Santa Monica

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What's it like to live in Santa Monica, CA?

Santa Monica blends beach town ease with big city polish. You can walk to the pier, bike the beach path, shop the farmers market, and still be close to some of the best restaurants and schools on the Westside. It's its own city with its own government, schools, and rules, which shapes everything from permits to rentals. Lorien Olsen first landed in Santa Monica when she moved here from NYC. She managed Snapchat's real estate portfolio, including its offices on Ocean Park Blvd.

What are the different neighborhoods in Santa Monica?
North of Montana is known for larger single family homes on wide, tree lined streets. Wilshire Montana and Mid City offer a mix of homes, condos, and walkable retail. Ocean Park has beach cottages, Craftsman homes, and Main Street just steps away. Sunset Park is quieter, with many mid century homes and a strong neighborhood feel. Downtown is mostly condos near Third Street and the beach.

What types of homes are in Santa Monica?
Spanish Revival, Craftsman, mid century, and modern homes, plus a large condo and townhome market. Many buyers start with a condo or townhome as an entry point into the city. Architecture varies a lot by neighborhood, and so does lot size.

What should buyers know about Santa Monica?
Because Santa Monica is its own city, it has its own permitting process, and some properties are designated landmarks or sit in historic districts. The city also has strong rent control, which matters if you're buying a duplex or multi unit property. It's worth understanding these rules before you make an offer.

What design details add value to a Santa Monica home?
Natural light, updated kitchens and baths that respect the home's original character, and outdoor living space that works year round. Buyers here notice quality and craftsmanship. Lorien Olsen brings nearly two decades of design and build experience to help sellers position their homes and help buyers see what a property could become.

Thinking about buying or selling in Santa Monica?
Call or text Lorien at (310) 422-1022 to talk through your goals.

Overview for Santa Monica, CA

91,169 people live in Santa Monica, where the median age is 42.7 and the average individual income is $94,641. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.

91,169

Total Population

42.7 years

Median Age

High

Population Density Population Density This is the number of people per square mile in a neighborhood.

$94,641

Average individual Income

Around Santa Monica, CA

There's plenty to do around Santa Monica, including shopping, dining, nightlife, parks, and more. Data provided by Walk Score and Yelp.

81
Very Walkable
Walking Score
97
Biker's Paradise
Bike Score
72
Excellent Transit
Transit Score

Points of Interest

Explore popular things to do in the area, including Cadena, Bed & Breakfast Burrito, and WFM Coffee & Juice Bar.

Name Category Distance Reviews
Ratings by Yelp
Dining 0.48 miles 1 review 1/5 stars
Dining 0.7 miles 2 reviews 1/5 stars
Dining 0.73 miles 0 reviews 0/5 stars
Shopping 0.12 miles 0 reviews 0/5 stars
Shopping 0.42 miles 0 reviews 0/5 stars
Shopping 0.55 miles 0 reviews 0/5 stars

Schools in Santa Monica, CA

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Primary Schools ()
Middle Schools ()
High Schools ()
Mixed Schools ()
The following schools are within or nearby Santa Monica. The rating and statistics can serve as a starting point to make baseline comparisons on the right schools for your family. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.
Type
Name
Category
Grades
School rating
Santa Monica coastline at golden hour, with beach, palm trees, hillside homes, and an elevated path.

Work With Lorien

Lorien Olsen makes every move feel meant to be. Don’t wait—your wish can come true sooner than you think.

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