Santa Monica is the kind of place you envision when you think of Southern California beach life. Like the nearby mountain range, Santa Monica was named for the Christian saint, Monica. Pacific Palisades, Brentwood, Sawtelle, Mar Vista, and Venice border Santa Monica on three sides. The Santa Monica Bay edges the fourth side of Santa Monica.

Santa Monica is a moderately sized community, covering 8.3 square miles of walkable commercial and residential districts. The area’s economy is mostly tourism driven, but its downtown commercial district is also a major center for employment.

Living in Santa Monica

Santa Monica has three major shopping districts: Montana Avenue, the Downtown District, and Main Street. Each of these areas has something different to offer. Montana Avenue caters to the more upscale shoppers, specializing in luxury boutiques, four and five star restaurants, and a few office buildings. The Downtown District is the most walkable district, covering three blocks of pedestrian only shopping. Visitors to the Downtown District will find major department stores, street performers, and the Santa Monica Place. Main Street is geared more towards the younger generation, with an ever-changing blend of clothing stores, hot restaurants, and specialty shops.

The Santa Monica Pier is an iconic, can’t miss vacation destination. With lots to see and do along the pier, this attraction is packed with visitors and residents year round. Pacific Park – an amusement park that is tons of fun for the whole family – includes a one of a kind solar powered Ferris wheel that should be on everyone’s bucket list. In addition to the amusement park, the Santa Monica Pier is home to a wide array of shops and restaurants – many of which are not chains – that are open year round.

Those that visit the pier can also experience a carousel, an aquarium, a number of street performers, and a trapeze school. The carousel – the Santa Monica Looff Hippodrome – is a National Historic Landmark as well as a fun place for young children to play. Outdoor concerts and movies on the pier are a common occurrence during the summer, and many of them are free to attend.

Real Estate in Santa Monica

The real estate in Santa Monica includes a mixture of condos and townhomes, single-family homes, and a few apartment buildings. The average prices for condos and townhomes is around $1.5 million while the average price of a single family home is $3.4 million. Most of these condos and townhomes are 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms, perfect for a couple of working professionals or a family just starting out.

If you would like to learn more about the properties for sale in and around Santa Monica, contact our team by phone or email. We would be happy to answer any and all questions, help narrow down your property search, and finally set up a time for you to view the top contenders. Pick up the phone and you can get started today.