SANTA MONICA

SANTA MONICA CANYON

Santa Monica started here way back when in the 1880’s when city folks from what we now call Hancock Park and Los Angeles came to the beach to enjoy the ocean and the fresh air. Then in the 1920’s the first bungalows were built and the beach clubs and the rest is history. This neighborhood is characterized by both flat and hilly parts, by narrow windy street and lots of trees. In the heart of it there is the Rustic Canyon park which is almost like a private club with tennis courts and a pool except it is public and anyone can play here. This is also home of the Santa Monica Canyon School considered one of the best one in the city.

NORTH OF MONTANA

Living in a single family home north of Montana Avenue is a dream come true for many of its residents. Originally this neighborhood consisted of 1-story Spanish or traditional style homes with 2 bedrooms and 1 bath. Quite a number of these homes still exist on the other hand many have been replaced by lavish 2-story homes in the Cape Cod, Spanish or Mediterranean, and Architectural styles. Some of these homes are both very grand and very large. While size has been curtailed somewhat 5000-6000 square foot homes with 5-6 bedrooms are the most sought after. Standard lot size is about 7500 square feet and in the Gillette Regent section they are abut 8900 square feet or more. It is a very quiet and beautiful neighborhood where children play in the front yard and dog owners have a field day walking all around saying hi to all of their friends.

NORTH OF WILSHIRE

A large extensive and diverse residential neighborhood lies between Centinela Avenue to the East, 7th St to the West, north of Wilshire and south of Montana avenue. Condos and single family homes abound, as well as apartment complexes. Characterized by beautiful tree lined streets, this neighborhood is home to many whose dream is to live in Santa Monica. There a home choices for all from the 1 bedroom condos to the larger family homes, from new construction to charming Spanish style buildings. All who live here have access to the famous and fantastic public Santa Monica Schools starting with the Roosevelt and Franklin Elementary Schools on Montana Avenue, Lincoln Middle School, and Santa Monica High School. For those who want private schools there is also an array within reach all around this city.

OCEAN AVENUE

While there are some single family homes on Ocean Avenue north of Wilshire, mostly we have high rise condominium building, hotels, and apartment building while south of Wilshire you will also find mixed use buildings, shops, restaurants, and more hotels. Buildings are only on the east side of the street while Palisades Park with its beautiful lawns and trees is on the west side of the street. This is the neighborhood where many walk run or take their dogs for a spin. Then there are those who enjoy looking at the sunset – they are magnificent here – or watch the merry-go-around at the Pier.

WEST OF 7TH

Also North of Montana but now much closer to the Bluff and Ocean Avenue, west of 7th is characterized by extremely large homes and many lots of about 10,000 – 20,000 square feet. All the east/west street are wide like boulevards with fantastic trees. Some of the homes are hidden behind tall hedges. Also here there are quite a few New Construction Homes. Homes in their original condition on lots of about 8900 square feet – these are considered the smaller ones – sell for about 4 Million dollars. All other homes are in a higher price range.

 

SANDA ALCALAY
Sotheby’s International Realty Brentwood
310-481-4398 or sanda@sandaalcalay.com