Santa Monica Real Estate
Santa Monica is a coastal city located in Los Angeles County, California. It is situated on the western edge of Los Angeles, bordered by the Pacific Ocean to the west. The city is approximately 15 miles west of downtown Los Angeles and is well-known for its beautiful beaches and vibrant atmosphere.
Santa Monica enjoys a Mediterranean climate with mild, wet winters and warm, dry summers. The average temperatures range from the 60s to 70s Fahrenheit (15 to 25 degrees Celsius) throughout the year. The city receives most of its rainfall between November and March, while the summers are typically sunny and dry.
Santa Monica offers a wide range of recreational activities for residents to enjoy. The city is famous for its beautiful beaches, where people can swim, sunbathe, surf, and participate in beach volleyball. The Santa Monica Pier is a popular attraction with amusement park rides, games, and an iconic Ferris wheel. The city also has numerous parks, bike paths, and hiking trails for outdoor enthusiasts.
The cost of living in Santa Monica is generally higher compared to many other cities in California. Housing prices and rents tend to be higher due to the city's desirable location near the coast. Other expenses such as groceries, dining out, and entertainment can also be relatively high. It's important to note that the cost of living may vary depending on the specific neighborhood within Santa Monica.
Santa Monica's housing market is competitive and characterized by high demand. The city offers a mix of housing options, including apartments, condos, and single-family homes. The housing market tends to be on the pricier side, reflecting the city's desirability and proximity to the beach. It is recommended to work with a local real estate agent to navigate the Santa Monica housing market.
Santa Monica has a diverse economy with job opportunities in various sectors. The city is known for its creative and tech industries, including entertainment, digital media, advertising, and start-ups. Additionally, Santa Monica is home to the famous Silicon Beach, a hub for technology companies and innovative startups. Job opportunities can also be found in hospitality, healthcare, education, and retail sectors.
Santa Monica is served by the Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District, which operates several public schools in the area. The city also has private school options. Santa Monica College, a two-year community college, offers a range of academic programs and transfer opportunities. For higher education, there are several universities and colleges in nearby areas.
Santa Monica has a variety of healthcare facilities to cater to residents' medical needs. The city has hospitals, medical centers, and clinics offering a wide range of services, including primary care, specialized treatments, and emergency care. Additionally, the proximity to Los Angeles provides access to renowned medical institutions and specialized healthcare services.
Santa Monica offers a wealth of amenities and services to its residents. The city has a vibrant downtown area with shopping districts, boutiques, restaurants, and entertainment venues. Santa Monica is also known for its cultural attractions, including art galleries, theaters, and museums. The city provides excellent recreational facilities, public transportation options, and community programs for residents.
Santa Monica has a thriving cultural scene with numerous entertainment options.
When it comes to real estate, client advocacy is one of the highest priorities. And for Megan Whalen, nothing is more important than serving her clients. Primarily serving Santa Monica and the surrounding area, Megan has many years of experience matching clients to their dream homes and is one of the area’s leading real estate experts.
Born and raised just outside of Chicago, Megan relocated to Santa Monica and has called Sunset Park home ever since purchasing her home in 1996. Before becoming a real estate agent, Megan had previous entrepreneurial experience as a jazzercise studio owner and a massage therapy owner and has a background in advertising. She began her real estate career in 2003, where she transitioned into a full-time agent. Under the guidance of her broker and mentor Scott Gibson, she worked hard and eventually became a premier agent. Today, Megan is a top-performing realtor and is continually recognized as one of her office’s top-performing agents. She holds many industry designations, including Seniors Real Estate Specialist (SRES), a Graduate of the Realtors Institution (GRI), and is a Designated Negotiation Specialist.
As an industry leader with many years of experience, Megan prides herself on providing her clients exceptional customer service. Whether she’s working with first-time buyers or experienced sellers, Megan goes the extra mile to advocate for her clients, helping them navigate through every aspect of a real estate transaction. Dedicated and trustworthy, Megan works hard to ensure her clients are well taken care of. With her unique background and years of industry knowledge, Megan uses her unparalleled negotiation skills to get her clients the best terms possible on their transactions.
For Megan, one of her favorite aspects of living in Santa Monica is the water. In many ways, Santa Monica reminds her of her hometown Evanston, since both areas are waterfront communities with a family-friendly atmosphere and big-city amenities. While Megan serves many areas, she primarily works with buyers and sellers in Santa Monica, Venice, Brentwood, and Los Angeles’ other prominent westside neighborhoods.
When she isn’t connecting clients to their dream homes, you can find Megan splitting her time between sunny Santa Monica, California, and beautiful Carbondale, Colorado. When she’s in Carbondale, she enjoys spending quality time with her friends and family. Her hobbies include running/walking, hiking, biking, practicing yoga, and wine-tasting. She is also an avid nature and animal lover who supports local animal shelters and rescues.
