Welcome to Santa Monica
An upscale and beachy getaway that’s rich with culture.
Widely regarded as the quintessential SoCal city, Santa Monica is a diverse and trendy area that offers residents a unique lifestyle. Located near stretches of the Pacific Coast, this beachside community is home to a wide array of people. The major draws of this area include its phenomenal location and its cool, laid-back atmosphere.
Developed in 1857, this city has grown rapidly since it was founded. Influential individuals and families flocked to the area as it became more well-known, leading to an explosion in the construction of grand homes. Now home to an iconic pier and a quickly growing list of fine dining spots, fun bars, and more, Santa Monica continues to grow in popularity and attract even more residents and tourists to the area.
What to Love
- Welcoming, diverse communities
- Luxe seaside atmosphere
- Peaceful yet sophisticated lifestyle
Local Lifestyle
Residents of this area enjoy a relaxed lifestyle. Santa Monica boasts an exquisite array of people — wealthy celebrities, affluent influencers, and chill surfers are all drawn here. The area’s charm and idyllic feel all contribute to a genial and welcoming atmosphere.
The homes and neighborhoods of Santa Monica offer residents a unique and enchanting lifestyle. Homes here have spectacular access to the Pacific Ocean, which is a major benefit for many. The amenities of this area are modern and easily accessible, and locally-owned coffee shops and restaurants contribute to the social and friendly neighborhood vibes.
Dining, Entertainment, and Shopping
Santa Monica offers a phenomenal variety of bars and restaurants for residents to explore on a night out! Citrin Restaurant is a fantastic option for a date night or intimate dinner. Offering modern Californian cuisine crafted by Chef Josiah Citrin, this restaurant is sure to wow visitors with its detailed menu and upscale atmosphere. The restaurant’s specialty is its prix fixe menu, which consists of four exquisite chef-crafted courses. There is also an a la carte menu featuring such dishes as egg caviar, beef tartare, and lobster bolognese.
For a quick and delicious lunch, residents love to stop by Bay Cities Italian Deli & Bakery. This one-stop-shop offers handmade Italian sandwiches and fresh gourmet groceries. Specializing in deli meats, cheeses, wines, and more, this market is the ideal spot to pick up ingredients for an authentic Italian dinner at home! This deli is also home to one of the most famous sandwiches in Santa Monica: The Godmother. Piled on a house-basked roll, this sandwich is layered with prosciutto, ham, capicola, salami, and more!
Santa Monica also has lots of fantastic shopping opportunities for residents and visitors to check out. From unique boutiques scattered on Main Street and Montana Avenue to the popular retailers at Santa Monica Place, there’s a wide array of shops to support! Third Street Promenade is arguably the most popular — this shopping hub takes up three blocks of space and has more than 80 retailers to explore. With its eateries, markets, and iconic brands and retailers, this is the perfect plaza to spend a day browsing with friends!
Things to Do
Santa Monica draws in hundreds of thousands of visitors each year because of all of the activities in the area! The Santa Monica Pier is one major tourist draw. This pier has it all — with an amusement park, concessions, and designated areas for fishing and taking in the beautiful Pacific views, it’s an unforgettable spot everyone needs to see at least once. Located nearby is Santa Monica State Beach, which is a 3.5-mile stretch of land with golden sand and nearby bike trails, playgroundsk, and grab-and-go food spots.
Schools
Santa Monica has fantastic schools for kids in grades K-12. Canyon Elementary School is one impressive option for young students — its test scores and academic progress are consistently above-average. Lincoln Middle School is a great next step for students in grades 6-8. This school is also competitive academically and has a diverse and welcoming student community.