SANTA MONICA
Neighborhood Guide
PROS & CONS
Santa Monica offers a sophisticated blend of beachside living, urban amenities, and suburban tranquility. As a city within a city, it boasts its own government and services, ensuring a high quality of life.
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Pros
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Prime Location: Enjoy stunning beaches, excellent schools, and a vibrant lifestyle.
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Strong Job Market: Benefit from a thriving economy and numerous employment opportunities.
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Appreciating Property Values: Historically, Santa Monica real estate has shown strong appreciation.
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Diverse Neighborhoods: Choose from various neighborhoods, each with its own unique character and price point.
Cons
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High Cost of Living: Santa Monica is one of the most expensive cities in the United States.
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Traffic Congestion: Commuting can be challenging, especially during peak hours.
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Homelessness: While the city is working to address this issue, it remains a concern in some areas.
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Limited Ocean Views: Many areas, especially those east of Lincoln Boulevard, lack direct ocean views.
Neighborhood Highlights
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Ocean Park: A walkable neighborhood with a strong community feel.
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North of Montana: The most exclusive area, known for its large, luxurious homes.
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Sunset Park: A family-friendly neighborhood with a mix of housing options and a more affordable price point.
OCEAN PARK
Ocean Park, a historic neighborhood nestled within Santa Monica, California, offers a unique blend of beachside living, rich history, and a laid-back community vibe. Founded in the late 19th century by Abbot Kinney, the visionary behind Venice Beach, Ocean Park boasts a storied past. It once housed Pacific Ocean Park, a bustling amusement park that rivaled Disneyland. Additionally, the neighborhood played a pivotal role in the birth of modern skateboarding, thanks to the legendary Dogtown Z-Boys.
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Today, Ocean Park continues to captivate residents and visitors alike. Its prime location offers easy access to the beach, while its local charm and walkable Main Street provide a respite from the bustling tourist areas of Santa Monica. The neighborhood's diverse architecture, ranging from historic homes to modern condos, adds to its unique character. Real estate in Ocean Park is highly sought-after, with median prices for single-family homes around $2.4 million and condos around $1.5 million. The Third Street Historic District, with its charming older homes, is particularly popular among buyers seeking a piece of history.
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SUNSET PARK
Sunset Park, a historic neighborhood in Santa Monica, California, offers a unique blend of suburban tranquility and urban convenience. This charming area has played a significant role in aviation history, serving as the departure point for the first around-the-world flight in 1924. Additionally, the Douglas Aircraft Company, a major player in the aerospace industry, was once headquartered here.
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Today, Sunset Park attracts families seeking a peaceful and family-friendly environment. The neighborhood boasts excellent schools, a strong sense of community, and easy access to the beach and Santa Monica Mountains. Real estate in Sunset Park is highly sought-after, with a median price for single-family homes around $2.3 million. The area offers a mix of architectural styles, including Spanish and Tudor, with many homes featuring spacious lots and private backyards.
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While the neighborhood is known for its quiet residential streets, it also offers convenient access to shops, restaurants, and parks. The upcoming closure of the Santa Monica Airport in 2028 promises to further enhance the area's quality of life, with plans to transform the site into a public park or community space.
WILSHIRE MONTANA
Wilshire Montana, a prime Santa Monica neighborhood, offers a unique blend of urban living and natural beauty. Located between Wilshire and Montana Avenues, it boasts proximity to the beach, the Santa Monica Mountains, and vibrant local amenities like Montana Avenue's shopping and dining scene.
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While condos in this area command a premium (median price around $1.6 million, they offer a more attainable entry point compared to the surrounding single-family homes, many of which cost millions.
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Despite its density, Wilshire Montana maintains a strong sense of community, with excellent schools and a walkable environment. However, new construction is limited, contributing to high prices.
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Desirable sections include areas closer to Montana Avenue and those near Franklin Elementary School, known for its high academic standards.
Overall, Wilshire Montana presents a compelling option for those seeking a vibrant urban lifestyle with easy access to both the ocean and nature, making it one of the most sought-after condo locations in Los Angeles.
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FREE CONSULTATION
Have questions, want to know how this whole buying or selling thing works? Contact real estate agent Daniel Rangel for a no-pressure, no-commitment consultation.
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