Education Level

  • Less Than 9th Grade
  • High School Degree
  • Associate Degree
  • Bachelor Degree
  • Graduate Degree
46,719

Total Households

2

Average Household Size

$82,680

Average individual Income

Households with Children

With Children:

Without Children:

Marital Status

Married
Single
Divorced
Separated

Blue vs White Collar Workers

Blue Collar:

White Collar:

Commute Time

0 to 14 Minutes
15 to 29 Minutes
30 to 59 Minutes
60+ Minutes

Schools in Santa Monica, CA

All ()
Primary Schools ()
Middle Schools ()
High Schools ()
Mixed Schools ()
The following schools are within or nearby Santa Monica. The rating and statistics can serve as a starting point to make baseline comparisons on the right schools for your family. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.
Type
Name
Category
Grades
School rating

Explore 

Other Neighborhoods

Work With Us

Market Update Newsletter

Follow Us on Instagram