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Santa Monica coastline and pier at sunset

Santa Monica

Beautiful Scenery, Ideal Weather & World-Class Living

Santa Monica Homes for Sale

Active listings updated continuously from the local MLS.

Santa Monica Market Report

Live market data — median price, days on market, and sales trends — updated continuously from the local MLS.

Discover Santa Monica

Santa Monica presents an unbeatable combination of beautiful scenery, ideal weather, world-class amenities, and some of the most desirable real estate in Southern California. Covering approximately 16.8 square miles with over eight miles of sandy beaches, this iconic coastal city delivers a lifestyle that few destinations in the world can match. Located in Los Angeles County's prestigious Westside, Santa Monica borders Brentwood and Pacific Palisades to the north, Venice to the south, and sits just 15 to 20 minutes from LAX—making it an ideal home base for frequent travelers and global professionals.

The city's walkable downtown, world-renowned dining scene, and robust cultural calendar have long attracted artists, entrepreneurs, tech executives, and families seeking a balance between urban energy and coastal tranquility. The iconic Santa Monica Pier, with its historic carousel, arcade, and Pacific Park amusement rides, marks the western terminus of Route 66 and remains one of Southern California's most photographed landmarks. Third Street Promenade and the open-air Santa Monica Place anchor the shopping district, while Montana Avenue and Main Street deliver a more intimate, boutique-driven experience.

Santa Monica's real estate market spans oceanfront condominiums, charming walk-street bungalows, modern architectural showpieces, and stately north-of-Montana estates that rival any property on the Westside. With excellent public transit, a thriving tech and entertainment industry presence, and year-round sunshine averaging 310 days, Santa Monica remains one of the most sought-after coastal cities in the world.

A Rich & Storied History

The Tongva people inhabited the region for thousands of years before Spanish colonization reshaped the landscape of Southern California. Under Spanish rule the area became part of Rancho San Vicente y Santa Monica, a vast land grant that would eventually define the boundaries of the modern city. In 1875, Senator John P. Jones subdivided a portion of the rancho and formally established Santa Monica as a seaside community. The city's name derives from "The Tears of St. Monica," a reference to a local spring that Spanish explorers encountered during their travels along the coast.

By the early twentieth century the Santa Monica Pier had become a major tourist draw, and the grand Hotel Casa del Mar cemented the city's reputation as a premier vacation destination. Railroad connections to downtown Los Angeles brought waves of visitors and new residents, and by mid-century Santa Monica had evolved from a resort town into a thriving independent city with a distinct identity. Today that history lives on in the city's architecture, its landmark pier, and the cultural institutions that celebrate the journey from indigenous homeland to world-class coastal metropolis.

Santa Monica Pier stretching into the Pacific Ocean at golden hour

Market Snapshot

$5.5M
Median Home Price
$1,208
Median Price / Sq Ft
2,777
Avg Sq Ft
$699K–$15M+
Price Range

Properties range up to $59 million. Average home: 3 bed, 4 bath. Price per square foot: $940–$1,670.

Neighboring Communities

Pacific Palisades

North along Pacific Coast Highway, the Palisades delivers bluff-top oceanfront estates, a charming village center, and access to some of the best hiking in the Santa Monica Mountains. A natural extension of the Santa Monica lifestyle with a quieter, more residential character.

Venice

Directly south, Venice brings its legendary boardwalk, charming canals, and a creative energy that fuels some of the most distinctive modern residences on the Westside. The neighborhood's eclectic culture and proximity to Abbot Kinney Boulevard make it a favorite among artists and tech professionals.

Brentwood

Northwest and inland, Brentwood is home to massive gated estates, celebrity residents, and a village-like stretch of San Vicente Boulevard lined with boutiques and cafes. Its tree-canopied streets and top-rated schools make it one of LA's most prestigious family neighborhoods.

West Hollywood

Eastward from Santa Monica, West Hollywood offers an energetic, highly walkable urban environment packed with nightlife, dining, design showrooms, and cultural venues. Its compact footprint and vibrant street life attract a diverse, cosmopolitan population.

Palm-lined Santa Monica street scene

Top Santa Monica Neighborhoods

Downtown Santa Monica

The beating heart of the city. Third Street Promenade delivers a pedestrian-only stretch packed with shops, restaurants, bars, theaters, and street performers. At the western end, the Santa Monica Pier draws visitors with its historic carousel, vintage arcade, and Pacific Park amusement rides. Luxury condominiums and lofts put residents within walking distance of everything the city has to offer.

North of Montana (NOMA)

The most affluent enclave in Santa Monica, North of Montana is synonymous with multimillion-dollar estates, celebrity residents, and a quiet, tree-lined elegance that sets it apart from the rest of the city. Montana Avenue anchors the neighborhood with its upscale boutiques, gourmet markets, and sidewalk cafes—an understated, laid-back luxury that feels worlds away from the bustle of downtown. Nearby hiking trails provide quick escapes into nature.

Mid-City Santa Monica

A warm, neighborly pocket of the city with tree-lined streets and a welcoming residential character. Mid-City offers a mix of condominiums, apartments, and single-family homes at slightly lower price points than the oceanfront or north-of-Montana areas, making it an excellent entry into the Santa Monica market. Wilshire Boulevard provides a corridor of dining and shopping, while the central location keeps everything close at hand.

Ocean Park

A bohemian atmosphere pervades this southern Santa Monica neighborhood, where charming bungalows sit alongside modern multi-unit residences. Main Street is the social spine—lined with funky cafes, vintage shops, art galleries, and nightspots that give Ocean Park its distinct creative identity. The Sunday Farmers Market is a neighborhood institution, and the beach is just steps away, making this a favorite for surfers, artists, and young professionals.

Northeast Santa Monica

Tranquil and suburban in feel, Northeast Santa Monica offers shaded streets, quality schools, and some of the most affordable single-family homes in the city. Bordering Brentwood to the north, this neighborhood appeals to families who want the Santa Monica school district and city amenities without the premium of oceanfront pricing. A peaceful residential retreat with easy access to the 405 and the broader Westside.

Santa Monica Canyon / Rustic Canyon

A storied canyon enclave at the northern edge of Santa Monica that fades seamlessly into Pacific Palisades. The area is defined by high-end architectural homes — mid-century modernist gems, design-forward new builds, and a handful of original Rustic Canyon cottages — tucked into wooded hillsides along Channel Road and Mesa Road. A long-running creative and bohemian legacy combined with deep seclusion makes the canyons a discreet favorite among architects, entertainment industry figures, and buyers who value privacy without leaving the Westside.

Sunset Park

A quiet, family-anchored pocket in the southeastern part of Santa Monica between Pico Boulevard and the airport. Sunset Park is known for craftsman bungalows, single-family ranch homes, and tree-lined streets that wrap around Clover Park and the Santa Monica College campus. The neighborhood offers some of the city's more attainable single-family pricing while still delivering strong schools and quick access to both downtown Santa Monica and the beach.

Shopping

Main Street

Main Street unfolds like a friendly shopping village with quaint storefronts, independent retailers, and one-of-a-kind finds. Browse Angel City Books & Records for rare vinyl and used paperbacks, or step into JaZoo's Japan for curated Japanese gifts and housewares. The walkable stretch connects Ocean Park to the beach, making it easy to spend an entire afternoon drifting between shops and sidewalk cafes.

Third Street Promenade

A palm tree-lined pedestrian promenade in the heart of downtown, Third Street is Santa Monica's signature shopping destination. Street performers and al fresco dining create a lively atmosphere, while the retail mix ranges from Nordstrom and national brands to local boutiques, Co-Opportunity Market for organic groceries, and Sand 'n Surf for beach essentials. Open year-round, the Promenade is where locals and visitors converge.

Santa Monica Place

An open-air mall at the southern end of the Promenade, Santa Monica Place houses over 100 stores including Bloomingdale's, Nike, and a curated selection of fashion, beauty, and lifestyle brands. The upper-level dining deck features True Food Kitchen, The Gourmandise School (a hands-on cooking classroom), and panoramic views of the ocean. The blend of luxury retail and experiential dining makes it a destination in its own right.

Rollerblading along the Santa Monica beachfront path

Dining & Nightlife

Michael's

An iconic Santa Monica establishment for more than 40 years, Michael's serves old-school California cuisine in a garden setting that has hosted generations of artists, deal-makers, and celebrities. Grilled meats, fresh seafood, and handmade pastas anchor a menu that balances tradition with seasonal California produce.

La Purepecha

A family-owned gem offering regional Mexican cuisine rooted in the traditions of Michoacan. Charcoal-grilled meats, handmade tortillas, and rich mole sauces distinguish La Purepecha from the typical taqueria. The warm, unpretentious atmosphere and deeply flavorful cooking have earned it a loyal following.

Offhand Wine Bar

A cozy, intimate setting where unique small-production wines take center stage. The knowledgeable staff guides guests through a rotating selection of natural and biodynamic bottles, paired with shareable plates like Spanish octopus skewers and roasted beet hummus. A perfect date-night destination.

Library Alehouse

A beloved neighborhood brewpub with rotating craft beers on tap, cozy fireplaces, reclaimed wood interiors, and exposed brick walls. Library Alehouse strikes the balance between a welcoming local hangout and a serious craft-beer destination, with a pub menu that goes well beyond the basics.

Parks & Outdoor Recreation

Santa Monica State Beach

Wide, uncrowded stretches of golden sand define Santa Monica State Beach, where the classic Southern California experience of sun, sand, and surf plays out against some of the most spectacular sunset views on the West Coast. Volleyball courts, lifeguard stations, and beachside concessions make it easy to spend a full day by the water.

Santa Monica Pier

More than just a landmark, the pier is a living gathering place. The historic carousel dates to 1922, and the adjacent Pacific Park amusement area offers rides, games, and an iconic Ferris wheel with ocean views. Street performers, fishermen, and visitors from around the world converge on the pier daily, making it one of the most vibrant public spaces in Southern California.

Palisades Park

Stretching more than a mile along the ocean bluffs above Pacific Coast Highway, Palisades Park offers paved walking and jogging paths shaded by towering palm trees. Public art installations, benches, and picnic areas dot the route, and the panoramic ocean views—especially at sunset—are among the best in Los Angeles.

Barnard Way Linear Park

An elevated pathway offering panoramic views of the ocean, the pier, and the Santa Monica skyline. Barnard Way connects the southern beaches to the city center and provides a quieter alternative to the busy beachfront for walkers and joggers seeking a more contemplative coastal experience.

Marvin Braude Bike Trail (The Strand)

Running 22 miles along the coast from Pacific Palisades to Torrance, The Strand is Southern California's premier coastal cycling and skating path. Cyclists, skateboarders, and rollerbladers share the paved trail, passing through Santa Monica, Venice, Marina del Rey, and the South Bay beach communities along the way.

Aerial view of palm-lined Santa Monica neighborhood streets toward the Pacific

Arts & Culture

Santa Monica History Museum

Located downtown, the museum features permanent and rotating exhibits tracing the region from its indigenous roots through its transformation into a celebrity beach destination. A compact but compelling look at the forces that shaped modern Santa Monica.

Arte Museum at Santa Monica Place

Housed within Santa Monica Place, the Arte Museum showcases contemporary art with an emphasis on Los Angeles artists. Rotating exhibitions, installations, and community programming make it an accessible entry point into the city's creative scene.

Getty Villa

Perched along the Pacific coast just north of Santa Monica, the Getty Villa houses an extraordinary collection of Greek, Roman, and Etruscan art spanning 6,000 B.C. to 400 A.D. The villa itself—modeled after an ancient Roman country house—and its manicured gardens are as breathtaking as the collection inside.

Hammer Museum

Affiliated with UCLA in nearby Westwood, the Hammer Museum is a free contemporary art museum that champions emerging and established artists through exhibitions, film screenings, lectures, and performances. Its programming is among the most adventurous in Los Angeles.

Morgan-Wixson Theatre

A beloved art deco community theater presenting professional-caliber plays, musicals, and live performances throughout the year. Morgan-Wixson has been a cornerstone of Santa Monica's performing arts community for decades, offering intimate productions that draw audiences from across the Westside.

The Santa Monica Lifestyle

Schools & Education

Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District consistently ranks among the best in LA County. Franklin Elementary, Lincoln Middle, and Santa Monica High School are all highly rated public options. Private institutions including Crossroads School and New Roads School offer additional pathways for families seeking specialized programs.

Transit & Accessibility

The Expo Line connects downtown Santa Monica to DTLA in under 50 minutes. Big Blue Bus provides excellent local service throughout the city and the Westside. Bike-friendly streets, electric scooter networks, and a highly walkable downtown core make car-optional living a genuine possibility in Santa Monica.

Tech & Business

Santa Monica's "Silicon Beach" corridor is home to major tech companies, creative agencies, and entertainment studios. The concentration of talent and capital has fueled a commercial real estate market that rivals Century City, while giving residents the ability to live and work in the same coastal community.

Farmers Markets

The Wednesday and Saturday farmers markets are among the best in the country, supplying many of LA's top restaurants with seasonal produce, artisanal goods, and prepared foods. The markets are a weekly social gathering point for the community and a showcase for the region's agricultural bounty.

Ready to Explore Santa Monica?

Whether you seek an oceanfront penthouse, a north-of-Montana family estate, or a charming Ocean Park bungalow, our local expertise will guide you to the perfect Santa Monica address.

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