Situated west of LA, in its own bay, Santa Monica is a city known for its gorgeous beaches and even more gorgeous people. With all-year-round nice weather and all kinds of amenities at your disposal, it’s easy to see why so many people have chosen to call Santa Monica their home.
Be that as it may, there are some caveats that you need to be aware of before moving here. After all, no place can be perfect. Still, if you know all the dos and don’ts and learn how to live with them, Santa Monica could prove to be a great choice for families and singles alike.
Oz Moving, one of the best moving companies in LA, shared some things to consider when you are thinking about moving to Santa Monica.
1. Mild Weather
One of the biggest perks of living in Santa Monica is the climate. The temperature typically remains between 49 and 76°F, rarely going below or above that. Its summers are warm and dry, whereas winters are usually cool and wet. Although most winter days are overcast, Santa Monica sees over 280 days of sunshine during the year and low precipitation.
As it sports a maritime climate, Santa Monica is always a few degrees colder or hotter than its continental neighbors. Thus, while it can get sweltering and unbearable in downtown LA, Santa Monica stays comfortable during the summer. On the other hand, its winters are not as frosty as they can get inland.
2. Sustainability
Much like the rest of California, Santa Monica invests a lot in sustainability, taking every chance it gets to save the environment and make the world a better place. For one, it was recognized for environmental excellence at the 2019 Sustainable Quality Awards.
Secondly, the Big Blue Bus, which is one of the most popular means of transportation among Santa Monica residents, uses a near-zero CNG engine. As a result, the company has reduced its greenhouse gas emissions significantly. What’s more, their facilities use green technologies, recycle almost everything, and work toward improving every day. In fact, they plan on switching to electric vehicles by 2030.
Santa Monica also features a solar-powered Ferris wheel and will soon be home to zero-emissions delivery vehicles, e-cargo scooters, electric vans, and delivery bots.
3. Strict Rent Control Laws
Ever since the late 1970s, Santa Monica has had the same strict regulations regarding rent control. After all, rent controlled rentals make up over 70% of the city’s rental housing supply.
Still, the regulations are designed to protect both sides, i.e., both the tenant and the landlord. While the landlord can raise the rent after the tenant leaves, they still have to maintain it within a reasonable price range.
Santa Monica also has strong anti-harassment and anti-discrimination laws. Furthermore, in light of the hardships that followed the 2020 pandemic, the city has passed a law preventing landlords from evicting tenants that are unable to pay the rent due to income loss or increased expenses.
4. Decent Transportation System
Santa Monica has a solid transportation system, with many options to choose from. For starters, there’s the eco-friendly Big Blue Bus, which covers the whole city, from LAX all the way up to MacGowan Hall Terminal. Secondly, Santa Monica also has a Metro Expo Line, which connects downtown SM with downtown LA and other important destinations in the region.
Santa Monica also has plenty of bike paths around the city. What’s more, bicycle and scooter sharing services are quite popular and cheap.
5. Impossible Parking
Although Santa Monica offers many alternatives, the number of vehicles that pass through it every day is still overwhelming. As is the case with any city, especially in LA County, traffic can be a nightmare during peak hours. You’ll have to either get used to it or find a way around it.
However, what sets people off most is the inability to find a parking space, especially a free one. Unless you’re lucky enough to have preferential parking on your street or a garage, expect to pay a hefty price for the parking.
6. Plenty to See and Do
Santa Monica has everything you might need in order to lead an active and fulfilling life. You can go sunbathing and swimming at the Santa Monica State Beach, cycling or walking in the Palisades park or along the Santa Monica Pier, shopping at the Third Street Promenade… Your options are pretty much endless.
Want to socialize? Happy hours are at every corner in Santa Monica, so why not take your friends out for some cocktails? Looking for fresh produce to start your vegan journey? Check out one of Santa Monica’s four farmers’ markets.
