My husband, daughter and I may possibly be moving to this area in a year. I’ve never been to California but I’m sure I’ll like it. Can anyone fill me in on their opinions or experience of this area.
How livable is it?
I think rent is pretty high and it’s kind of touristy, busy right?
Is it a good family place for kids?
The thing I’m most concerned about is raising our kids there. I’m so used to NYC subways, the hustle and bustle, crowds and tiny apartments with sky high rents. I want a place as different from NYC as possible for our kids. Can anyone fill me in on Santa Monica?
santa monica is one of the nicest areas in LA county, its right on the pacific coast. very clean, liveable, trouble free, and family oriented. plenty of nice places to eat out at, the beach and the 3rd street promenade are bang on santa monica downtown, not to mention places to shop at. downtown is touristy, but not noisy. overall, a very good neighbourhood to live in, i'd say.
rents can be a bit on the high side, but hey, its LA. if you would like cheaper rents, you could move a couple of miles east to West LA, or south to Venice or Culver City.
i myself have lived for a year and a half at where west LA meets santa monica, probably the best fun weekends i have had without a car.