Santa Monica Apartments
Located in West Los Angeles, Santa Monica is a beautiful beachfront city popular for its hospitable climate and oceanfront attractions. But the beach and year-round warm weather of this city, which began as a resort town, are not all it has to offer. Santa Monica, Spanish for 'Saint Monica,’ is a city steeped in history, rich in culture, and full of activity.
A mid-sized city with a thriving community of about 92,247 inhabitants, living in Santa Monica offers residents an urban feel. In addition, its proximity to the greater Los Angeles area makes it the perfect base for young professionals and older residents alike. If you’re thinking about renting apartments in Santa Monica CA, here’s all you need to know.
Where is Santa Monica?
Santa Monica is bordered on three sides by different neighborhoods of the city of Los Angeles: Pacific Palisades to the north, Brentwood on the northeast, West Los Angeles on the east, Mar Vista on the southeast, and Venice to the south. The city rests mostly on a flat slope that angles down Ocean Avenue towards the south. To the west lies its famous 3-mile coastline fronting the Santa Monica Bay.
The city’s resort nature was brought about by its proximity to Los Angeles—it is only 13 miles from the heart of Downtown Los Angeles and just as near to other popular Southern California cities such as Beverly Hills and Hollywood. More recently, Santa Monica together with nearby Venice and Alsace has earned the nickname "Silicon Beach” as many tech firms have moved their regional offices to the city.
History of Santa Monica
Purportedly named by Spanish explorers in the late 1700s, there are two different accounts of how the city's name came to be. One says it was named in honor of the feast day of Saint Monica (mother of Saint Augustine), while another version says it was named by Franciscan missionary Juan Crespí on account of the Kuruvungna Springs being reminiscent of the tears Saint Monica shed over her son's early impiety.
The city was officially founded in 1875 by mining tycoon Senator Jones and incorporated in 1886. It experienced a boom in the 1920s and another in the 1960s when the Santa Monica Freeway opened. It was built and promoted as a resort destination, attracting vacationers and well-heeled Easterners looking to resettle in The West.
After the Great Depression, it transformed into a modern, first-class city. Today, Downtown Santa Monica is a business district, vibrant shopping center, and entertainment hub.
Highlights of Living in Santa Monica
Home to eight different neighborhoods, there are many reasons why apartments in Santa Monica CA and apartments near Santa Monica are one of the most sought after in the state.
Great Weather
The weather in Southern California is one of the main reasons why Santa Monica rentals are so popular. The year-round pleasant weather makes it a great living destination for those who love the outdoors.
Culture
You can never run out of things to see and experience in Southern California. Restaurants, gallery exhibits, theater, and just about every outdoor activity you can think of is available here.
Housing Options
There are numerous housing options, ranging from affluent single-family homes in the hills to Santa Monica apartment complexes in the flats. From singles starting out to families looking for a place to call home, everyone’s welcome in this “City of Inspiration.”
Amenities
From libraries to parks to cycling paths, Santa Monicans enjoy a variety of recreational and functional amenities. It’s no wonder the city is considered the fitness capital of the world. In addition, the Expo Line train line recently opened connecting Santa Monica to Downtown Los Angeles making weekday commutes even more convenient.
Diversity
Santa Monica has been at the forefront of maintaining an inclusive and diverse community for decades, making it one of the most racially and ethnically diverse counties within the United States.
How to Find the Best Santa Monica Apartments
Moving to Santa Monica may be one of the best life decisions you make. However, finding the right Santa Monica CA apartments is key to having a good experience in this city. Here are a few pointers on finding the right Santa Monica apartments for rent:
Set Your Budget
Knowing how much you can expect to pay may help you decide which area to begin your search for apartments for rent in Santa Monica CA.
Find a Neighborhood
Transit access, the closeness of preferred amenities, neighborhood noise, and more are some of the things to consider when choosing among the Santa Monica apartments available to you at your budget.
Search Online
A simple “Santa Monica apts” search will lead you to numerous websites and apps you can use to find the perfect home. Additionally, many developments are available online. Linea contemporary apartments offer virtual tours to enhance your search.
Go Offline
See every place you’re considering in-person to ensure it lives up to what’s online.
Sign the Lease
Once you’ve decided on a place, the management company or landlord will likely ask you to fill out an application; prepare to also have enough money on hand to cover the first and last month’s rent and a security deposit.
Why Choose Linea?
Looking for luxury Santa Monica condos for rent? Welcome to Linea. We are a brand-new community featuring sophisticated apartment residences and stylish amenities in Santa Monica. With expansive windows and private balconies, our open interiors feature designer kitchens with top-of-range appliances, modern cabinetry, and quartz countertops. Wood-style flooring, designer finishes, natural materials, and sleek fixtures are just a few of the other contemporary appointments you’ll find throughout your home. Book a virtual tour today or contact us to learn more about our apartments for rent in Los Angeles.
