Moving to
Santa Monica.

$2,402/mo median rent

Rent is expensive here, at $2,402 a month median and well above the national average. This is the kind of city where housing costs deserve serious budgeting before committing to a move. Home prices are steep, with a median around $1,755,500. Renting first to get a feel for the city before buying is often the more practical route.

5.7% unemployment

Unemployment here is 5.7%, somewhat above the national average of 4.3%. Lining up work before the move is the safer route.

618 violent crimes per 100k

Crime is a real factor here, with violent rates significantly above the national average. That doesn't make the whole city a write-off, but it does mean specific neighborhoods deserve real research before signing a lease.

25 min average commute

Commutes run about average, at 24.8 minutes. Fine day to day, but it adds up over a year, and where someone lives relative to where they work starts to matter. 5 in 10 workers drive to work; 38% work from home.

2 hospitals

There are 2 Medicare-certified hospitals inside city limits. They average 4.5 out of 5 on Medicare's star rating.

71% bachelor's degree or higher

This is a highly educated city, with over half the adult population holding a college degree. That tends to shape the job market and the broader culture, and it's a solid indicator of a strong professional scene.

13 public schools inside the boundary

There are 13 public schools inside the boundary and 11 private schools. The student-to-teacher ratio is 20:1, slightly above the national average of 16:1.

The nearest national park or historic site is Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area (17 miles away). There are 4 national parks and sites within a day's drive.