Geography and Population
Santa Monica is considered a part of Greater Los Angeles, but in fact it is an incorporated city founded in 1875. One of the most famous beach cities in the world, Santa Monica is located on the coast of West Los Angeles, south of Pacific Palisades, and just north of Venice Beach. Santa Monica is served by the 90401 – 90405 ZIP codes. The community is bounded by 26th Street (the dividing line between Brentwood and Santa Monica) on the east. Most of West Los Angeles’ main east-west arteries – including Wilshire, Santa Monica, Olympic and Pico Boulevards -- end at the Santa Monica Coast.
The population of Santa Monica is just over 84,000; and apartments/condominiums outnumber single-family homes by a 4-to-1 ratio. Most Apartments and Condominiums are found along the coast, and south of Montana Avenue Boulevard. North of Montana, single-family residences are the majority.
Santa Monica’s population is a primarily young (or young-at-heart), and reflects the community’s melange of activities -- outdoor recreation, dining and nightlife, numerous retail areas and business centers are all found within Santa Monica. The 3rd Street Promenade, located near the coast between Wilshire Boulevard and Broadway, is a well-known outdoor meeting place. The wide street is pedestrian-only, and is lined with numerous stores, restaurants and movie theatres. Street performers and exhibitions add to the ambiance, and a twice-weekly Farmer’s Market is a popular feature.
Santa Monica Homes
According to 2000 Census Data, over 60% of Santa Monica’s housing units are apartments and condominiums, and 70% of those units are rental properties. Santa Monica has long been known as a renter’s paradise, due to strict rent-control legislation. However, vacancy decontrol legislation was passed in 1999 by the City Council, and expected to have a great impact on renter demographics as time goes on.
Most of these multi-unit dwellings have been constructed to reflect Santa Monica’s close proximity to the beach, and the historic Spanish and Mexican influences on Los Angeles. Stucco and tile are favored finishes, and bougainvillea vines and palm trees are ubiquitous. Closer to the beach, quaint one-story cottages and bungalows nestle close together on side streets.
Single-family homes are a mix of new and old construction. Vintage Spanish-style bungalows, California Craftsman and beach cottages are found in every area of town, and most have been lovingly restored. Larger homes are found North of Montana and Wilshire Boulevards, with examples of Cape Cod, Mediterranean-influenced and Traditional construction.
Although considered an intrinsic part of one of the world’s high-flying metropolises, Santa Monica retains a laid-back beach feel, particularly in the summer months. The myriad of outdoor activities and pedestrian-friendly atmosphere bring a community feeling to the city, and that warmth embraces long-term residents and visitors alike.
Community and Culture
Life in Santa Monica has always centered around Southern California’s Three S’s – sun, surf and sand. A wide beach runs the western length of Santa Monica – about 4 miles of coastline -- punctuated by the world-famous amusement-park pier and a bike path that runs from Malibu to Long Beach. Santa Monica’s passion for all things outdoor is reflected in many environmental events and charities, including an annual Earth Day rally, and the Save The Bay program, which has made the Santa Monica bay one of the cleanest salt water bays on the California Coast.
Santa Monica is governed by its own City Council, and protected by its own police and fire departments. The Big Blue Bus serves as public transport both within the city limits, and to points beyond. Additionally, Santa Monica Airport serves both amateur pilots and local businesses -- small planes from Cessnas to Lear Jets take off and land throughout the day. Santa Monica is also one of the best school districts in Southern California. The Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District includes 9 elementary schools, 3 middle schools and 2 high schools. Over 50% of the district’s 4th and 5th graders participate in the school’s music program, and over 90% of the district’s high school graduates continue on to college or university. Santa Monica College, on Pico Boulevard, leads the state in transfers to 4-year schools, and offers hundreds of seminars, adult education classes and lectures throughout the year. Several private schools, including the prestigious Crossroads School and Le Lycee de Francias have their campuses within the city.
Santa Monica Areas
West of Seventh
The West of 7th Street/North of Montana Avenue area is considered to be Santa Monica's finest neighborhood. The area was developed primarily in the 1910's & 1920's. At that time broader streets and wider lots (100' was the standard) were established to attract buyers to the "distant location" (at the time). The large and stately homes were built in many styles but there is a strong sense sense of community and history, and newer construction is of top quality and design. The ocean breezes and good schools are an added attraction.
North of Montana
The area North of Montana Avenue and between 7th and Centinela and has been a popular one for many years especially for families. Two highly-respected elementary schools, Roosevelt and Franklin, are in the neighborhood. The homes in this area are usually positioned on lots of about 50' x 150' with an alley in the back. 17th through 21st Place are referred to as "Gillette's Regent Square". The many original Spanish houses were built in the 1920's and average about 1000-1500 sq. ft. Newer 2-story Mediterraneans are from 4000-6000 sq. ft. It is a highly desirable neighborhood with tree-lined streets and convenient to retail, restaurants, parks.
Sunset Park
Sunset Park is on the southeastern sector of Santa Monica. Originally a neighborhood of tract housing built around Douglas Aircraft in the 1940's-1950's, the area is changing as younger people move in and rebuild newer homes, or renovate original construction. Some streets slope and curve and afford wonderful views of the Pacific Ocean and bluffs to the south. It’s an area with a warm personality and neighborliness.
