Downtown Santa Monica comprises the area south of Wilshire Blvd between 2nd and 14th Streets. The southern boundary is delineated by Pico Blvd and the I-10 Freeway. Virtually all housing in Downtown Santa Monica is multi-family. The area is dominated by apartment communities, which account for all new construction in recent years. The condominium complexes in the neighborhood are generally smaller, older, and situated east of Lincoln Blvd.

 

The neighborhood west of Lincoln tends to be characterized by newer construction infill apartment complexes. These midrise residential structured (often above ground floor retail) create one of the most walkable neighborhoods in all of Los Angeles. A plethora of shops, restaurants, and businesses are located in the immediate vicinity. The focal point of Downtown is pedestrian-only Third Street Promenade, anchored by the Santa Monica Place shopping mall. A strong existing public transportation network will be further bolstered by the arrival of the Metro Expo Line in 2016, linking Downtown Santa Monica directly to downtown L.A.

 

East of Lincoln Blvd is a mix of lowrise condo, townhome and apartment communities, with restaurants and residential serving retail limited to the major east/west thoroughfares. The majority of apartments were built in the early to mid 1900s with condominiums generally built in the second half of the century. Albeit slightly removed from the ocean and Third Street Promenade, prices are more affordable. Much of the older housing stock has been renovated and upgraded to modern standards and this part of Downtown is still considered a very desirable place to live.

 

The pocket of Downtown south of I-10 has historically been a hub for civic use but is currently undergoing a renaissance of residential construction with luxury condos and apartments expected to hit the market in 2014.

 

Two volunteer organizations - the Pico Neighborhood Association and Santa Monica Mid City Neighbors - oversee community interests in portions of downtown Santa Monica. For maps denoting the boundary lines of these organizations please refer to the city of Santa Monica's website.

 

 

 

AT A GLANCE...

 

Year Built: 1958 - 2008

Bedrooms: 1 - 3

Bathrooms: 1 - 3

Home Size: 550 s.f. - 2,300 s.f.

Price: $475,000 - $1,500,000

HOA Dues: $175 - $615 (varies by bldg)