Santa Monica- is it possible? (Orange, Malibu: real estate, work, housing)

[dreamofmonterey]

Okay I was remembering when I visited- mid 90's great weather, promenade, beach-

i loved it but if I am selling my property how realistic is it - I am semi-retired. Just wondering what everyone who knows the area thinks about it. Thanks.


sunny

[SandyCo]

Hi, Sunny! We'd almost be neighbors...

Santa Monica is expensive to live in, of course, because it's right by the ocean. Also, it does have a huge homeless population. Since you're semi-retired, you might be able to do it. The one rule of thumb about living in the L.A. area is that you should try to live as close as possible to where you work so the commute won't kill you.

Here's a link that might help: City of Santa Monica Official Homepage

Also, you might try looking on Craigs List for housing options. I wouldn't recommend buying anything out here right now unless you're 100% sure you'd want to live here for at least ten years. But please do check this out!

[dreamofmonterey]

hey thanks Sandy- I know its a general question but I am in the initial stages right now-lol.

sunny

[Sorcerer68]

You'll find the Santa Monica you remember still there. I second Craigslist.

[fashionablecowboy]

Santa Monica has SLOW GROWTH policies in effect. Traffic is not nearly as bad as Westwood or Hollywood IMHO. You also have Malibu to the north which is an excellant escape from the city!

The city does many things to encourage preserving and elevating the quality of life.

"North of Wilshire," and "North of Montana" are frequent real estate slogans which promote the higher quality of life in Northern Santa Monica. The latter being considered the most desirable.

More Conservative than Venice, but not even close to Orange County conservative. SM is very liberal-leaning.

Homelessness does tend to be an issue in SM(especially near the beach)..

Traffic is heavy near the on/off ramps near the 10 freeway. In my experience, north/south streets tend to be more congested because they are often narrow and residential while east/west streets are wider.

Many progressive traffic slowing ideas are tried in Santa Monica first before anywhere else in the county.

The city spends tons of money maintaining and planting trees along their city roads.

The beaches are much cleaner than Venice or Playa Del Rey.

[dreamofmonterey]

Santa Monica has SLOW GROWTH policies in effect. Traffic is not nearly as bad as Westwood or Hollywood IMHO. You also have Malibu to the north which is an excellant escape from the city!
_________________________________
That sounds like a big plus. I know I wouldnt like the O.C. The beaches at Santa Monica weren't even crowded (mid 90's) of course it may have changed. Thanks SandyCo for that site!.

sunny