3 Best Neighborhoods in Santa Monica, CA: Safety & Costs Compared

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3 Best Neighborhoods in Santa Monica, CA

1. North of Montana

North of Montana is widely considered Santa Monica's most prestigious residential enclave. The neighborhood earns an A crime grade from DoorProfit, with a median household income of approximately $198,268 and a population of around 10,341. CrimeGrade.org reports that the northwest section of Santa Monica, which includes much of North of Montana, sees the fewest annual crime incidents in the city, with roughly 271 total crimes per year compared to over 892 in some western neighborhoods.

The trade-off for this level of safety and exclusivity is cost. According to Redfin, the median sale price of a home in North of Montana was approximately $5.3M as of late 2025. Average rents are equally steep, with one-bedroom apartments around $3,800–$3,950 per month according to Rent.com. 

This neighborhood is best suited for buyers and renters with substantial budgets who prioritize quiet, tree-lined streets, top-rated schools like Franklin Elementary, and proximity to the boutiques and dining along Montana Avenue.

Residents on Niche frequently describe Santa Monica's northwest residential areas as quiet and family-oriented. Reviewers note strong community character, walkable streets, and minimal safety concerns, though some mention that the cost of entry is significantly higher than in other parts of the city.

North of Montana features tree-lined streets, luxury single-family homes, and an A crime grade, making it one of Santa Monica's safest residential areas.

2. Wilshire-Montana

Wilshire-Montana sits between Montana Avenue and Wilshire Boulevard, offering a central location with solid safety marks. DoorProfit gives the neighborhood an A- crime grade, with a population of approximately 19,704 and a median household income of $97,457. The area benefits from a well-maintained residential atmosphere with a mix of condos, townhomes, and apartment buildings.

On the cost side, Wilshire-Montana is considerably more accessible than North of Montana. According to Redfin, the median home sale price was around $1.4M in late 2025. Rent.com lists average one-bedroom rents at approximately $3,095 per month. 

The neighborhood is also walkable and well-connected, with convenient access to restaurants, fitness studios, and cultural venues along both Montana Avenue and Wilshire Boulevard. For renters and buyers who want to stay close to the beach and downtown Santa Monica without paying peak prices, Wilshire-Montana offers a strong balance of safety, convenience, and value.

Community feedback on Niche highlights Wilshire-Montana as a walkable, well-connected neighborhood. Reviewers appreciate the variety of dining and retail options, and several note the relatively manageable costs compared to other upscale Santa Monica neighborhoods.

Wilshire-Montana offers a mix of condos, townhomes, and apartments in a walkable setting with an A- safety grade and convenient access to retail and dining corridors.

3. Sunset Park

Sunset Park is one of the most popular neighborhoods in Santa Monica for families and working professionals. Located in the southeastern part of the city, it earns a B+ crime grade from DoorProfit, with a population of roughly 15,182 and a median household income of around $103,796. While the grade sits slightly below the other two neighborhoods on this list, Sunset Park still ranks well above average for urban California communities.

Where Sunset Park truly stands out is affordability, at least by Santa Monica standards. Redfin reports a median sale price of approximately $2.1M as of January 2026. According to Rent.com, the average one-bedroom rent is around $2,595 per month, making it one of the more budget-friendly options in the city. 

The neighborhood offers quiet, tree-lined streets, proximity to Santa Monica College, local parks, and shops along Ocean Park Boulevard. The planned conversion of Santa Monica Airport into a large public park by 2029 is expected to further increase the neighborhood's appeal.

Reviewers on Niche describe Sunset Park as family-friendly, bikeable, and community-oriented. Positive feedback centers on the quieter residential atmosphere and strong school options, while some reviewers note it lacks the walkable retail density of neighborhoods closer to downtown.

Sunset Park is a family-friendly Santa Monica neighborhood with a B+ crime grade, quiet streets, and comparatively moderate housing costs for the area.

Santa Monica, CA Neighborhood Safety & Cost Comparison Table

What to Budget for Moving to Santa Monica

Relocating to any of these neighborhoods means factoring in moving costs alongside housing expenses. For local moves within the greater LA area, Got2Move offers competitive hourly rates with an optional Not to Exceed pricing: 2 movers + truck at $180/hour, 3 movers + truck at $240/hour, and 4 movers + truck at $290/hour. A typical one-bedroom local move might take three to four hours, while a larger home could take a full day.

For long-distance moves within California, such as San Francisco to Santa Monica, Got2Move provides binding flat-rate quotes. This means the price you're quoted before the move is the price you pay on moving day. Long-distance pricing varies based on factors like home size, volume, and specific services requested, but our flat-rate model ensures there are no surprise charges for fuel, stairs, or long carries.

Plan Your Santa Monica Move with Got2Move

Got2Move specializes in local and long-distance California relocations, offering hourly and flat-rate pricing for moves into Santa Monica neighborhoods.

Got2Move has helped Californians relocate since 2006, operating from San Francisco and Los Angeles with a fully in-house crew. We are a licensed California mover (CAL-T 191707), fully insured, and regulated by the Bureau of Household Goods and Services (BHGS). Our services include local residential and commercial moves, long-distance relocations within California, full packing and unpacking, and specialty handling for fine art, antiques, and heavy furniture.

We focus on transparent pricing. Local moves use all-inclusive hourly rates with an optional Not to Exceed price, while long-distance moves are quoted as binding flat rates with no hidden fees. Flexible scheduling is available. With a 4.8★ rating on Google, 4.7★ on Yelp, and an A+ BBB rating, our track record speaks for itself. Call 415-936-4109 today or request your free quote online.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the safest neighborhood in Santa Monica?

North of Montana holds the highest safety marks in Santa Monica, with an A crime grade and the lowest annual crime count in the city. The area's residential character and higher median income contribute to its consistently strong safety profile.

How much does it cost to rent an apartment in Santa Monica?

Rental costs in Santa Monica vary by neighborhood. Average one-bedroom rents range from about $2,595 per month in Sunset Park to approximately $3,950 in North of Montana, with citywide averages around $3,000 to $3,500 per month.

Is Sunset Park a good neighborhood for families?

Sunset Park is one of the most family-friendly neighborhoods in Santa Monica. It offers quiet, tree-lined streets, proximity to well-rated schools, and a more relaxed pace than downtown, with relatively moderate housing costs for the area.

How much does a local move in Santa Monica cost?

Local moving costs depend on crew size and time. Hourly rates for professional movers in the area typically start around $180 for two movers plus a truck, with larger crews costing more. A small apartment move usually takes three to five hours.

Why should I choose Got2Move for my Santa Monica move?

Got2Move provides transparent, binding quotes with no hidden fees, backed by an in-house crew and nearly two decades of California moving experience. We are licensed (CAL-T 191707), fully insured, and offer flexible pricing and scheduling to match your needs and budget.

*Note: Prices are approximate only and may vary based on factors like distance, weight, volume, home size, seasonality, and specific services requested. Final billing may also include additional charges such as fuel surcharges, stairs, long carries, or other service-related fees. For an exact, binding quote, please contact Got2Move directly.