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 moderately-sized city with a population of 91,600 inhabitants. Santa Monica has a population density of 10,892 people per square mile. This would be considered well above the national population density level. At 73%, the majority of the Santa Monica population is White; this is followed by 10% Asian and 4% Black. In Santa Monica, only 45% of people over the age of fifteen are married. This city could be a good option for singles ready to mingle. 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, moving to any new area can be very stressful and challenging. Living in Santa Monica, California could be a positive experience for anyone who puts in the effort 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. With useful information like crime, cost of living, commute, health & safety, employment and other key data points, finding the best places to live in Santa Monica and in the areas around Santa Monica is a much easier task.
With a livability score of 75/100, Santa Monica is ranked #3,017 in the United States and #126 in California. Clearly, Santa Monica is doing something right, as this score ranks well above the average of most cities. If we dig a little deeper into each category within the livability score, we see that Santa Monica has higher than average rankings for the following: employment (A+). There are some categories that Santa Monica scores poorly for, including: crime (F) and cost of living (F). It might be worth taking a closer look to determine why.
If you're living in Santa Monica, you can expect to enjoy a multitude of local amenities, mostly thanks to the strategic placement of essential services such as grocery stores, restaurants, coffee shops, parks and various shops. If you're contemplating a move to this locale with the intent of establishing it as your permanent residence, you'll be pleased to find an extensive array of amenities and recreational opportunities within easy reach, either on foot or via a brief commute. This wealth of accessible amenities not only enhances the livability of the area but also ensures that you can enjoy a rich and fulfilling lifestyle, making Santa Monica an attractive destination for those seeking a vibrant and well-served community to call home. 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 tend to prioritize school test scores when choosing educational institutions. Test score data can be a critical factor in evaluating and comparing schools. In Santa Monica, the average school test scores are an impressive 70%, well above the national average. This achievement reflects the educational system's dedication to providing students with the essential knowledge and tools for success. It ensures that your children will receive the support and resources needed to excel academically and thrive in their educational pursuits.
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 $1,452,100, which is 254.8% 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 14.8, which is 131.3% higher than the California average.
| 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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