Home to an estimated 91,411 residents (as per the 2010 U.S. Census) and over 500 tech companies, Santa Monica is one of the most dynamic and exciting places to live in Southern California. A vibrant business climate and a natural inclination towards innovation and out-of-the-box thinking have earned it the nickname “Silicon Beach” over the last few years.
But this beloved waterfront city already had cultural cachet before its recent transformation to tech hotspot – Santa Monica will always be known for that iconic Ferris wheel on the pier, a monument to the fun and carefree lifestyle that this SoCal city has to offer.
A brief history
Founded by silver mining tycoon and former U.S. Senator John Percival Jones in 1875, the city was incorporated in 1886. It was initially developed and marketed as a summer destination at a time when amusement parks and piers were popular. Because of this, tourism was the city’s main industry during its early years.
Today, its biggest industries are tech, science, information, and health care and social assistance. Out-of-towners are still drawn to the place, not just for the resort lifestyle, but also for business opportunities and the chance to secure some of the finest luxury homes for sale in Santa Monica, CA.
Living in Santa Monica, CA
- Diverse neighborhoods. Santa Monica is a patchwork of eight diverse and friendly neighborhoods with timeless architecture, world-class amenities, and a strong sense of community. Downtown Santa Monica is home to Third Street Promenade, a famed shopping destination.
For a more laid-back atmosphere, there’s Mid-City aka Midtown Santa Monica, which offers an excellent mix of Contemporary, Spanish, and Mediterranean townhomes and condos, with a few single-family homes in between.
Pico Boulevard is arguably the most eclectic of Santa Monica’s neighborhoods, with boutique shops, art galleries, record stores, and farmers markets.
- Iconic beaches. This SoCal city is famed for its sandy beaches and surf spots, which include Santa Monica State Beach, Sorrento Beach, and Will Rogers State Beach.
- Thriving downtown. Santa Monica’s commercial core offer the ultimate live-work-play environment, with green spaces like Palisades Park, business corridors like Ocean Avenue, and recreation areas like Santa Monica Pier.
- Exciting restaurant scene. Santa Monica takes food seriously – just book a table at any of the restaurants that serve New American, Mexican, Italian, and Indian cuisine. The food scene is big on fusion cuisine, which reflects the city’s diversity and creativity.
- Esteemed art scene. Here you’ll find cultural venues dedicated to visual art, dance, theatre, and music. Highlights include Bergamot Station, Broadway Gallery Complex, and The Broad Stage. There are over 120 galleries, museums, and art installations within city limits.
Santa Monica, CA real estate
This city offers a wide selection of single-family homes, townhomes, and condos. Buyers will also find a good mix of new construction homes and older homes built in the 1920s, but which have been updated to include modern conveniences.
Some of the most sought after properties in the city are the oceanfront homes along Palisades Beach Road, which provide direct access to the shore and boardwalk. However, many of the condos in the city’s beachfront high rises also offer convenient beach access as well as stunning views of the Pacific.
Ready to experience the Santa Monica lifestyle? Third Power Properties is at your service. Get in touch with us, Kelly Gleason and Anastasia Israel, at 310.684.3583 or message us at info(at)thirdpowerproperties(dotted)comtoday.
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