Santa Monica

Has seen an ebb and flow of economic success throughout its existence.

Overview for Santa Monica, CA

97,514 people live in Santa Monica, where the median age is 40.2 and the average individual income is $77,549.37. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.

97,514

TOTAL POPULATION

40.2 YEARS

MEDIAN AGE

HIGH

POPULATION DENSITYPopulation DensityThis is the number of people per square mile in a neighborhood.

$77,549.37

AVERAGE INDIVIDUAL INCOME

Welcome to Santa Monica

A lively, community-oriented town with a love for nature, food, and music

An energized, coastal city just west of Los Angeles. It has seen an ebb and flow of economic success throughout its existence. The 1980s were incredibly influential for Santa Monica as the city saw a redesign. The increase in theaters and the town’s now-famous promenade brought in more visitors and residents. It is located along a stretch of the beautiful Pacific Coast Highway, making it easy to take a gorgeous drive to Los Angeles, Malibu, or even San Francisco.

What to love

Great dining and entertainment options
Public beaches and parks
Friendly to all ages
Fun activities year-round

Local Lifestyle

Santa Monica is the epitome of SoCal living. The community is friendly and lively and takes full advantage of the beach and pier. The community promotes and maintains a sustainable way of life, which is seen through the use of public bikes, art programs, and public green accessible to all of Los Angeles. The town is community-oriented, featuring many events and destinations that accommodate fun for all ages. Many residents love it for the abundance of diverse restaurants with one-of-kind meals, all made fresh using local ingredients.

Dining, Entertainment & Shopping

Santa Monica has a spectacular array of dining and entertainment. Chinois is a luxurious Chinese-French fusion establishment. This Wolfgang Puck restaurant has a timeless interior and substantial wine list. Pasjoli is another elegant option, serving seasonal French fare in a quaint setting.

Rustic Canyon is a Michelin- starred restaurant serving seasonal California fare with locally sourced ingredients. They also have a great wine selection and sell custom cakes and pies. Birdie G’s is another cherished seasonal institution focused on bringing locally sourced and a strong sense of community. The Buffalo Club serves New American cuisine in a beautiful garden courtyard.

Many Santa Monica locals enjoy the area’s musical performances. The Broad Stage features drama, music, and dance and is a good option for families. TRiP is more adult-oriented with concerts, trivia, and burlesque nights. McCabe’s Guitar Shop is both a store and musical venue, and Harvelle’s Blues Club is a historical venue showcasing rhythm and blues, hip hop, jazz, and spoken word.

Head to Third Street Promenade, located at the heart of Santa Monica’s downtown, for your shopping needs. This foot-traffic-only strip is home to local and big-name shops, boutiques, restaurants, and street musicians. The pier is located just east of the promenade.

Santa Monica is a great place to be for energetic individuals and families. The Santa Monica Pier is a popular hangout spot. Besides shopping and dining, it also features an amusement park and aquarium. Every year, the pier hosts annual fairs and events such as the Twilight Dance Festival. Neighboring streets throughout the town host weekly, colorful farmers’ markets. Locals also enjoy spending the day at Palisades Park, a 26.4-acre park located on Ocean Avenue. This park has gorgeous views of the city, ocean, and mountains and is shaded by surrounding towering trees.

The Annenberg Beach House is a wonderful destination for any beach lover. Once home to actress Miriam Davies, this five-acre site is now a public, community-centered event space with a splash pad, playground, pool, and volleyball court. It also frequently hosts family events, fitness classes, and intramural sports tournaments.

The California Heritage Museum is a great place to learn more about California’s history. This preserved home showcases various artifacts and stories unique to California and Santa Monica. The Museum of Flying is another fun spot, informing visitors about all things aerospace.

Visitors to Bergamot Station enjoy viewing artists of all kinds at work in this art center’s numerous galleries. Art lovers from near and far consider Bergamot Station a cultural landmark and enjoy the gallery’s frequent receptions and artist talks.

Schools

There are many schools in the Santa Monica area. Some options include:

Demographics and Employment Data for Santa Monica, CA

PopulationHouseholdsEmployment

Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau. 97,514 people call Santa Monica home. The population density is 10,307.49 and the largest age group is between 25 and 64 years old. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.

97,514

TOTAL POPULATION

HIGH

POPULATION DENSITYPopulation DensityThis is the number of people per square mile in a neighborhood.

40.2

MEDIAN AGE

48.94 / 51.06%

MEN VS WOMEN

POPULATION BY AGE GROUP

0-9: 9.03%

0-9 Years

10-17: 6.15%

10-17 Years

18-24: 5.6%

18-24 Years

25-64: 61.35%

25-64 Years

65-74: 9.28%

65-74 Years

75+: 8.6%

75+ Years

EDUCATION LEVEL

12%

84%

Less Than 9th Grade1510 (4%)
Associate Degree4125 (12%)
Bachelor Degree29880 (84%)

Schools in Santa Monica, CA

All (24)

Primary Schools (8)

Middle Schools (2)

High Schools (2)

Mixed Schools (12)

The following schools are within or nearby Santa Monica. The rating and statistics can serve as a starting point to make baseline comparisons on the right schools for your family. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.

TYPE

NAME

CATEGORY

GRADES

SCHOOLRATING

Lincoln Middle

1501 CA Ave., Santa Monica, CA, 90403

Public

6th – 8th

5/5

Roosevelt Elementary

801 Montana Ave., Santa Monica, CA, 90403

Public

K – 5th

5/5

Santa Monica High

601 Pico Blvd., Santa Monica, CA, 90405

Public

9th – 12th

5/5

Grant Elementary

2368 Pearl St., Santa Monica, CA, 90405

Public

K – 5th

5/5

Santa Monica Alternative (K-8)

2525 Fifth St., Santa Monica, CA, 90405

Public

K – 8th

5/5

Franklin Elementary

2400 Montana Ave., Santa Monica, CA, 90403

Public

K – 5th

5/5

Featured Properties

January 10, 2024January 19, 2024

Topanga

In the 1920s, became a private vacation spot for wealthy Hollywood celebrities.

Overview for Topanga, CA

16,370 people live in Topanga, where the median age is 47.4 and the average individual income is $79,674.38. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.

16,370

TOTAL POPULATION

47.4 YEARS

MEDIAN AGE

HIGH

POPULATION DENSITYPopulation DensityThis is the number of people per square mile in a neighborhood.

$79,674.38

AVERAGE INDIVIDUAL INCOME

Living in Topanga

A hip, remote town nestled in the mountains in the hills of the Santa Monica Mountains

Once inhabited by the Native American Tongva Tribe. Situated among the Santa Monica Mountains and bordering the Pacific Coast, its name aptly translates to “where the mountain meets the sea.” It was then settled by Mexicans and, in the 1920s, became a private vacation spot for wealthy Hollywood celebrities. Musicians and movie stars continued to gravitate towards Topanga, cementing it as a cultural landmark. To this day, it’s regarded as a bohemian enclave attracting artists, musicians, filmmakers, and other creatives. Other neighborhoods near Topanga include Malibu, Santa Monica, and Pacific Palisades.

What to Love

Calm way of life
Beautiful scenery and experiences
Opportunities to appreciate art and culture
Lovely temperatures throughout the year

Local Lifestyle

The Topanga community was the epicenter of hippie culture in the 1960s and 1970s. The people there tend to be easy-going and passionate about their environment, often eating seasonally and organically. Locals enjoy hiking around the area. They also maintain the cultural legacy left behind by old Hollywood stars, and most residents appreciate the area’s musical, art, and film opportunities. While there is a lot to do in Topanga, it also maintains a small-town feel and is a great place for those who enjoy a tranquil lifestyle.

Dining, Entertainment & Shopping

Topanga is home to wonderful and unique restaurants. Inn of the Seventh Ray is a restaurant inspired by nature both in its green, lush decor and seasonal, organic menu. Its garden seating and delicate lighting have helped make Inn of the Seventh Ray one of Los Angeles’ most romantic restaurants.

Cafe on 27 is a contemporary spot, offering brunch, salads, bowls, and light plates. Many menu items are modifiable for those with dietary restrictions, and most ingredients are organic. Waterlily Cafe serves pastries, wraps, and paninis in a vibrant, art-filled cafe.

Canyon Bistro and Wine Bar is an upscale, French-style restaurant. It occupies a chic and modern space full of artwork and often live jazz performances. Locals love to sit and listen to jazz over an interesting glass of wine. Locals also love Corazon Performing Arts, where passionate and eclectic artists are carefully selected to perform.

For shopping needs, Westfield Topanga is a large shopping mall with many big-name retailers and upscale options. Topanga is also home to many small, unique shops and boutiques– particularly inspired by nature. Topanga Homegrown, Jalan Jalan Imports, and Luv & Sunshine all offer one-of-a-kind jewelry and artwork.

Things to Do in Topanga

Topanga is brimming with arts and cultural opportunities. The Will Geer Theatricum Botanicum is an open-air theater named after the English botanist John Parkinson. Folks from far and wide come to the botanicum for its various plays, and it is particularly renowned for its Shakespearean performances. And every year, the Topanga Film Institute hosts the annual Topanga Film Festival.

Locals also appreciate Topanga’s beautiful outdoor opportunities. Red Rock Canyon Park has gorgeous hiking trails lined with multicolored rock formations. For a breathtaking view of Topanga’s surrounding mountain ranges, the Top of the Topanga Overlook is a popular option.

Locals love Topanga’s annual Topanga Days Country Fair, where visitors enjoy a day of live performances and food trucks. Proceeds typically go to community institutions and nonprofits such as the Topanga Community Center. Earth Day is also a big day in Topanga, and every year folks gather to enjoy music, artwork, lectures, and workshops dedicated to our natural environment.

Topanga Schools

Students in Topanga are served by the Los Angeles Unified School District as well as various private institutions. They attend schools such as:

Topanga Canyon Homes For Sale

Demographics and Employment Data for Topanga, CA

PopulationHouseholdsEmployment

Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau. 16,370 people call Topanga home. The population density is 485.72 and the largest age group is between 25 and 64 years old. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.

16,370

TOTAL POPULATION

HIGH

POPULATION DENSITYPopulation DensityThis is the number of people per square mile in a neighborhood.

47.4

MEDIAN AGE

48.85 / 51.15%

MEN VS WOMEN

POPULATION BY AGE GROUP

0-9: 8.03%

0-9 Years

10-17: 11.35%

10-17 Years

18-24: 6.53%

18-24 Years

25-64: 53.92%

25-64 Years

65-74: 12.01%

65-74 Years

75+: 8.15%

75+ Years

EDUCATION LEVEL

17%

82%

Less Than 9th Grade70 (1%)
Associate Degree780 (17%)
Bachelor Degree3833 (82%)

Schools in Topanga, CA

All (3)

Primary Schools (1)

Middle Schools (1)

Mixed Schools (1)

The following schools are within or nearby Topanga. The rating and statistics can serve as a starting point to make baseline comparisons on the right schools for your family. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.

TYPE

NAME

CATEGORY

GRADES

SCHOOLRATING

Alice C. Stelle Middle

22450 Mulholland Hwy., Calabasas, CA, 91302

Public

6th – 8th

4/5

Topanga Elementary Charter

22075 Topanga Sch Rd., Topanga, CA, 90290

Public

K – 5th

4/5

Manzanita School And Institute

1717 Old Topanga Canyon Rd, Topanga, CA, 90290

Private

4th – 12th

No rating available

Featured Properties

January 10, 2024January 19, 2024

Pacific Palisades

Known as one of California’s best-kept secrets and offers privacy, making it conducive to family life.

Overview for Pacific Palisades, CA

29,465 people live in Pacific Palisades, where the median age is 47.1 and the average individual income is $131,278.4. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.

29,465

TOTAL POPULATION

47.1 YEARS

MEDIAN AGE

HIGH

POPULATION DENSITYPopulation DensityThis is the number of people per square mile in a neighborhood.

$131,278.4

AVERAGE INDIVIDUAL INCOME

Living in Pacific Palisades

A charming neighborhood with gorgeous views and endless energy

Pacific Palisades is a quaint, hilly neighborhood in the Westside region of Los Angeles. It was once home to a major film studio “Inceville” and maintains its exclusive feel and cultural relevance with its abundance of upscale restaurants, shops, and community events. Pacific Palisades is known as one of California’s best-kept secrets and offers privacy, making it conducive to family life. Locals love it for the strong sense of community as well as access to California’s finest trails and beaches.

Pacific Palisades real estate is mainly comprised of single-family homes including villas and large estates, and is known for Mission Revival homes and Roman-inspired architecture. Due to the secluded location and high privacy of the area, these homes are sought out by high-profile individuals, including celebrities and their families. Nearby areas include Santa Monica, Malibu, and Topanga.

Neighborhoods in Pacific Palisades:

Downtown/The Village

The North Village

The El Medio Mesa

Marquez Knolls

The Via Bluffs

El Medio Bluffs

Huntington Palisades

Palisades Highlands

Castellammare

Rustic Canyon

The Riviera

What to Love

Beach and park access
Family-friendly atmosphere
Diverse restaurants
Quaint downtown

Local Lifestyle

The Palisades community is friendly and bursting with energy. Most residents choose active lifestyles and prioritize their time outside. Palisades is a great area for runners, bicyclists, surfers, and golfers. Come Saturday, many residents enjoy a little bit of culture at Palisades’ fine restaurants, museums, and theaters.

Dining, Entertainment & Shopping

Palisades has a lot of quaint dining and shopping options. Gladstones is a great spot for cocktails and beachfront views. They offer traditional ocean fare and classic cocktails and rent out spaces for private events.

Cinque Terre and Vittorio Ristorante are two fantastic family-owned Italian restaurants. Both are known for their warmth and friendliness and have classy atmospheres. The former offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and the latter opens at lunch.

Blue Ribbon Sushi is a delectable, upscale restaurant and sushi bar. They offer a celebrated menu which they have carefully paired with Sake from their own collection as well as from their travels. Locals love the tranquil atmosphere for its immaculate layout, warm colors, and delicate lighting.

AC Bar and Lounge is known to bring live music to its blissful ambiance. Many visitors enjoy a performance over cocktails and tapas. TRiP is a bustling entertainment venue with six or seven programs scheduled a week, bringing live music, open mics, trivia, and burlesque nights to the area. O’Brien’s Irish Pub is another popular option for a low-key evening of trivia, and sports enthusiasts also tend to gather here on game days.

Pacific Palisades Village Elite Shopping Center is a carefully curated shopping center. It often serves as a meeting place for meals and photo ops and hosts many family-friendly events, such as Easter egg hunts and meet-and-greets with Santa during the holidays.

Things to Do in Pacific Palisades

Pacific Palisades is great for outdoor enthusiasts and metropolitans alike. For a day outside, Will Rogers State Beach is a lovely beach park. It gets lighter traffic and is perfect for those who want a tranquil day at the beach. It is also an excellent spot for volleyball, surfing, and fishing. Temescal Gateway Park is one of the area’s most popular areas and is home to 141 acres of oak and sycamore canyons. The park has easy to moderate trails and gorgeous views.

Members of Palisades’ golf community enjoy a swing at the elite Riviera Golf Club and likewise view or participate in the Monday Pro-Am and Genesis Invitation Pro-Am experiences, during which members can play a game of golf alongside professionals.

Locals come together for the 4th of July parade and a 5k run every summer. The area keeps a steady calendar of light displays, meetings with Santa, and holiday markets during the winter months.

Art enthusiasts frequent the Getty Villa, an upscale museum and research institution. Cinephiles enjoy the Bay Theater, a glamorous, classically inspired theater playing new releases and classics.

Pacific Palisades Schools

Pacific Palisades is served by the Los Angeles Unified School District. Students attend the following schools:

Pacific Palisades Homes For Sale

Demographics and Employment Data for Pacific Palisades, CA

PopulationHouseholdsEmployment

Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau. 29,465 people call Pacific Palisades home. The population density is 1,087.95 and the largest age group is between 25 and 64 years old. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.

29,465

TOTAL POPULATION

HIGH

POPULATION DENSITYPopulation DensityThis is the number of people per square mile in a neighborhood.

47.1

MEDIAN AGE

48.17 / 51.83%

MEN VS WOMEN

POPULATION BY AGE GROUP

0-9: 14.13%

0-9 Years

10-17: 11.64%

10-17 Years

18-24: 4.25%

18-24 Years

25-64: 46.63%

25-64 Years

65-74: 12.58%

65-74 Years

75+: 10.77%

75+ Years

EDUCATION LEVEL

11%

88%

Less Than 9th Grade56 (1%)
Associate Degree925 (11%)
Bachelor Degree7468 (88%)

Schools in Pacific Palisades, CA

All (10)

Primary Schools (3)

Middle Schools (1)

High Schools (1)

Mixed Schools (5)

The following schools are within or nearby Pacific Palisades. The rating and statistics can serve as a starting point to make baseline comparisons on the right schools for your family. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.

TYPE

NAME

CATEGORY

GRADES

SCHOOLRATING

Canyon Charter Elementary

421 Entrada Dr., Santa Monica, CA, 90402

Public

K – 5th

5/5

Palisades Charter Elementary

800 Via de La Paz, Pacific Palisades, CA, 90272

Public

K – 5th

5/5

Paul Revere Charter Middle

1450 Allenford Ave., Los Angeles, CA, 90049

Public

6th – 8th

5/5

Palisades Charter High

15777 Bowdoin St., Pacific Palisades, CA, 90272

Public

9th – 12th

5/5

Marquez Charter

16821 Marquez Ave., Pacific Palisades, CA, 90272

Public

K – 5th

5/5

Calvary Christian School

701 Palisades Dr, Pacific Palisades, CA, 90272

Private

PreK – 8th

No rating available

Corpus Christi Elementary School

890 Toyopa Dr, Pacific Palisades, CA, 90272

Private

K – 8th

No rating available

Village School

780 Swarthmore Ave, Pacific Palisades, CA, 90272

Private

K – 6th

No rating available

Seven Arrows Elementary

15240 La Cruz Dr, Pacific Palisades, CA, 90272

Private

K – 6th

No rating available

Westside Waldorf School

17310 W Sunset Blvd, Pacific Palisades, CA, 90272

January 10, 2024January 19, 2024

Malibu

A beautiful beach city located 30 miles west of Los Angeles.

Overview for Malibu, CA

17,733 people live in Malibu, where the median age is 48.6 and the average individual income is $97,888.15. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.

17,733

TOTAL POPULATION

48.6 YEARS

MEDIAN AGE

LOW

POPULATION DENSITYPopulation DensityThis is the number of people per square mile in a neighborhood.

$97,888.15

AVERAGE INDIVIDUAL INCOME

Living in Malibu

A peaceful pocket of California with oceanfront views and high quality of life

A beautiful beach city located 30 miles west of Los Angeles. Its residents and visitors love the area for its beautiful 21-mile coastal drive, ocean views, and pleasant Mediterranean climate. Malibu is home to dozens of beaches along one side, with the Santa Monica Mountains on the other, offering the best coastal and mountain views in the area. Nearby popular areas include Pacific Palisades, Santa Monica, and Topanga. It’s also a hip cultural destination, featuring diverse shops, restaurants, and opportunities to enjoy the arts. Malibu’s gorgeous real estate market is home to young people, families, and even celebrities. Some typical architectures you might see are the modern and Mission Revival style and various waterfront properties.

What to Love

Beautiful beaches and hiking trails
Some of California’s best views
California wineries and tasting rooms
Gourmet restaurants and high-end boutiques

Local Lifestyle

The Malibu community is friendly, with a small-town feel. Most of its residents take advantage of the surrounding beaches and spend their free time being active. Unique restaurants and wineries are also plentiful, and many locals tend to be well versed in the arts and cinema.

Dining, Entertainment & Shopping

Locals love Malibu for its diverse and top-notch restaurants. Nobu Malibu, of Iron Chef’s acclaimed Nobu Matsuhisa, serves traditional Japanese fare alongside California cuisine. For classical seafood, Broad Street Oyster Company is known for serving lobster rolls, oysters, caviar, and fried fish in a quirky, nautical atmosphere.

The Malibu Cafe has been described as a “nouveau barbecue” and is an excellent option for those looking for the latest trend. This chic restaurant is in the gorgeous Calamigos Ranch. Diners love it for the view just as much as the cutting-edge menu and rotating cocktails.

Malibu Farm Cafe is a locally-sourced brunch spot. This beloved gem has its roots in Malibu but has made its way to Newport Beach and San Diego and has even crossed borders into New York, Hawaii, and Japan. Besides offering clean, local foods, founder and chef Helene Henderson regularly updates the farm’s website with recipes that you can try yourself.

The Dudes’ Brewing Company offers delicious brews to please California’s casual beer drinkers. Locals love it for the fun atmosphere, weekly trivia, yoga and beer mornings, and comedy shows.

Movie buffs love Melrose Rooftop Theatre. This fashionable and unique rooftop theatre runs new releases and cult classics alike. Guests get a kick out of the theatre’s fun bean bag seating and an upscale three-course meal.

Malibu has an abundance of unique outdoor shopping malls, plazas, and promenades. The Oaks Shopping Center is a refined shopping area with over 180 establishments. It has a mix of big-name retailers and local businesses and has something for everybody. The Promenade at Westlake is smaller and focused on upscale shopping. On the other hand, Trancas Country Market is a laid-back, rustic space that emphasizes the easygoing elements of beach life. This is a great spot to get surf and skatewear, beachy decor, and charming gifts.

Things to Do in Malibu

Malibu offers some of California’s most beautiful beaches and outdoor opportunities. Malibu Creek State Park is nestled in the Santa Monica Mountains and has hiking trails and a swimming hole. Malibu Lagoon, also known as Surfrider Beach, is a state park and the first World Surfing Reserve. Malibu Pier is a fun boardwalk that is also the launch point for cruising boats, provides beach rentals, and supports fishing. Those who enjoy getting active frequent Point Dume Village, a shopping center that offers various yoga and Pilates classes.

For a taste of culture, visit the Getty Villa. This arts and research institute is dedicated to the
“presentation, conservation, and interpretation” of artwork, serving the public and professionals alike. Cinema enthusiasts love the annual Malibu International Film Festival.

Of course, Malibu is home to countless high-quality wineries and tasting rooms. Cornell Winery and Tasting Room have gorgeous outdoor seating, with booths nestled into nature’s nooks and crannies. They offer monthly wine tastings and frequently bring in live music. Likewise, Malibu Wines and Beer Garden provides outdoor seating surrounded by beautiful views and maintains a full calendar of events. They also host “Wine Hikes” and guided vineyard walks. Every spring, they host Spring Market, bringing together local vendors from throughout Malibu.

Malibu Schools

Malibu is served by the Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District. Schools include:

Malibu Homes For Sale

Demographics and Employment Data for Malibu, CA

PopulationHouseholdsEmployment

Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau. 17,733 people call Malibu home. The population density is 243.78 and the largest age group is between 25 and 64 years old. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.

17,733

TOTAL POPULATION

LOW

POPULATION DENSITYPopulation DensityThis is the number of people per square mile in a neighborhood.

48.6

MEDIAN AGE

49.01 / 50.99%

MEN VS WOMEN

POPULATION BY AGE GROUP

0-9: 5.05%

0-9 Years

10-17: 10.85%

10-17 Years

18-24: 18.6%

18-24 Years

25-64: 44.2%

25-64 Years

65-74: 14.13%

65-74 Years

75+: 7.16%

75+ Years

EDUCATION LEVEL

12%

87%

Less Than 9th Grade58 (1%)
Associate Degree622 (12%)
Bachelor Degree4382 (87%)

Schools in Malibu, CA

All (7)

Primary Schools (2)

Middle Schools (1)

High Schools (1)

Mixed Schools (3)

The following schools are within or nearby Malibu. The rating and statistics can serve as a starting point to make baseline comparisons on the right schools for your family. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.

TYPE

NAME

CATEGORY

GRADES

SCHOOLRATING

Malibu High

30215 Morning View Dr., Malibu, CA, 90265

Public

9th – 12th

5/5

Webster Elementary

3602 Winter Canyon, Malibu, CA, 90265