Situated on Santa Monica Bay, the namesake city of Santa Monica is a beautiful coastal city in Los Angeles County, California. It's known for its laid-back vibe, great weather, and amazing views of the Pacific Ocean. The affluent coastal city boasts beautiful beaches, a vibrant downtown area, and the famous Santa Monica Pier, so it’s easy to see why so many wish to purchase a slice of real estate here. The following are eight main reasons why people love living in Santa Monica.
Good weather
Santa Monica's Mediterranean climate is characterized by mild, wet winters and dry summers. It has a near-perfect comfort index of 9.9 in the summer and 8.6 in the winter. The average temperature in Santa Monica is 63.2 °F, which is higher than California's average temperature of 51.4 °F. The city has five comfortable months, with the most pleasant ones being July, August, and September. During these months, the temperatures range between 70° and 85°. August is the hottest month and has an average temperature of 74.3°.
The city records an average of 281 sunny days per year. This is above the national average of 205 sunny days, and the temperatures rarely drop below freezing. It has an average of zero inches of snow per year and 14 inches of rain. The national average is 28 inches of snow and 38 inches of rain per year. Precipitation averages around 13.6 inches per year, and it only happens for an average of 30 days per year.
The city records an average of 281 sunny days per year. This is above the national average of 205 sunny days, and the temperatures rarely drop below freezing. It has an average of zero inches of snow per year and 14 inches of rain. The national average is 28 inches of snow and 38 inches of rain per year. Precipitation averages around 13.6 inches per year, and it only happens for an average of 30 days per year.
The scenic beauty and an amazing beach lifestyle
The coastal paradise of Santa Monica has miles of scenic beaches that are lined with palm trees. These beaches provide a stunning backdrop for relaxation and leisure activities. In addition, these beaches feature refreshing ocean breezes and rhythmic sounds of crashing waves, creating a tranquil atmosphere.
The famous Santa Monica Pier also adds to the scenic beauty of Santa Monica. This iconic landmark is located at the foot of Colorado Avenue and is known for its amusements and attractions, including a Ferris wheel and arcades. This double-jointed pier also provides concession stands, scenic ocean views, and great opportunities for fishing.
Palisades Park is another scenic spot in the city. It stretches over 26 acres along Ocean Avenue and offers breathtaking views of the coastline. This park boasts lush green lawns, colorful flower beds, and well-manicured trees that together create a peaceful and refreshingly beautiful atmosphere.
The famous Santa Monica Pier also adds to the scenic beauty of Santa Monica. This iconic landmark is located at the foot of Colorado Avenue and is known for its amusements and attractions, including a Ferris wheel and arcades. This double-jointed pier also provides concession stands, scenic ocean views, and great opportunities for fishing.
Palisades Park is another scenic spot in the city. It stretches over 26 acres along Ocean Avenue and offers breathtaking views of the coastline. This park boasts lush green lawns, colorful flower beds, and well-manicured trees that together create a peaceful and refreshingly beautiful atmosphere.
Outdoor activities
Santa Monica’s ideal climate is perfect for outdoor adventures, such as walking or jogging along the beach, hiking at nearby parks, or exploring other major attractions. The most common beach activities in Santa Monica are swimming, sunbathing, beach volleyball, and picnicking. Water sports such as paddleboarding, surfing, kayaking, and boogie boarding are also common, and Santa Monica Pier offers a dedicated area for fishing.
Santa Monica also has a good number of parks and green spaces where residents can engage in activities like hiking, tennis, basketball, and soccer. In addition, Santa Monica has several recreation facilities, such as the Santa Monica Swim Center, Annenberg Community Beach House, and other facilities like tennis courts and golf courses. This city is also close to the Santa Monica Mountains, which offers amazing hiking trails, nature reserves, and parks for residents to explore and immerse themselves in nature.
Santa Monica also has a good number of parks and green spaces where residents can engage in activities like hiking, tennis, basketball, and soccer. In addition, Santa Monica has several recreation facilities, such as the Santa Monica Swim Center, Annenberg Community Beach House, and other facilities like tennis courts and golf courses. This city is also close to the Santa Monica Mountains, which offers amazing hiking trails, nature reserves, and parks for residents to explore and immerse themselves in nature.
Vibrant cultural scene
In addition to its scenic beauty and outdoor activities, Santa Monica has a thriving arts and cultural scene. This coastal city is home to numerous art galleries, theaters, and live music venues that showcase the work of local artists. Bergamot Station Arts Center is a great place to view the work of both upcoming and professional artists. This facility is located on Michigan Ave and houses over 30 galleries and creative spaces.
There are also several theaters in the city where residents can attend shows and performances. These include Santa Monica Playhouse, an internationally acclaimed theater and the oldest theater in the Los Angeles region. Santa Monica also hosts several outdoor events and festivals throughout the year, such as the Sunset Vibes Silent Disco @ Santa Monica and Walk and Play LA, which are held on Santa Monica Pier.
There are also several theaters in the city where residents can attend shows and performances. These include Santa Monica Playhouse, an internationally acclaimed theater and the oldest theater in the Los Angeles region. Santa Monica also hosts several outdoor events and festivals throughout the year, such as the Sunset Vibes Silent Disco @ Santa Monica and Walk and Play LA, which are held on Santa Monica Pier.
Great shopping and dining options
Santa Monica is home to several upscale shopping and dining destinations, including the Third Street Promenade, the city's downtown area. Third Street Promenade is lined with shops and restaurants. Santa Monica Place is another major shopping and dining destination. This upscale shopping mall is only a few steps from Santa Monica Pier and has a wide assortment of stores and elegant restaurants. The city is also home to numerous trendy restaurants and cafes, including Tar & Roses and Rustic Canyon.
Upscale neighborhoods
Santa Monica is home to several upscale neighborhoods, each with its unique charm. These include Third Street Promenade. This neighborhood has luxury high-rise apartments and lofts that provide easy access to the city's business district and breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean.
Ocean Park is another distinct neighborhood in the city, perfect for people who like living in a laid-back atmosphere. It is home to picturesque tree-lined streets, luxurious homes, and beautiful parks. Ocean Park also has a strong sense of community.
Other upscale neighborhoods in Santa Monica include Venice, Pacific Palisades, and Brentwood.
Ocean Park is another distinct neighborhood in the city, perfect for people who like living in a laid-back atmosphere. It is home to picturesque tree-lined streets, luxurious homes, and beautiful parks. Ocean Park also has a strong sense of community.
Other upscale neighborhoods in Santa Monica include Venice, Pacific Palisades, and Brentwood.
High quality of life
Santa Monica had a median household income of $99,847 and a median home value of $1,484,500 between 2017-2021. The same data shows that Santa Monica had a per capita income of $80,830 in 2021. This indicates that the city offers high quality of life to residents. In addition, Santa Monica has some of the best school districts in Los Angeles County.
Proximity to Los Angeles
Santa Monica is approximately 16 miles west of downtown Los Angeles, and driving here takes less than 20 minutes, making it a popular choice for people who want to live in a suburban city or commute to Los Angeles for work.
Real estate professionals in Santa Monica
If you are planning to buy a home in Santa Monica, real estate expert Brian Ades can help. Brian is an experienced Santa Monica real estate agent who will narrow down your options and identify a home that matches your criteria and needs. Contact Brian Ades to discuss the Santa Monica real estate market and view its luxurious homes for sale.
