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Santa Monica Real Estate

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Santa Monica Real Estate Knowledge

The city of Santa Monica is not only the most commercialized areas in the Westside’s Silicon Beach attracting thousands of visitors daily but also offers million-dollar condos and multimillion-dollar homes in neighborhoods like North of Montana and secluded Rustic Canyon.
The area was named after St. Monica in the 16th century but did not become known until the early and mid-19th century, which became a winter getaway for wealthy East coasters. Santa Monica was truly developed by Nevada Senator John Percival Jones in the late 19th century, where it was incorporated as a city in 1886.
The city took shape even before Beverly Hills and Bel Air did, with Old Hollywood A-listers and wealthy East coasters building homes there before the 20s with a population of 37,000. Notably, humorist Will Rogers purchased 345 acres of land in Rustin Canyon and built a horse ranch and polo field for Hollywood’s elite.
Throughout the 20th century, attractions open in Santa Monica such as the Santa Monica Pier, Muscle Beach, Will Rogers Park and State Beach, Third Street Promenade shopping mall, beachfront hotels, posh restaurants and more.
The Expo Line brings thousands to Santa Monica every day, which makes it no wonder why the city is such a hot spot for entertainment both day and night.

What are the Benefits of Living in Santa Monica

Lifestyle and Homes in Santa Monica
Santa Monica Amenities: Dining, Shopping and more
Santa Monica Neighborhoods
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Lifestyle and Homes in Santa Monica

The main draws to Santa Monica today are still the exciting commercialized area and downtown business district, the beach and ocean, great schools, and safe neighborhoods near the ocean.
The Santa Monica pier was the first leisure pier built on the west coast in the early 20th century, which was a huge attraction for tourists, which is now a quaint amusement park. Since the 80s, the restaurant scene exploded with exceptional cuisine of all types. The 3rd Street Promenade outdoor mall and Montana Avenue provide upscale shopping. Along the beach stretches a bike and running path, plus muscle beach for exercise enthusiasts.
In the downtown area, there is all luxury condos and apartments, as well as along Ocean Avenue. However residential areas surround downtown to the east, north and south. A plethora of upscale Santa Monica-style townhomes and condos can be found between Wilshire and Montana. Above Montana is an area called ‘North of Montana’ which resembles the Beverly Hills flats in a way with almost all single-family homes built on large lots in a very flat, manicured neighborhood. Rustic Canyon is above San Vicente with many hillside homes in a forest-like environment. The “college streets,” as they are called, of Yale, Harvard and Princeton are on the east of Santa Monica. To the south, there are a mix of single family and townhouse living around several parks in extremely up-and-coming areas.
The attraction for families is clear with so much to do for kids, as well as top-rated public schools. Many families get an upscale townhouse or condo near Montana Avenue so that their kids can get into the Franklin/Lincoln school district or go for a single-family home in the North of Montana neighborhood. The streets are also constantly patrolled by the Santa Monica Police Department.

Santa Monica Amenities: Dining, Shopping and Entertainment

Hotels

There are plenty of hotel options on or just off Ocean Avenue, which runs parallel with the beach. These would be the Shutters, Hotel Casa del Mar, Loews Hotel, JW Marriott, and much more.

Restaurants

There are an assortment of restaurants and bars to suit any occasion. Fine dining options are the Penthouse, BOA Santa Monica, as well as Meat on Ocean for great seafood and steak. For an excellent burger, try Father’s Office on Montana Avenue.

Shopping

The three main areas for shopping in Santa Monica include Santa Monica Place, which is an open-air shopping mall featuring Bloomingdale’s, Nordstrom, LV, Arc Light Theatres, and other high-end retailers. 3rd Street Promenade are lines of mid-tier shops and restaurants. For eclectic and upscale shops, cafes and eateries, check out Montana Avenue from a little east of Ocean Avenue to about 20th Street.

Nightlife

Santa Monica is known for its daytime activities, as well as its exciting nightlife. Some spots to explore after 8PM would be the Bungalow at the Fairmont Miramar Hotel, Onyx Rooftop Bar atop the Hotel Shangri-La, Harvelle’s, the Wilshire, the Room Santa Monica, and many others.

Parks & Nature

Palisades Park stretches along the coast from past San Vicente to the I-10 freeway which is where Tongva Park lies. There is also Will Rogers State Historic Park, complete with polo fields and hiking trails. There are also many other smaller community parks scattered throughout Santa Monica.

Top-Rated Schools in and around Santa Monica

The high-rated Santa Monica schools are a huge draw for families. Keep in mind when looking for Santa Monica homes for sale or rent, that the area a property is located in determines what school the child may attend.

Contact the Gray Group to learn more about this unique lifestyle and Santa Monica homes for sale today.

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