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National study of renter’s satisfaction with their cities and states
Apartment List has released results for Santa Monica from the second annual Apartment List Renter Satisfaction Survey. The survey, which drew on responses from over 30,000 renters, provides insight into what states and cities must do to meet the needs of the 105 million American renters nationwide.
“Renters in Santa Monica expressed great satisfaction with the city overall,” says Andrew Woo, Director of Data Science at Apartment List. “Most categories received above-average scores.”
Key findings in Santa Monica include the following:
*Based on base prices that don’t include fees
Wilshire-Montana offers upscale living within walking distance to both Montana Avenue shopping and Santa Monica beaches. Rental options include both historic courtyard buildings and luxury newer developments with high-end finishes. While rental rates rank among the region's highest and tourist seasons create temporary congestion, residents enjoy exceptional walkability to both urban amenities and coastal recreation with better climate than inland Los Angeles neighborhoods thanks to cooling ocean breezes.
Seeking Santa Monica's sweet spot? Mid City delivers with its perfect positioning between beach access and practical living. Montana Avenue forms the neighborhood's sophisticated backbone with upscale boutiques and sidewalk cafés creating European village atmosphere rare in Southern California. Rentals typically feature more mid-century character and surprisingly spacious floor plans compared to newer developments, often including outdoor space from private patios to shared courtyards. While parking remains challenging, particularly on street cleaning days, many properties include dedicated spots – a significant advantage worth prioritizing during apartment hunting in this desirable area where beach access meets everyday livability without downtown's tourist crowds.
Artistic energy permeates Ocean Park, where Santa Monica's southern neighborhood maintains creative character despite the city's increasing affluence. The district features distinctive architectural styles from craftsman bungalows to modernist experiments reflecting the area's longtime artist community influence, while the commercial corridor along Main Street offers independent businesses beyond typical chain establishments. Ocean Park provides renters with ideal positioning between both beach recreation and dining options, creating balanced environments increasingly valued as lifestyle considerations continue affecting housing decisions beyond purely commuting calculations reflecting growing prioritization of comprehensive environmental satisfaction beyond purely practical considerations.
