Santa Monica is a beachfront city of roughly 90,000 people, incorporated in 1886, made up of distinct neighborhoods including Sunset Park, Ocean Park, Wilshire/Montana, and North of Montana. Housing ranges from condos and townhouses near Montana Avenue to multimillion-dollar coastal estates north of Montana, with the Santa Monica Pier and Palisades Park anchoring the city's public waterfront.
Neighborhood | Housing Type | Character |
|---|---|---|
Sunset Park | Single-family homes, some R2 duplex/triplex lots | Quiet residential streets, highly rated schools, family-oriented |
Ocean Park | Mixed single-family and multi-family | Walkable, energetic Main Street corridor, close to the beach |
Wilshire/Montana | Condos and townhouses | High walkability, close to Montana Avenue shops |
North of Montana | Large single-family estates | Higher-end, borders Brentwood and Pacific Palisades |
Relax on world-famous beaches in this sophisticated yet accessible town, steeped in an atmosphere of irresistible fun.
Nestled just west of Los Angeles where the white-capped waves of the Pacific Ocean crest against golden shores, the laid-back coastal city of Santa Monica serves as a true homage to the best of SoCal living. Since its incorporation in 1886, Santa Monica has grown into a hub of art, entertainment, and adventure for the Westside, comprising several distinctive neighborhoods, each with its own character.
The quiet residential streets and highly rated schools of Sunset Park contribute to that neighborhood's family-oriented feel, while a hip Main Street corridor and easy beach access keep Ocean Park feeling energetic. In the Wilshire/Montana neighborhood, residential real estate leans toward condos and townhouses rather than single-family homes, and buyers are drawn to proximity to the Montana Avenue shops and high walkability. Buyers looking for larger homes will want to check the areas North of Montana Avenue, bordering the Brentwood and Pacific Palisades communities.
Residents can spend a morning at the beach and an afternoon along the Santa Monica Pier, or settle into one of the city's many neighborhood spots. With a Mediterranean climate averaging 281 sunny days a year, outdoor plans rarely get rained out here.
Downtown Santa Monica and its 3rd Street Promenade anchor the city's retail scene, with national brands like Madewell and lululemon, plus Santa Monica Place next door for designer names like Coach and Louis Vuitton. Both centers also host a SoulCycle and a movie theater.
Santa Monica has excellent options for eating out on nearly every corner. Crimson serves Mediterranean fare with organic ingredients.
Thyme Cafe & Market is a neighborhood favorite focused on organic, locally-sourced ingredients.
Looking for a casual slice with gourmet flavors? Vito's Pizza has an artistic, stylish setting good for a low-key meal with friends.
Love Coffee Bar is a dog-friendly, locally owned coffee shop for anyone who takes their espresso seriously.
For brunch or American classics, The Victorian's Beach Club Restaurant has savory options. Shoops Delicatessen brings a European-market feel to the Westside, and LaVecchia Cucina has a reputation as one of Santa Monica's better Italian neighborhood spots.
Santa Monica's landmark destinations include the historic Pacific Park amusement park (380 Santa Monica Pier, rides typically 11am-11pm daily, no admission fee) and Santa Monica State Beach. Neighborhood green spaces like Clover Park (2600 Ocean Park Blvd) offer lighted tennis courts and a playground.
Those who want to stay involved locally can join the Santa Monica Lawn Bowling Club, based at Douglas Park (2439 Wilshire Blvd). With that Mediterranean climate keeping the sun out most of the year, outdoor options range from surfing and hiking to golfing. Local events include the Summer Soulstice festival on Main Street and the Holiday Walk on Montana Avenue.
Santa Monica was incorporated in 1886 and has since grown into a hub of art, entertainment, and beach culture on LA's Westside.
Santa Monica includes Sunset Park, Ocean Park, Wilshire/Montana, and the area North of Montana Avenue, each with distinct housing types and character, from family-oriented Sunset Park to the larger estates North of Montana.
Santa Monica is less than an hour from Downtown Los Angeles by car under normal traffic conditions.
If you are considering relocating to the area, learn more about Santa Monica real estate with Megan Whalen!
