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Town
Los Angeles

Santa Monica

#1 in Best Suburbs to Live in California
  • A+
    Overall Grade
  • Town in California
  • 132 reviews
    A+
    Overall Niche Grade
    How are grades calculated?Data Sources
    1. Public Schools
      A+
    2. Crime & Safety
      C
    3. Housing
      C
    4. Nightlife
      A+
    5. Good for Families
      A+
    6. Diversity
      A
    7. Jobs
      B
    8. Weather
      A+
    9. Cost of Living
      D+
    10. Health & Fitness
      A+
    11. Outdoor Activities
      A+
    12. Commute
      A
    Santa Monica is a town in California with a population of 92,078. Santa Monica is in Los Angeles County and is one of the best places to live in California. Living in Santa Monica offers residents an urban feel and most residents rent their homes. In Santa Monica there are a lot of bars, restaurants, coffee shops, and parks. Many young professionals live in Santa Monica and residents tend to be liberal. The public schools in Santa Monica are highly rated.
    About Santa Monica...
    Population
    92,078
    Town near
    Los Angeles
    View Nearby Homes

    Real Estate

    Median Home Value
    $1,242,100
    National
    $184,700
    Median Rent
    $1,734
    National
    $949
    Area Feel
    Urban
    Rent vs. Own
    • Rent
      71%
    • Own
      29%
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    Homes for Sale

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    Santa Monica Rankings

    Niche ranks thousands of places to live based on key statistics from the U.S. Census and and expert insights.
    See All Santa Monica Rankings

    Crime & Safety

    Crime & Safety
    C
    Based on violent and property crime rates.
    Violent Crimes
    • Calculated annually per 100,000 residents
    National
    • Assault
      408.2
      282.7
    • Murder
      3.3
      6.1
    • Rape
      43.7
      40.7
    • Robbery
      269.6
      135.5
    Property Crimes
    • Calculated annually per 100,000 residents
    National
    • Burglary
      629.8
      500.1
    • Theft
      3,430.4
      2,042.8
    • Motor Vehicle Theft
      266.3
      284
    More About Santa Monica Crime

    Residents

    Diversity
    A
    Based on ethnic and economic diversity.
    Age
    • <10 years
      9%
    • 10-17 years
      6%
    • 18-24 years
      6%
    • 25-34 years
      21%
    • 35-44 years
      15%
    • 45-54 years
      14%
    • 55-64 years
      12%
    • 65+ years
      17%
    Education Levels
    National
    • Master's degree or higher
      29%
      12%
    • Bachelor's degree
      39%
      19%
    • Some college or associate's degree
      19%
      29%
    • High school diploma or equivalent
      8%
      28%
    • Less than high school diploma
      5%
      13%
    More About Santa Monica Residents

    Working in Santa Monica

    Jobs
    B
    Based on employment rates, job and business growth, and cost of living.
    Median Household Income
    $93,865
    National
    $55,322
    Search for Jobs in Santa Monica

    Places to Work in Santa Monica

    See All 64 Places to Work in Santa Monica 
    More about Jobs in Santa Monica
    • Public Schools
    • Private Schools

    Top Public Schools Serving Santa Monica

    See All 18 Public Schools in Santa Monica 

    Top Private Schools in Santa Monica

    See All 15 Private Schools in Santa Monica 
    Places like Santa Monica
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      Riviera
      • Neighborhood in Torrance, CA
      • 10 reviews
    • A+
      Sunset Park
      • Neighborhood in Santa Monica, CA
      • 12 reviews
    • A+
      Ocean Park
      • Neighborhood in Santa Monica, CA
      • 9 reviews
    More

    Santa Monica Reviews

    132 reviews
    All Categories
    Great experience! Unfortunately, too many homeless people. It’s really changed since I grew up there and graduated in 1981. But the weather is perfect! It starts off with an overcast morning leading into beautiful sunshine by noon. Not to be missed!
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    I absolutely love living in Santa Monica! The beach is beautiful, streets are clean and full with life. People around here are very kind. There’s an abundance of nice restaurants, bars, and stores. It is definitely filled with tourism but other than that, Santa Monica is the perfect spot to settle in!
    Santa Monica is marvelous! I was born, raised, and am currently living here, and it just keeps progressing. The eco-friendly transportation is remarkable - and it's right on the beach. The neighborhood is cordial and helpful, full of art and music, and the FOOD IS ASTONISHING. The best bakery is Sweet Lady Jane.
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