Santa Monica

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Santa Monica is a vibrant coastal city in Los Angeles County, renowned for its stunning beaches, iconic Santa Monica Pier, and bustling Third Street Promenade. It offers a mix of luxurious oceanfront homes, modern condominiums, and charming residential neighborhoods. Santa Monica’s appeal lies in its walkability, excellent schools, and access to outdoor activities like biking along the beach or hiking in the nearby mountains. The city is also a hub for shopping, dining, and cultural events, attracting residents who value an active, upscale lifestyle.
North of Montana: Known for luxury homes, tree-lined streets, and proximity to Palisades Park and the beach.
 
Ocean Park: A trendy, artsy area with a mix of single-family homes and condos, close to Main Street’s shops and cafes.
 
Downtown Santa Monica: Offers urban living with high-rise condos, vibrant nightlife, and access to the beach and Santa Monica Pier.
 
 Sunset Park: A quieter residential area with excellent schools and family-friendly vibes.

As of October 2024, the Santa Monica housing market exhibits the following trends:

  • Median Home Prices:
    • According to the Multiple Listing Service, Redfin, Realtor.com & Rocket Homes; the median sale price ranges from $1,840,000 to $2,000,000,
  • Market Activity:
    • Homes typically sell after 52 days on the market, compared to 45 days last year.
    • In October 2024, 58 homes were sold, up from 46 in the same month last year.

These figures indicate a dynamic market with variations in pricing and activity, influenced by factors such as property type, location within Santa Monica, and current economic conditions.

As of November 2024, the Santa Monica condominium market presents the following trends:

  • Median Listing Price: Approximately $1.35 million, with properties typically remaining on the market for about 64 days.
  • Current Listings: Approximately 89 condominiums are available for sale, with prices ranging from $539,950 to $7,495,000, depending on factors such as location, size, and amenities.

These figures indicate a competitive market with a diverse range of condominium options catering to various preferences and budgets.

Santa Monica offers a diverse array of recreational activities catering to various interests:

Outdoor Recreation:

  • Beaches: Enjoy sunbathing, swimming, and beach volleyball along the 3.5-mile stretch of Santa Monica Beach.
    Santa Monica
  • Biking and Walking: Explore the scenic boardwalk parallel to the Pacific Ocean, ideal for rollerblading, walking, or jogging.

  • Parks: Visit award-winning parks offering playgrounds, sports facilities, and open spaces for relaxation.
    Santa Monica

Aquatic Activities:

  • Swimming: Participate in lap swimming, water aerobics, and learn-to-swim classes at the Santa Monica Swim Center.
    Santa Monica Swim Center
  • Surfing: Take advantage of the favorable surf conditions along the coastline.

Fitness and Wellness:

  • Yoga and Fitness Classes: Join various fitness classes, including yoga sessions, offered throughout the city.
  • Wellness Programs: Engage in health and wellness activities designed to promote a balanced lifestyle.

Cultural and Arts Activities:

  • Art Galleries and Museums: Explore local art galleries and cultural institutions showcasing diverse artworks.
  • Performing Arts: Attend theater productions, live music performances, and dance shows at various venues.

Community Programs:

  • Recreation Classes and Camps: Enroll in indoor and outdoor classes for all ages, including youth camps during school breaks.

  • Senior Programs: Participate in activities tailored for seniors, promoting active and engaged lifestyles.

These offerings ensure that residents and visitors can find activities that suit their interests and contribute to a vibrant community experience.

Here is a video about one of our favorite places in Santa Monica: https://www.instagram.com/p/Cn82vRAvUS5/

Santa Monica offers a vibrant array of dining and entertainment options to suit diverse tastes and preferences.

Dining Options:

  • Cassia: Once known for Spice Table in the early 2010s, chef Bryant Ng and managing partner Kim Luu-Ng have firmly established themselves in the upper echelons of Santa Monica dining with their upscale Southeast Asian restaurant, Cassia. Drawing inspiration from across the region, the husband-and-wife duo have recently added several Singaporean-leaning dishes to the menu. Alongside longtime favorites like the kaya toast, beef rendang and creamy seafood laksa, there’s now an excellent Hainan chicken confit, Singaporean chili crab dip and wok-tossed lobster with chewy rice noodle rolls. The vegan-friendly mushroom satay with red chili sauce is another highlight, as is crawfish toast flecked with black and white sesame seeds. For dessert, indulge in the likes of flourless chocolate cake with black sesame ice cream, or maybe a bananas foster pudding made with Biscoff cookies and cassia-rum sauce.
  • Pasjoli: An elegant French bistro known for its refined dishes and exceptional service.
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  • Forma: Celebrated for its unique pasta dishes and a notable crispy artichoke salad.
    Eater LA
  • Sichuan Impression: Offers authentic Sichuan cuisine from the mind numbingly spicy to soups that represent a symphony of flavor 
  • Bay Cities Italian Deli: Everyone’s favorite italian deli! While everyone goes for the Godmother we recommend trying options like meatballs, italian sausage, fried turkey & hot soppressata 
  • Heavy Handed – An incredible addition to the Main St neighborhood offering incredible value for delicious short rib smash burgers and a fantastic beer list featuring rare Cellarmaker cans from Oakland.

For a comprehensive list of top restaurants, refer to Eater LA’s guide on the best Santa Monica restaurants.

Eater LA

Entertainment Options:

  • Santa Monica Pier: A historic landmark featuring an amusement park, aquarium, and various dining options.
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  • Third Street Promenade: A pedestrian-friendly shopping and entertainment district with street performers, theaters, and a variety of shops.
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  • Palisades Park: Offers stunning views of the ocean and Santa Monica Mountains, ideal for leisurely walks and picnics.
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  • Cultural Venues: Attend performances at local theaters or explore art galleries showcasing diverse works.

For upcoming events and activities, consult Santa Monica’s official events calendar.

Santa Monica

These options highlight Santa Monica’s dynamic culinary scene and rich entertainment offerings, ensuring a memorable experience for all visitors.

Santa Monica is committed to providing an inclusive environment for all residents and visitors, with a range of accessibility features:

Beach Accessibility:

  • Beach Wheelchairs: Complimentary beach wheelchairs are available at three Perry’s Café locations on Ocean Front Walk:
    • 2400 Ocean Front Walk: Open daily, 9 am – 6 pm.
    • 1200 Pacific Coast Highway: Open Friday–Sunday, 10 am – 6 pm.
    • Annenberg Beach House: Available during Guest Services hours.
      Santa Monica
  • Access Ramps: Wooden ramps provide access closer to the water at various points along the beach.
    Santa Monica

Public Transportation:

  • Big Blue Bus: Offers accessible services, including the Mobility On-Demand Every Day (MODE) program for seniors and individuals with disabilities.
    Big Blue Bus
  • Metro E Line: The 17th Street/SMC station is fully accessible, connecting Santa Monica to the greater Los Angeles area.
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City Initiatives:

  • Aging and Disability Action Plan: Santa Monica is developing a citywide plan to enhance services for older adults, people with disabilities, and caregivers.
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  • Accessibility Policy: The city’s websites and digital platforms comply with Section 508 standards to ensure accessibility for all users.
    Santa Monica

These efforts reflect Santa Monica’s dedication to fostering an accessible and inclusive community.

Santa Monica’s zoning laws regulate land use and development to maintain the city’s character and balance residential, commercial, and mixed-use areas. The city has strict height limits, density restrictions, and parking requirements, especially for properties near the beach. Zoning codes also focus on sustainability, encouraging green building practices. For specific projects or areas, it’s essential to review Santa Monica’s zoning map and consult with the city’s Planning Division to ensure compliance.

For detailed information click here – https://www.santamonica.gov/planning-resources

How do Santa Monica’s zoning laws affect homebuyers?
Santa Monica’s zoning laws prioritize maintaining the city’s character and limiting overdevelopment. For example, height restrictions in residential areas and commercial zones ensure a balance between growth and livability. Buyers should check zoning regulations for renovations or new developments.

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