Santa Monica
A beach city with its own government, its own schools and its own rhythm.
Santa Monica is an independent city on the bay, bordered by the Pacific, Brentwood, Pacific Palisades and Venice. It has its own city government, its own police and its own building rules, and a downtown that runs from the pier to the Third Street Promenade.
The housing market here is several markets in one. A 1920s Spanish home north of Montana, a new build in Sunset Park and a beach cottage in Ocean Park all carry a Santa Monica address, but buyers compare them on very different terms.
- County
- Los Angeles County
- Schools
- Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District
- Key areas
- North of Montana, Sunset Park, Ocean Park, Wilshire Montana, Mid-City
- Architecture
- Spanish Colonial, Traditional, Craftsman, new Modern
The Enclaves
North of Montana runs from Montana Avenue up to San Vicente Boulevard, between Ocean Avenue and 26th Street. Wide, tree-lined streets and some of the largest lots in the city make it the most sought-after part of Santa Monica for single-family homes.
Sunset Park, in the southeast near the airport, offers quieter streets and a lower price per foot. Ocean Park, near Main Street and the beach, mixes Craftsman bungalows and beach cottages with newer homes.
Between them, Wilshire Montana and Mid-City put buyers close to Montana Avenue shops and the downtown, with a mix of houses, duplexes and condominiums.
What Drives Value Here
The street is the first question. North of Montana, each street has its own reputation, and the blocks closest to San Vicente and the ocean trade at the top of the market.
Lot size and frontage come next. A wider lot gives more room for a new house, a pool and a yard, and buyers pay for that room.
Santa Monica sets its own zoning and permit rules, so plans for a remodel or a new build follow city rules, not the rules of Los Angeles. That changes what a buyer can build and how long it takes.
Where Santa Monica Sits
Common Questions
Is Santa Monica part of the City of Los Angeles?
No. Santa Monica is an independent city in Los Angeles County, with its own city government, police, fire department and building rules.
What is North of Montana?
North of Montana is the area between Montana Avenue and San Vicente Boulevard, from Ocean Avenue to 26th Street. It is known for large lots, mature trees and some of the highest prices in Santa Monica.
Which school district serves Santa Monica?
Homes in Santa Monica are in the Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District. Always confirm the school assignment for a specific address.