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Mid-City Santa Monica

Mid-City Santa Monica

Neighborhood in Santa Monica, California

Los Angeles County 90401, 90404

$1,229,676 Average Value
$915 Average Price per Sq Ft
34 Homes For Sale

Mid-City is a sweet spot for first-time buyers

With Wilshire Boulevard to the north and Santa Monica Boulevard running down the middle, Mid-City is a uniquely walkable Santa Monica neighborhood with beach access and buzzy commercial stretches. It’s set back a few blocks from the coast, but according to Compass agent Charlie Clark, who has over two decades of experience, "you can still feel the ocean breeze.” The neighborhood is less expensive than the homes north of Wilshire and just far enough inland to offer the beach lifestyle without the excessive luxury of the oceanfront properties along Ocean Boulevard and the Pacific Coast Highway. “Mid-City is kind of the sweet spot. You have to have some serious, serious money to live to the north, and it gets more industrial to the south,” says Keller Williams Realtor Mike Lease, who has been selling in the area for over a decade. “The walkability here attracts a younger crowd — late 20s, early 30s. You might see first-time homebuyers with kids or prepping for kids here because they like not having to drive everywhere.”

The Proper Hotel is a swanky neighborhood hotspot

The neighborhood is teeming with boutique shopping, unique dining destinations and other hotspots like the Santa Monica Proper Hotel. "The Proper Hotel is one of my favorite places. I love going there — it's very swanky," Lease says. "They have a restaurant and bar on the first floor and a second restaurant on the rooftop. It's such a great place." There are commercial stretches along Santa Monica and Wilshire boulevards. Specialized Santa Monica is a showcase venue for bicycles, apparel and accessories, promising an on-site mechanic. Rip City Skates is a skate shop since the 1970s that sells skateboards, parts and accessories, as well as clothing and footwear. "Milo & Olive is a great Italian place known for wood-fired pizza, and Blueys is great for coffee and breakfast. They're known for pancakes, but everything there is amazing," Lease says. There are multiple options for stocking up on groceries, including Trader Joe's, Bristol Farms and Erewhon.

Proper Hotel have a restaurant and bar on the first floor and a restaurant on the rooftop.
Proper Hotel have a restaurant and bar on the first floor and a restaurant on the rooftop.
Blueys at Mid-City Santa Monica is great for coffee and breakfast.
Blueys at Mid-City Santa Monica is great for coffee and breakfast.
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Compact prewar bungalows and expansive contemporary offerings

Mid-City is nearly 80% renters, with apartments making up a large chunk of the housing inventory. What’s left is a mix of single-family housing, condos and townhomes representing about a century’s worth of building. Clark calls it “a melting pot of homes." The single-family homes in the neighborhood are a mix of cozy prewar bungalows and more contemporary offerings built on teardown or infill lots. Homes are priced between $700,000 for something objectively small and $3 million for something more expansive and modern. Condos hit between $600,000 and $2 million, while townhouses are priced between $800,000 and $2.2 million, depending on the size and state of renovation. HOA fees add between $300 and $500 per month. Most multifamily housing is medium density, between 10 and 40 apartments. The high-rises with ocean views are a few blocks closer to the coast.

Timeless elegance with a Spanish Revival home graces the neighborhood of Mid-City.
Timeless elegance with a Spanish Revival home graces the neighborhood of Mid-City.
Modern living: Sleek apartment building in the heart of the city in Mid City Santa Monica.
Modern living: Sleek apartment building in the heart of the city in Mid City Santa Monica.
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Blocks from the iconic Santa Monica Pier

Set six blocks back from the Pacific Ocean, Mid-City has walkable beach access to one of the most iconic spots on the West Coast. The Santa Monica Pier is a storied seaside destination with an amusement park, shops and cafes. It is adjacent to the Heal the Bay Aquarium, a marine center with over 100 local species, and the Original Muscle Beach, an outdoor public fitness area that dates to the 1930s. Nearby, the Santa Monica Tennis Club attracts an upscale crowd. Across the street from sprawling Amazon Studios, Colorado Center Park is a peaceful urban refuge with sports facilities like basketball and tennis courts and a playground. On Olympic Boulevard, Memorial Park has an indoor gym, skate park and a dog run. Both parks are peaceful places to walk or spread out on the grass and soak up some sun while the kids play.

Zoomed-in view of the iconic Santa Monica Pier from the cliffs Mid City Santa Monica.
Zoomed-in view of the iconic Santa Monica Pier from the cliffs Mid City Santa Monica.
Game, set, match with tennis courts at Colorado Center Park  in Mid City Santa Monica.
Game, set, match with tennis courts at Colorado Center Park in Mid City Santa Monica.
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Year-round events hosted in Santa Monica

Though not specifically to Mid-City, Santa Monica plays host to countless annual events and festivals, as well as rare or even one-time pop-up events. There is Earth Day at the Heal the Bay Aquarium in the spring, the Main Street Summer SOULstice in July, Americana in the Park in the fall and Main Street Holiday Festivities in December. The Santa Monica Film Festival brings out crowds to celebrate independent storytelling and the BFF Binge Fringe Festival is a free theater event that runs from October through November.

Santa Monica High School has niche sports like water polo

Santa Monica-Malibu United is an exceptional public school district with an A-plus grade from Niche. McKinley Elementary is a walkable community school with an A grade. Lincoln Middle School and Santa Monica High School are graded A-plus by Niche. The high school, which is abbreviated to Samohi, is one of the best in the state. Samohi has a full slate of athletic activities, from traditional sports like football and basketball to more niche offerings like water polo, tennis, lacrosse and co-ed wrestling.

McKinley Elementary School in nurturing young minds in Mid City Santa Monica.
McKinley Elementary School in nurturing young minds in Mid City Santa Monica.
Santa Monica High School  has a full slate of athletic activities.
Santa Monica High School has a full slate of athletic activities.
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Walkability is key because traffic can be heavy near the beach

One of Mid-City’s main thoroughfares is Santa Monica Boulevard, a heavily trafficked four-lane road with stop lights every few blocks. Nearby, Ocean Avenue runs along the beach and is lined by tall palms, bike lanes and street parking. It’s a bustling location with shops and dining destinations. "In terms of traffic, you're a few blocks from the beach, so it's going to be a little tighter," Lease says. "But if you're staying local, it's not that bad. You learn which roads to avoid and when." The neighborhood is blocks from the Pacific Coast Highway and Interstate 10, sometimes called the Santa Monica Freeway. Downtown LA is 15 miles east via the 10, a seemingly short-distance drive that can take as long as 45 minutes during unpredictable rush hours. The UCLA Santa Monica Medical Center is walkable within the neighborhood, and Los Angeles International Airport is about 10 miles south, another sneaky long drive, depending on the time of day. Mid-City is a walkable community with robust public transportation options. In addition to bus routes, the LA Metro E Line connects to Bergamot Station.

Enjoy scenic cliffside walks with breathtaking ocean views Mid City Santa Monica.
Enjoy scenic cliffside walks with breathtaking ocean views Mid City Santa Monica.
The Metro Gold Line train, your convenient city link in Mid City Santa Monica.
The Metro Gold Line train, your convenient city link in Mid City Santa Monica.
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Amber Steinmetz-Cole
Written By
Amber Steinmetz-Cole
Christopher Montagne-Waggoner
Photography Contributed By
Christopher Montagne-Waggoner
Khalil Chisholm
Video By
Khalil Chisholm

Agents Specializing in this Area

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Schools

Source:
GreatSchools: The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process. View GreatSchools Rating Methodology

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Cindy Ambuehl, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Parks in this Area

Transit

Airport

Los Angeles International

18 min drive

Bus

Santa Monica Wb & Cloverfield Ns

Bus

Santa Monica Wb & Lincoln Ns

Bus

Colorado Wb & Centinela Fs

Bus

Colorado Wb & Cloverfield Fs

Bus

Santa Monica Eb & 17th Fs

Bus

Santa Monica Wb & Berkeley Ns

Bus

Santa Monica Wb & 14th Ns

Crime and Safety

1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime Mid-City Santa Monica US
Homicide 3 4
Sexual Assault 4 4
Assault with Weapon 3 4
Robbery 4 4
Burglary 6 4
Motor Vehicle Theft 6 4
Larceny 6 4
Crime Score 5 4

Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com

Demographics and Home Trends

Home Trends

Median Price (12 Mo)
$1,095,000
Median Single Family Price
$1,930,000
Median Townhouse Price
$2,395,000
Median 2 Bedroom Price
$999,000
Median 1 Bedroom Price
$613,000
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$915
Number of Homes for Sale
34
Last 12 months Home Sales
132
Months of Supply
3.10
Median List Price
$1,199,000
Median Discount From 1st List Price
1%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
-9%

Home Facts

Number of Homes in Neighborhood
1,879
Median Year Built
1973
Avg. Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
2,450
Above the national average
1,935
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
2,464
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
1,239
Average 1 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
656
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
5,227

Open Houses

  • Sunday, Apr 27
    2 - 5pm

    1242 Berkeley St Unit 13, Santa Monica, CA 90404

    $1,500,000

    • 3 Beds
    • 3.5 Baths
    • 1,971 Sq Ft
    • 1242 Berkeley St
    • Unit 13
    • New 2 days ago

    Tucked behind a charming, flower-filled courtyard, this spacious 3 bedroom townhouse lives like a single-family home, thanks to its high ceilings, generously sized rooms, and a smart layout. With brand-new wood floors on the main level, the living room features a wet-bar, decorative fireplace and ample room for entertaining. Past the living room there is a conveniently placed powder room, a

    Janet Heinzle Douglas Elliman of California, Inc.

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  • Saturday, Apr 26
    2 - 5pm

    1231 24th St Unit 3, Santa Monica, CA 90404

    $998,789

    • 2 Beds
    • 2 Baths
    • 1,007 Sq Ft
    • 1231 24th St
    • Unit 3
    • New 3 days ago

    Contemporary, Cozy & Chic Townhome with Seamless Indoor-Outdoor Flow. A perfect retreat from the everyday hustle and bustle, this 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom townhome is nestled in the heart of Santa Monica within a welcoming four-unit property. The home blends functionality, flexibility, and a layout enhanced by thoughtful renovations.The main level has been extensively opened up through strategic

    Elizabeth (Markovitch) Lee Westside Estate Agency Inc.

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  • Sunday, Apr 27
    1 - 3pm

    1339 26th St Unit 1, Santa Monica, CA 90404

    $1,149,000

    • 3 Beds
    • 3 Baths
    • 1,392 Sq Ft
    • 1339 26th St
    • Unit 1
    • New 5 days ago

    Bright, spacious and stylish two-story FRONT UNIT TOWNHOUSE in Prime Santa Monica. 3 bed + 3 bath 1,392 sq ft. Perfect for relaxation and entertaining, featuring an open-concept beautiful kitchen that seamlessly connects to the dining and living area, creating a light-filled and inviting atmosphere. A large private balcony off the living room w/sliding doors and tiles provides a perfect outdoor

    Corinne Allemand Coldwell Banker Realty

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Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Cindy Ambuehl, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Average Home Value




Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

This Neighborhood Has More Renters

Demographics

Total Population
12,393
Median Age
41
Population Density
25 ppl/acre
Population under 18
16.8%
Below the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
19.4%
On par with the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$103,141
Significantly above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$128,212

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
94%
College Graduates
68.5%
Significantly above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
25%
Above the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
69%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
12''
Average Winter Low Temperature
49°F
Average Summer High Temperature
70°F
Annual Snowfall
0''

Area Factors

Biker's Paradise

Bike Score®

96 / 100

Walker's Paradise

Walk Score®

91 / 100

Good Transit

Transit Score®

67 / 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score

Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.

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Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
NEIGHBORHOOD
Mid-City Santa Monica
Cindy Ambuehl
Christie's International Real Estate SoCal
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