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Community Santa Monica
Santa Monica Neighborhood Highlights
Santa Monica History
The history of Santa Monica dates back to the early 18th century when the Native American Tongva people inhabited the area. In the late 19th century, the city's development began with the arrival of the railroad, which transformed Santa Monica into a popular beach destination. The iconic Santa Monica Pier was constructed in 1909 and quickly became a symbol of the city. Over the years, Santa Monica evolved from a sleepy beach town into a larger city with thriving commercial/business centers surrounded by idyllic residential neighborhoods.
Santa Monica Real Estate
Santa Monica Neighborhoods
Santa Monica is situated on the western edge of Los Angeles, bordered by the Pacific Ocean to the west, Brentwood and the Pacific Palisades to the north, Venice Beach and Mar Vista to the south, and West Los Angeles to the east. The city encompasses around 8.3 square miles of diverse neighborhoods, each with its own distinct character and charm.
“North of Montana” refers to the part of Santa Monica that is north of Montana Ave. It is the most prestigious and affluent neighborhood in Santa Monica. Known for its upscale homes, tree-lined streets, and a sense of privacy, this area is a prized location even among the wealthy. The neighborhood is characterized by luxury homes on large lots, many of which showcase beautifully landscaped gardens and stunning architecture ranging in style from classic craftsman and Spanish Revival to ultra modern. Homes on the blocks closest to the beach (between Ocean Ave and 7th St) in particular are the most sought-after and come with some of the city’s highest price tags. Montana Avenue, the neighborhood's main commercial strip, offers a charming collection of boutique shops, cafes, and restaurants, making it a popular destination for leisurely strolls and shopping. Fixers and teardowns start at $3,000,000 and can go up to $5,000,000, and in the section closest to the beach, fixers tend to sell in the $5,000,000-8,000,000. Updated/new houses sell between $5,000,000-10,000,000, and up to $20,000,000 for the best streets.
Ocean Park is a vibrant and artsy neighborhood located on the southern edge of Santa Monica, between the ocean and Lincoln Blvd, just north of Venice Beach. It is known for its bohemian spirit, diverse population, and artistic flair. Ocean Park's streets are lined with colorful bungalows and apartment complexes, giving it a distinct character. Main Street, the heart of the neighborhood, is filled with an eclectic mix of trendy boutiques, art galleries, and eateries. Homes here tend to be modest in size, usually less than 3000 sq ft. But because it’s so close to the beach, Ocean Park is extremely desirable and real estate inventory is always limited. Home prices start around $1,200,000 and can easily top $5,000,000 for properties within 1 block of the beach.
Sunset Park, located north and west of Santa Monica Airport, is a more diverse and laid-back neighborhood compared to the upscale North of Montana. It has a mix of single-family homes, apartment buildings, and bungalows, attracting a diverse community of residents. Ocean Park Boulevard is a bustling commercial street in the area, offering a variety of dining options, coffee shops, and unique stores. Teardowns, fixers, and modest sized homes that need some updating sell for $1,000,000-3,000,000, while larger new and remodeled homes run in the $3,000,000- $6,000,000 range.
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