Santa Monica
Whether you're looking to take an ocean-side stroll along the Pier, browse through the fresh, local goodies at the farmer’s market, indulge in world-class shopping at the outdoor Third Street Promenade, or partake in a Bikram yoga class, there's never a shortage of activities in Santa Monica.
Western Los Angeles County’s gorgeous beachside city is bordered by the communities of Brentwood, Pacific Palisades, Mar Vista, Venice, Sawtelle, and the Pacific Ocean. It rates as one of the country’s most desirable locations with excellent reason. Easy metro access and the Santa Monica Freeway (I-10) make commuting a snap.
First-class universities, private schools, and lush parks add to this scenic city’s appeal, making it a favorite among families. It’s where Silicon Beach—home to over 500 tech startup companies—began and has provided the striking backdrop for countless Hollywood productions throughout the years. With its Mediterranean climate, abundance of prime restaurants, and never-ending supply of fitness-oriented activities, Santa Monica boasts the finest of Southern California living.
Which neighborhood is right for you?
North of Montana
Nothing equals style quite like North of Montana, Santa Monica’s most upscale pocket neighborhood. Nestled between Brentwood and Pacific Palisades, this affluent region features top-notch schools, shopping, and restaurants. The always-bustling Santa Monica Stairs is not only a hot spot for hiking and celebrity spotting, it boasts some of the most picturesque views of the city. Gillette Regent Square is one of the area’s most prestigious enclaves; renowned for its ample homes, it’s one of the few tracts not governed by Santa Monica’s strict zoning laws.
Ocean Avenue
Ocean Avenue is an upscale pocket of homes and apartments on Ocean Avenue, close to both Main Street and San Vicente. With views of the ocean, residents can walk the Palisades Park. There is nearby shopping at the Santa Monica Promenade or on Montana. Ocean Avenue is truly a unique pocket of residential homes and apartments that make you feel like you are always on vacation.
Sunset Park
Sunset Park is a serene, residential sub-neighborhood next to Ocean Park and south of the Santa Monica freeway. Due to the housing need for aviation workers employed at the Douglas Aircraft company after WWII, it largely consists of one-story family homes. Many residents have chosen to renovate or rebuild these unpretentious abodes for sleek, modern living. The well-maintained Virginia Avenue Park hosts a multitude of community events year-round and features a weekly farmer’s market, pubic library, picnic area, basketball courts, and playgrounds. A single-runway airport is also located on the southern premises of Sunset Park.
Ocean Park
This sub-pocket of Santa Monica, located in the southwest corner, has an artsy, airy feel similar to that of the adjacent Venice, though decidedly more affluent. Main Street plays host to various upscale boutiques and restaurants as well as a weekly farmer’s market on Sundays. A mixture of condos, older homes, apartment buildings, and large beachfront houses decorate the area to suit a vast array of styles and budgets.
