Santa Monica is filled with beautiful people, populated beaches, upscale shopping, and lots of fine dining. Its bustling pier, complete with iconic Ferris wheel and amusement park attractions, paired with clean streets, great weather, outdoor malls, and accessible oceanfront make it a destination known throughout the world.
This seaside city is named after Saint Monica, the mother of Saint Augustine, but the reason why remains undetermined. One telling says it was named by explorer Gaspar de Portolà , who camped there in 1769 and named it in honor of the feast day of Saint Monica. Another credits Father Juan Crespi, who claimed a pair of creeks known as the Kuruvunga Springs (technically located outside of Santa Monica’s border), were like the tears of Saint Monica, who, prior to her son’s conversion, wept nightly over his impiety.
A diverse crowd of students, families, surfers, and entertainment industry pros.
Santa Monica’s unique brand of California cool—complete with beach, boardwalk, and culture—appeals to residents of every sort.
Sunsets on the boardwalk, outdoor dining, and weekend mornings at the beach.
Popularized on the big screen, Santa Monica represents Southern California living around the world and the reality does not disappoint. Oceanside activities, stunning panoramas, candy-hued building abound in this dreamy beach neighborhood.
Vibrant, cultured, and low-key luxe.
Occupying a pristine stretch of the Pacific, Santa Monica emanates a casual coolness. The boardwalk welcomes joggers, bikers, and bladers, with much of local life revolving around the water. Yogis flock, attracted by some of the city’s best and most plentiful studios.
World-renowned designers and endless retail.
Despite Santa Monica’s laid-back vibe, it takes its shopping seriously. Between the contemporary chains lining the Third Street Promenade and an upscale, open-air mall that houses Barney’s, Tiffany & Co., and Louis Vuitton, there is no shortage of options.
Expansive single-family homes and contemporary apartment complexes.
Santa Monica presents a diverse range of housing style, all centrally located and boasting spectacular ocean access. Its residents occupy single-family homes along quaint, tree-lined streets, modern beachfront houses near the bustling boardwalk, and amenity-rich apartment buildings. Its affluent residents also rent upscale apartments and there are plenty of hotels in the neighborhood for the tourists that flock here.
Sunshine, ocean breezes, and idyllic views as far as the eye can see.
Los Angeles is generally known for its mild climate, but Santa Monica may well be the jewel in the city’s meteorological crown. It averages 310 days of sunshine per year, with cerulean skies and a pleasant, near-constant ocean breeze. Daytime temperatures are typically in the low 70s and rarely rise above 83 degrees.
Santa Monica remains one of Southern California's strongest real estate markets. As of late 2025, median home prices generally range between $2 million and $2.6 million, while oceanfront estates, luxury condominiums, and architecturally significant homes often exceed $8 million.
Santa Monica offers luxury beachfront condominiums, contemporary residences, historic Craftsman homes, Spanish Revival architecture, modern townhomes, duplexes, and elegant single-family properties.
Santa Monica's most prestigious neighborhoods include North of Montana, Ocean Avenue, Ocean Park, Wilshire-Montana, Sunset Park, and the beachfront communities overlooking Santa Monica Bay. These areas feature luxury estates, architecturally significant homes, ocean-view condominiums, and exceptional walkability.
As of late 2025, median home prices generally range from approximately $2 million to $2.6 million, while beachfront estates and luxury oceanfront residences frequently sell for substantially more.
Santa Monica offers beachfront condominiums, luxury estates, Spanish Revival homes, Craftsman residences, townhomes, and contemporary single-family homes.
The city is served by the highly rated Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District and offers access to Santa Monica College and nearby UCLA.
Residents commute via Interstate 10, Pacific Coast Highway, Metro E Line, local bus service, cycling infrastructure, and Los Angeles International Airport.
Popular attractions include Santa Monica Beach, Santa Monica Pier, Third Street Promenade, Palisades Park, Tongva Park, surfing, cycling, and hiking in the nearby Santa Monica Mountains.
Santa Monica offers a vibrant coastal lifestyle centered around beautiful beaches, walkable neighborhoods, outdoor recreation, outstanding dining, cultural attractions, and year-round sunshine.
91,535 people live in Santa Monica, where the median age is 42.9 and the average individual income is $90,657. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.
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Population Density Population Density This is the number of people per square mile in a neighborhood.
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There's plenty to do around Santa Monica, including shopping, dining, nightlife, parks, and more. Data provided by Walk Score and Yelp.
Explore popular things to do in the area, including Organic & Slow Bakery, Demetri Fitness, and Santa Monica Hitting Partner.
| Name | Category | Distance | Reviews |
Ratings by
Yelp
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|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dining · $$ | 3.61 miles | 5 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
| Active | 2.44 miles | 7 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
| Active | 1.67 miles | 7 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
| Active | 1.98 miles | 16 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
| Active | 3.04 miles | 6 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
| Active | 3.09 miles | 9 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
| Beauty | 1.66 miles | 7 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
| Beauty | 1.4 miles | 8 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
| Beauty | 1.05 miles | 7 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
| Beauty | 3.43 miles | 7 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
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Santa Monica has 46,457 households, with an average household size of 1.92. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau. Here’s what the people living in Santa Monica do for work — and how long it takes them to get there. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau. 91,535 people call Santa Monica home. The population density is 10,884 and the largest age group is Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.
Total Population
Population Density Population Density This is the number of people per square mile in a neighborhood.
Median Age
Men vs Women
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10-17 Years
18-24 Years
25-64 Years
65-74 Years
75+ Years
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Total Households
Average Household Size
Average individual Income
Households with Children
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Blue vs White Collar Workers
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