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Town0
Los Angeles

Santa Monica

#1 in Best Suburbs to Live in Los Angeles Area
  • A+
    Overall Grade
  • Town in California
  • 104 reviews
    A+
    Overall Niche Grade
    How are grades calculated?
    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
    View Full Report Card
    Santa Monica is a town in California with a population of 92,495. 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
    92,495

    Real Estate

    Median Home Value
    $1,168,500
    National
    $184,700
    Median Rent
    $1,669
    National
    $949
    Area Feel
    Urban
    Rent vs. Own
    • Rent
      72%
    • Own
      28%
    Sponsored Mortgage Options for Santa Monica
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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.

    Crime & Safety

    Crime & Safety
    C
    Based on violent and property crime rates.
    Violent Crimes
    • Calculated annually per 100,000 residents
    National
    • Assault
      487.7
      282.7
    • Murder
      7.6
      6.1
    • Rape
      64.7
      40.7
    • Robbery
      300
      135.5
    Property Crimes
    • Calculated annually per 100,000 residents
    National
    • Burglary
      714.3
      500.1
    • Theft
      4,138.2
      2,042.8
    • Motor Vehicle Theft
      253.6
      284

    Residents

    Diversity
    A
    Based on ethnic and economic diversity.
    Age
    • <10 years
      9%
    • 10-17 years
      6%
    • 18-24 years
      7%
    • 25-34 years
      20%
    • 35-44 years
      16%
    • 45-54 years
      14%
    • 55-64 years
      12%
    • 65+ years
      17%
    Education Levels
    National
    • Master's degree or higher
      28%
      12%
    • Bachelor's degree
      39%
      19%
    • Some college or associate's degree
      19%
      29%
    • High school diploma or equivalent
      9%
      28%
    • Less than high school diploma
      6%
      13%

    Working in Santa Monica

    Jobs
    B
    Based on employment rates, job and business growth, and cost of living.
    Median Household Income
    $86,084
    National
    $55,322
    Search for Jobs in Santa Monica
    • Public Schools
    • Private Schools
    • Colleges
    Places like Santa Monica
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      Sunset Park
      • Neighborhood in Santa Monica, CA
      • 12 reviews
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      Ocean Park
      • Neighborhood in Santa Monica, CA
      • 9 reviews
    More

    Santa Monica Reviews

    104 reviews
    All Categories
    Santa Monica is fabulous! I've lived in or around this neighborhood for nearly 7 years and it just keeps getting better. The bike/scoot/walkability is phenomenal - and it's only steps to the beach. The community is warm and friendly, full of art and music, and the FOOD IS AMAZING. Seriously, you've got some of the best food in some of the most beautiful locations to be found anywhere. 10/10 love my home.
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    I've lived and/or worked in Santa Monica for over 12 years. In addition to it's gorgeous weather and beaches, Santa Monica is both family & pedestrian friendly, as well as a vacation destination and hot spot for evening events. Although Santa Monica has faced years of traffic congestion due to its popularity, however the City continues to strive to be environmentally conscious through offering fantastic public transportation--the new metrorail, (hulu) bike rental kiosks, becoming anti-smoking, and banning plastic bags. From healthy fast casual restaurants offering vegan cuisine, bistros and fresh sushi to high end restaurants...Santa Monica offers it all!
    Santa Monica is an amazing place to live and THRIVE. Living here has drastically improved my overall well being which is all too important living in a major city such as Los Angeles. The city cares about their community and if there was anything I would change, it would be more opportunities to engage with my neighbors and events (however there already is a lot)!