UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine/UCLA Medical Center Program

Living in Santa Monica, CA

• Crime Rate and Safety: Santa Monica is generally considered a safe city, with a lower crime rate compared to neighboring Los Angeles. The city has well-maintained public spaces and active community policing.
• Fun Activities: Santa Monica offers a wide range of recreational activities, from beautiful beaches and bike paths to shopping on the Third Street Promenade. The Santa Monica Pier is a popular attraction with its amusement park and aquarium.
• Climate: Santa Monica enjoys a Mediterranean climate with mild temperatures year-round. The summers are sunny and dry, while the winters are cooler but still pleasant.
• Races and Population: Santa Monica is a diverse city with a mix of races and cultures. The population is around 90,000 people, with a blend of residents and tourists.
• Education: Santa Monica has good public schools and is home to Santa Monica College, a respected two-year community college. The city is also close to universities like UCLA and USC.
• Cost of Living: Santa Monica has a higher cost of living compared to the national average. Housing prices and rents can be expensive, but there are also more affordable options available in the surrounding areas.
• Nearby Bigger Cities: Los Angeles is the closest major city to Santa Monica, located about 16 miles away. Depending on traffic, the drive can take between 30 minutes to an hour. Los Angeles offers a bustling urban environment with endless entertainment and cultural attractions.
• Pros: Beautiful beaches, pleasant climate, diverse community, plenty of recreational activities.
• Cons: Higher cost of living, traffic congestion in the LA area.