Santa Monica

 

With more than three hundred days of sunshine each year, Santa Monica is one of the nation’s ultimate beach towns. Greeted by the waves of the Pacific and bounded by similarly pleasant neighborhoods such as Venice to the south and Pacific Palisades to the north, with Brentwood and West Los Angeles to the west, Santa Monica’s bluffs and gently rising flat topography make an ideal location.

 

First inhabited by the Tongva people and then Spanish explorers, it wasn’t until the mid-1800s that the U.S. government had sovereignty on Santa Monica soil. When a railroad was built connecting Santa Monica to the rest of Los Angeles, the city began to truly come into its own. As amusement piers gained popularity in the 1900s and Electric Railroads connected more and more people — and the film industry boomed — Santa Monica went from a hidden gem of seaside living to a lively, upscale neighborhood in one of the best cities in the United States.

 

Today, Santa Monica is rated the number one suburb in all of California. It’s no wonder as to why, when you consider the first-rate lively neighborhood, the wealth of eateries, shopping options, and constant activity, as well as the unique architecture. In addition to the already attractive single- and multi-family homes, historic bungalows, Art Deco homes, and others, Santa Monica has taken a new, contemporary approach going forward. In recent years, the city has opened up design possibilities that blend this classic city with the ease and grace of modern living.

 

Blanketed by a casual, laid-back attitude but nonetheless sophisticated and stately, Santa Monica is a neighborhood of low-key luxury, complete with handsome homes, well-lit streets, and shore-side living. The population of more than 90,000 largely rents their homes, and many residents work in healthcare, management, human relations, and especially in creative sectors such as FX, film, music, and television. The classic atmosphere of the town trickles throughout the community, as most residents are young professionals seeking a sunlit suburb replete with enough hustle and bustle to make living here electric but relaxed enough to unwind beneath the famous rays.

 

Santa Monica might offer access to the rest of Los Angeles, but it hardly needs to. Between the world-famous pier, myriad of shops, boutiques, and restaurants, and access to nature, Santa Monica has more than enough to offer.

 

The highly walkable 3rd Street Promenade Shopping and Dining is emblematic of Santa Monica as a whole — full of stylish shops, eateries, and atmosphere. The same can be said for the iconic Santa Monica Pier, where you can enjoy all Santa Monica has to offer. Montana Ave also boasts an excellent shopping and dining scene, as does the highly-rated outdoor plaza of Santa Monica Place, a deluxe shopping center.

 

Perched within the Promenade, The Misfit Restaurant and Bar is a deliciously unique place to settle into a meal, though the Golden Bull Restaurant is also enticing, as it is a top-tier steakhouse offering classic cuisine. Or, stroll along the sandy Santa Monica Pier to grab a bite at The Albright, a mouth-wateringly good seafood restaurant right on the shore.

 

Activity in Santa Monica never stops. Beaches, bike paths, and live music mean the suburb is awash with opportunity.

 

The whole year is teeming with festivals and events in Santa Monica. Be charmed by the annual show-stopping Festival of Chariots in August, and be sure to pencil off Halloween in order to attend Howl-O-Ween with your spooky-costumed furry companions. The annual Twilight Concert Series is another must-see event, as it features wonderful local performances and live music.

 

The Marvin Braude Bike Trail is a 22-mile, paved trail that connects Santa Monica to other beachside cities in the area, making Santa Monica a true central destination. Familiarize yourself with local history by visiting the entertaining and educational Santa Monica History Museum.

 

Santa Monica is home to several excellent schools. Top educational opportunities include: