Sunset Park is a Santa Monica neighborhood in ZIP code 90405, originally developed in the 1940s for Douglas Aircraft workers, bordered by Pico Boulevard, Lincoln Boulevard, Venice, and the former Santa Monica Airport. It's served by the Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District (SMMUSD), with recent home sales generally in the low-to-mid $2 million range.
Fact | Detail |
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ZIP code | 90405 |
Boundaries | Pico Blvd (north), Lincoln Blvd (west), Venice (south), former Santa Monica Airport (east) |
Public schools | Grant Elementary, John Adams Middle School, Santa Monica High School (Samohi) — all SMMUSD |
Nearby parks | Clover Park (2600 Ocean Park Blvd), Marine Park (1406 Marine St), Virginia Avenue Park, Joslyn Park |
Weekly market | Saturday Pico Farmers Market, Virginia Avenue Park, 8am–1pm |
Sunset Park sits in the southern part of Santa Monica, a short drive from the beach, and offers a lower entry price than neighborhoods like North of Montana while staying inside the same SMMUSD school boundaries. This guide walks through what to know before buying a home here, from budgeting to closing.
Know the Neighborhood Before You Search
Sunset Park runs roughly between Pico Boulevard and the former Santa Monica Airport, which is being converted into a public park. Many homes date to the 1940s, built originally for workers at the nearby Douglas Aircraft plant, so expect a mix of original Craftsman-era bungalows alongside newer construction and remodels.
Define Your Budget and Property Type
Recent Sunset Park sales have generally landed in the low-to-mid $2 million range, though price varies significantly by lot size, condition, and whether a home has been renovated or expanded. Decide early whether you're looking for a single-family home, a duplex or triplex on an R2 lot, or a condo, since each has a different price band and a different buying process.
Work With a Local Sunset Park Agent
Because pricing and zoning (R1 vs. R2) vary block by block in Sunset Park, working with an agent who tracks this specific market closely matters more here than in a more uniform neighborhood. An agent who knows the area can help you evaluate a
Santa Monica house for sale against recent comps and zoning constraints before you make an offer.
Understand the Housing Stock
Sunset Park's architecture ranges from original 1940s Craftsman-style bungalows to fully modernized rebuilds. R2-zoned lots (more common here than in many other Santa Monica neighborhoods) can support duplexes, triplexes, or ADU additions, which is worth checking early if you want future flexibility on the property.
Check Schools and Local Amenities
Sunset Park is zoned to Grant Elementary and John Adams Middle School, with Santa Monica High School (Samohi) and Santa Monica College both just along Pico Boulevard — all part of SMMUSD. For green space, Clover Park (2600 Ocean Park Blvd) has ballfields and tennis courts, Marine Park (1406 Marine St) has basketball courts and a community garden, and the Saturday Pico Farmers Market runs 8am–1pm at Virginia Avenue Park.
Track the Local Market
Sunset Park pricing has been moving with the broader Santa Monica market, including added interest tied to the Santa Monica Airport's conversion into public open space nearby. Watch recent closed sales in the neighborhood, not just active listings, since asking price and sale price can diverge meaningfully here depending on condition and lot type.
Attend Open Houses and Local Events
Visiting open houses in person is the fastest way to calibrate what a given price point actually buys in Sunset Park. The Saturday Pico Farmers Market at Virginia Avenue Park is also a good way to get a feel for the neighborhood day-to-day before committing to an offer.
Evaluate Commute and Transportation
Sunset Park is served by Big Blue Bus routes and is within driving distance of the Metro E Line in downtown Santa Monica. Lincoln Boulevard and Pico Boulevard are the main through-streets, so check commute times at actual peak hours before buying, since both can back up.
Conduct Thorough Property Inspections
Given the number of 1940s-era original-condition homes still on the market in Sunset Park, a full inspection (foundation, electrical, plumbing, and roof at minimum) matters more here than in newer-construction neighborhoods. Budget for this before you're under contract, not after.
Secure Financing and Pre-Approval
Get pre-approved before you start touring homes. In a market where well-priced Sunset Park listings can draw multiple offers quickly, a pre-approval letter (not just pre-qualification) is often what separates a competitive offer from one that gets passed over.
Craft Your Offer and Negotiate
Offers in Sunset Park should account for lot zoning (R1 vs. R2), recent comparable sales, and the property's actual condition, not just list price. An agent who tracks this neighborhood specifically can tell you when a listing is priced to invite competition versus priced at fair value.
Navigate Closing
Once your offer is accepted, expect the standard California closing timeline (typically 30-45 days for a financed purchase), coordinated between your agent, lender, escrow, and title company. Respond promptly to any contingency deadlines to avoid delays.
Connect with Megan Whalen
Buying a home in Sunset Park benefits from an agent who tracks this specific pocket of Santa Monica closely.
Megan Whalen is a real estate agent focused on the Santa Monica market, including Sunset Park, Ocean Park, and Pico. [PLACEHOLDER: years licensed / transaction volume / one specific verifiable stat — none currently on file for this session].
Connect with Megan Whalen today. Your next chapter awaits.
Frequently Asked Questions
What ZIP code is Sunset Park, Santa Monica in?
Sunset Park is in ZIP code 90405, in the southern part of Santa Monica, bordered by Pico Boulevard, Lincoln Boulevard, Venice, and the former Santa Monica Airport.
What schools serve Sunset Park?
Sunset Park is zoned to Grant Elementary and John Adams Middle School, with Santa Monica High School (Samohi) and Santa Monica College nearby along Pico Boulevard — all part of the Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District (SMMUSD).
Is Sunset Park a good neighborhood for families?
Yes — Sunset Park offers SMMUSD schools, several parks including Clover Park and Marine Park, a weekly farmers market at Virginia Avenue Park, and generally lower home prices than neighborhoods like North of Montana within the same school district.
