Santa
Monica

POPULATION 91,543

HOUSEHOLDS 46,457

AVG HOUSEHOLD SIZE 1.92

MEDIAN AGE 42.9

HOUSEHOLDS WITH DOGS 39%

Santa
Monica

Santa Monica – LA’s Most Iconic Backdrop

If LA has a postcard, it’s Santa Monica. The pier, the beach, the bike path, the sunsets — all filmed, photographed, and instantly recognizable around the world. But behind the cameras, it’s also a thriving community: walkable streets lined with boutiques and cafés, a restaurant scene that helped define the Westside, and neighbors who treat Palisades Park like a communal backyard.

It’s also a major hub for business and creativity, home to production companies, startups, and global brands. Add in Montana Avenue’s boutiques, Main Street nightlife, and miles of coastline, and you’ve got the perfect blend of work, life and leisure.

Where in the LA is Santa Monica?

Santa Monica is bordered by the Pacific Ocean to the west, Pacific Palisades to the north, Venice to the south, and Brentwood to the east. It’s one of the few truly walkable coastal cities in LA, with distinct areas that range from beachfront condos along Ocean Avenue to hillside homes with breathtaking views.

HISTORY 10’1

Founded in the late 1800s as a seaside resort, Santa Monica became famous for its pier, built in 1909. Its architectural history spans from early 20th-century Spanish Revival and Art Deco buildings to the sleek modernist homes that currently overlook the coastline.

O’Connor Approved.
Shopping & Food Recommendations

Montana Ave.

A tree-lined stretch of boutiques, cafés, and neighborhood staples. Santa Monica’s most walkable shopping street. Think Rodeo Drive with a beachy vibe.

El Cholo

A Los Angeles institution since 1927, known for margaritas of every variety, and tequila, and green corn tamales.

Gnarwhal Coffee

Local coffee spot with a loyal following and serving regeneratively grown, organic coffee. Be sure to stop by for folk nights.

Cobi’s

It’s Michelin Star time. Southeast Asian flavors, like coconut curry and butter chicken, served in a colorful, bungalow-style setting.

Crudo e Nudo

From the Santa Monica Farmers Market to your table. Featuring “Italian-inflected” sustainable raw seafood. Do yourself a favor, order the Tuna Tartare toast.

Rooftop at Proper

Or Calabra, delivers epic ocean views, serious cocktails, and a lively sunset scene. Featuring the Westside’s only rooftop pool.

Surya Spa (Proper Hotel)

Ayurvedic treatments in a serene space. Sam and Claire recommend the abhyanga oil massage. AKA, the four-handed massage.

Bar Chloe

A neighborhood cocktail bar. And according to Sam O’Connor: the best “chicken tendies” in the city.

Assistance League Thrift Shop

A Community-driven thrift store with vintage finds, run by Sam and Claire O’Connor’s mom. Santa Monica’s #1 Vintage/Resale store.