Amenities
Conveniently located, the area boasts a variety of amenities, including grocery stores, shopping, coffee shops and entertainment options all within walking distance.
Commute
The high commute score in this area could imply easy access to public transportation, as well as shorter-than-average commute times to your workplace.
Employment
With higher than average median household income, income per capita and lower unemployment rates, this area scores extremely well in the employment category.
Schools
The high score in the schools category can be attributed to outstanding test scores, elevated graduation rates and the convenient placement of elementary and high schools in this area.
Cost Of Living
This area is known for its high cost of living, which means you should anticipate higher costs for everyday goods and services, housing, groceries, and health care.
Crime
Reporting high crime rates per 100,000 people, this area may be perceived as an unsafe place to reside. These statistics encompass both violent and property crime rates.
Santa Monica, California is a mid-sized city with a population of 93,745 residents. With a population density of 11,140 people per square mile, Santa Monica is well above the nation's average density level. If we look at the most recent Census, Santa Monica is known to have a predominantly White population. The next two most common races are Asian and Black. Single men and women might be happy to hear that in Santa Monica, only 45% of the population is married. The average American spends about 26 minutes on their one way commute to work each day. Lower travel times can increase overall happiness and allow for more time to be spent with family and friends. While living in Santa Monica, your commute times will be about average, with a one way commute time of 26 minutes.
Without the right tools, relocating to any new town can be very stressful and challenging. Living in Santa Monica, California could be a fulfilling experience for anyone who puts in the time to do the research required. When searching for a new neighborhood, several key items should be considered. Safety is paramount, ensuring a secure environment for you and your family. Proximity to workplaces or schools reduces commuting time and enhances convenience. Access to amenities like parks, grocery stores and healthcare facilities contributes to a comfortable lifestyle. Reliable public transportation options promote easy mobility. A strong sense of community fosters social connections and a welcoming atmosphere. Using the livability score which includes data from categories like amenities, crime, health & safety, employment, housing, you can easily compare the best places to live in Santa Monica and also determine if there are any nearby cities that might be a better match for your lifestyle. You can also compare Santa Monica to California and the national average.
The livability score in Santa Monica is 73 out of 100 and the city is ranked in the 83rd percentile of all cities across America. If we take a closer look at each of the categories individually, we see that Santa Monica ranks well for education (A+), employment (A+) and housing (B-). Santa Monica does not fare well for the following: crime (F) and cost of living (F). It might be a good idea to take a closer look at each category to find out why.
Santa Monica has many conveniently situated amenities and captivating attractions that adds to the continuous enjoyment of your everyday life. Having the assurance of abundant conveniences and a wide array of activities ensures your easy access to nearby grocery stores, restaurants, bars, fitness facilities, coffee shops and exciting entertainment options. This not only simplifies daily routines but also fosters a vibrant and dynamic lifestyle within the community. With a wealth of resources at your fingertips, you can savor the convenience and variety that Santa Monica has to offer, making it a desirable destination for those seeking both accessibility and enjoyment in their daily lives. A few of the enjoyable things to experience and sights to see are: Santa Monica Pier, Third Street Promenade, and Third Street Promenade.
Parents and families often rely on school test scores when making decisions about local public schools. Test score data serves as a crucial metric for comparing and assessing various educational institutions. In Santa Monica, the average school test scores reached an impressive 70%, significantly higher than the national average. This remarkable performance underscores the commitment of the educational system to equip students with the knowledge and resources necessary for success. It allows your children to receive the support and skills that are essential for thriving academically, making Santa Monica an excellent choice for families seeking a high-quality education.
A robust real estate market serves as a crucial economic indicator, reflecting the local area's strength, stability and the confidence of its residents. Santa Monica excels in the housing sector, scoring high marks based on factors such as median home and rental prices, appreciation rates and home affordability. These calculations suggest that the apartment rental and real estate market in the region is exceptionally healthy, highlighting the area's economic vitality and attractiveness to potential homebuyers and renters.
There are many factors that go into deciding if an area is the right fit for your lifestyle. Certain “must haves” like low crime, great schools and nearby amenities are all at the top of most people's lists. But before even considering if those options are attainable, we'll need to know if the real estate in Santa Monica is actually affordable. The median home price for Santa Monica homes is $2,622,626, which is 258.4% higher than the California average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in Santa Monica, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 18.2, which is 136.4% higher than the California average.
Why stop at city-to-city? With Local Insights, you can compare neighborhoods, zip codes, or even exact addresses. Access 300+ hyperlocal data points—from schools and crime to housing and amenities—to see which area is the better fit.
| Statistic | Santa Monica | California | National |
| Average one way commute | 26min | 28min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 63.3% | 73.5% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 5.1% | 10.6% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 3.6% | 5.2% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 3.4% | 1.1% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 6.5% | 2.7% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 16.1% | 5.4% | 4.6% |
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