Welcome to Santa Monica
A hip and bustling community that's highly walkable
Located west of downtown Los Angeles, Santa Monica is a coastal community famous for its pier and boardwalk, gorgeous beaches, and great weather. One of the world's most famous oceanfront destinations, Santa Monica is partially sheltered by the Santa Monica Mountains and is a popular destination for those seeking world-class shopping, dining, and recreational activities.
The city is broken up into eight distinct neighborhoods, each comprised of a variety of home architecture styles to meet every taste. From trendy downtown apartments to elegant single-family homes on large lots to oceanfront properties, there's a lot to discover here. Whether you'd like to live along a cozy, tree-lined street or near the busy boardwalk, you'll find lots of options here.
What to Love
- Numerous upscale boutiques and award-winning restaurants
- Exciting Santa Monica Pier and Palisades Park
- Excellent weather and an average of 310 days of sunshine year-round
- Ideally located for easy commutes to jobs and numerous industries
- Access to shops, restaurants, UCLA, and Santa Monica College
Local Lifestyle
Santa Monica offers all the benefits of a coastal lifestyle along with an abundance of high-end urban amenities. Here, you'll find everything you need to live a vibrant, healthy lifestyle, including some of the most popular and trendy boutique fitness studios. Santa Monica is also home to the famous Muscle Beach, a popular oceanfront workout area dating back to the 1930s. While much of the local culture centers on outdoor activities and oceanside living, Santa Monica also features trendy restaurants and high-end shopping. You'll love exploring the endless retail options from world-famous designers.
Dining, Entertainment, & Shopping
For the ultimate assortment of shopping and entertainment options, look no further than Third Street Promenade. This car-free section of the city features over 80 retailers and numerous places to get a craft cocktail or a meal at an award-winning restaurant. The Santa Monica Pier is another nearby spot where you'll find unbeatable ocean views and exciting carnival rides and games.
When you feel like enjoying a meal out, stop by Michelin-starred French bistro Pasjoli. Located on Main Street, this spot features moody interior decor and a highly celebrated menu. Elephante is another chic option, serving Italian cuisine from a breezy rooftop lounge that features ocean views.
Things to Do
As a Santa Monica resident, you'll never run out of interesting things to do. Make a weekly visit to the downtown farmers market to stock up on fresh produce and take in the breathtaking views of the Santa Monica Mountains and ocean waves at Palisades Park. Virginia Avenue Park is another popular spot. Here, you'll find a farmers market on Saturday mornings and outdoor spaces for playing chess, basketball, and more.
Schools
Santa Monica is home to numerous highly-rated public and private schools.
