Santa Monica Neighborhood Guide

Santa Monica is a beachfront city on the Westside known for its pier, walkable downtown and strong renter protections.

This guide gives renters a general overview of Santa Monica: what daily life is like, how people get around and what to look for in an apartment. Neighborhood conditions change, so visit at different times of day and talk to residents before you sign a lease.

Living in Santa Monica

Santa Monica offers ocean views, the Santa Monica Pier, the Third Street Promenade and many parks. Neighborhoods range from the busy downtown to quieter residential areas north of Wilshire and around Ocean Park and Main Street.

Getting around

The Metro E Line ends in Downtown Santa Monica, connecting to Culver City and Downtown LA. Santa Monica’s Big Blue Bus provides local service, and the city is very bikeable.

Things to do nearby

• Santa Monica Pier and beach
• Third Street Promenade
• Main Street shops
• Farmers markets

Housing and renting

Santa Monica has a long-standing rent control program administered by the Rent Control Board. Many units built before the late 1970s are covered. Check the Rent Control Board’s website for unit-specific information.

For official information on tenant protections and housing programs, see City of Santa Monica housing information. California’s statewide rules, including limits on rent increases and just-cause eviction protections for many units, may also apply. The California Courts’ landlord and tenant self-help pages are a helpful starting point.

Apartment hunting checklist for Santa Monica

• Visit the block in the evening and on a weekend to check noise and parking.
• Time your commute during rush hour, by car and by transit.
• Ask whether parking, laundry and utilities are included.
• Ask whether the unit is covered by rent stabilization or a state rent cap.
• Check cell reception and internet providers available at the address.
• Look for natural light, storage and air conditioning, which matters during hot summer days in much of Los Angeles County.
• Never send money for a unit you have not seen in person.

Related guides

• Santa monica renters guide
• Tenant rights basics
• Apartment moving checklist
• Rent affordability calculator