Santa Monica 90401 Real Estate, Downtown

Santa Monica 90401 is one of the most walkable, transit-connected, and lifestyle-focused ZIP codes on the Westside. This micro-market includes the Third Street Promenade, Downtown Santa Monica, Santa Monica Place, and the beachfront luxury condo corridor along Ocean Ave. Buyers search 90401 for its proximity to shopping, dining, hotels, jobs, the Expo Line, and the Pacific Ocean. Sellers in 90401 benefit from strong year-round demand, limited inventory, and high rental desirability.

Neighborhoods in 90401

Santa Monica’s 90401 doesn’t have traditional residential neighborhoods like 90402 or 90403. Instead, the ZIP code is defined by several compact urban–coastal districts that blend retail, dining, hotels, offices, and pockets of multifamily housing. Each sub-area has its own character and lifestyle.

Downtown Santa Monica / Third Street Promenade

The Promenade and its surrounding grid form the energetic heart of 90401. This area is built around walkability, with a mix of boutiques, national brands, restaurants, entertainment venues, and mid-rise apartments and condos. Farmers markets, public plazas, and year-round events create a lively, pedestrian-focused atmosphere that draws both locals and visitors.

Ocean Avenue Bluff

Ocean Avenue is 90401’s luxury coastline corridor, lined with bluff-top condos, high-end hotels, and residences overlooking the Pacific. The area connects directly to Palisades Park and offers immediate access to beaches, sunset views, and upscale dining. This linear stretch is one of the most prestigious addresses in Santa Monica.

Santa Monica Pier & Beachfront Corridor

South of the Pier, where Ocean Avenue transitions into Nielsen Way, the area shifts into a beach-focused environment with amusements, ocean access, bike paths, and casual dining. The vibe blends downtown energy with a relaxed coastal feel, with multifamily buildings tucked along walkable side streets.

Third Street Neighborhood Historic District

On the eastern edge of 90401 sits a small historic enclave preserving early Santa Monica architecture, including 1900s bungalows, Victorian duplexes, and rare landmark structures. Homes here reflect the area’s original residential roots before the rise of modern downtown development.

Summary

90401’s micro-neighborhoods are defined by walkability, ocean access, mixed-use density, and historic pockets, rather than traditional single-family districts. Multifamily housing is integrated throughout these commercial hubs, offering a uniquely urban–coastal lifestyle within Santa Monica.

Residential Buildings in Santa Monica 90401

The Seychelle 1755 Ocean Avenue

The Seychelle is one of downtown Santa Monica’s premier luxury residences, offering contemporary coastal living steps from the beach, Tongva Park, and the Promenade. The building features sleek modern architecture, generous balconies, ocean-view residences, high-end interior finishes, and hotel-style amenities tailored to a walkable beachfront lifestyle.

The Waverly 1705 Ocean Avenue

Designed by Marmol Radziner and Moore Ruble Yudell, The Waverly is a six-story, 65-residence luxury condominium building completed in 2014. Floor-to-ceiling glass, expansive balconies, and north-facing sunset views define its architecture.
Amenities include:

• 24-hour concierge
• Fitness center
• Skybridge Lounge with full kitchen, BBQs, and outdoor fireplaces
• Pet spa
• Secure two-car parking

Residences feature Thermador appliances, quartzite counters, spa-quality baths, and open layouts ranging roughly from 1,000 to over 3,500 sq ft.

1221 Ocean Avenue

1221 Ocean Avenue offers luxury bluff-top living with panoramic coastline views and immediate access to Santa Monica’s beachfront and downtown amenities. Units typically feature modern interiors, full-service amenities such as a pool, fitness facilities, concierge services, and the elevated finishes expected along Ocean Avenue’s most desirable corridor.

Santa Monica Beach House

The Santa Monica Beach House name is commonly used to describe boutique-style beachfront residences in the 90401 area that emphasize relaxed, modern coastal living. These properties highlight direct sand proximity, open contemporary interiors, and the casual luxury that defines the pier-adjacent lifestyle.

The Lofts at College Hill

The Lofts at College Hill cater to residents seeking an urban, industrial aesthetic within a highly walkable downtown pocket. Open floor plans, high ceilings, large windows, and exposed materials give the lofts a modern creative-studio feel, while offering quick access to both Santa Monica College and the downtown dining and retail district.

90401 Architecture, Home Styles, and Housing Types

Santa Monica’s 90401 is the downtown and beach-bluff core, so its housing stock is very different from traditional residential ZIP codes like 90402 or 90403. This area is shaped by high walkability, mixed-use zoning, and coastal commercial demand.

Single-Family Homes in 90401

Single-family homes are extremely limited in 90401. The neighborhood is dominated by:

• Mid-rise condos
• Apartments
• Mixed-use buildings over retail
• Hotels and commercial structures

Any single-family properties that do exist are typically older homes tucked onto small pockets near the periphery of the ZIP code.

Common Single-Family Architectural Styles (Where They Rarely Appear)

• Spanish Colonial Revival
Stucco exteriors, red-tile roofs, arches, courtyards. Reflect early coastal Mediterranean influence.

• Craftsman Bungalows
Gabled roofs, wide porches, exposed rafters. Mostly pre-1930s infill.

• Mission Revival
Stucco forms with parapets, curved lines, and tile accents.

These styles are present but rare, as most lots have transitioned to multifamily or commercial use.

Multifamily Housing + Architectural Styles in 90401

Multifamily buildings are the core residential product in 90401.

Dominant Multifamily Types

• Historic courtyard apartments
• Mid-rise oceanfront buildings
• Mixed-use buildings above shops
• Contemporary infill condos with glass, balconies, and roof decks

Common Multifamily Architectural Styles

• Spanish Colonial Revival + Mission Revival
Historic stucco courtyard buildings, red tile roofs, arched entries.

• Art Deco + Streamline Moderne
Curved corners, horizontal lines, geometric ornament. Classic along Ocean Avenue; landmark examples include the Charmont.

• Contemporary Coastal Modern
Clean lines, steel and glass, large windows, balconies, modern amenities.

• Post-War Mid-Century
Simple stucco, flat or low-sloped roofs, functional courtyard layouts.

Reasons to Invest in 90401

Santa Monica’s 90401 ZIP code offers exceptional investment stability driven by walkability, ocean proximity, limited supply, and strong rental demand. Downtown zoning prioritizes mid-rise residential and mixed-use buildings, creating long-term scarcity for both condos and apartments—ideal for investors focused on capital preservation and steady appreciation.

Market Strength

• Tight inventory supported by strict zoning and almost no available land
• Premium pricing with consistent demand from local and international buyers
• Strong economic base tied to tech, entertainment, hospitality, and tourism
• High-quality newer buildings with strong reserves and modern construction standards

Lifestyle & Rental Demand 90401

• Easy access to beaches, Promenade, Santa Monica Place, and the Pier
• Consistently high occupancy (95%+) from professionals, corporate renters, and long-term tenants
• Walkable urban–coastal lifestyle that commands premium rents
• Proven appreciation supported by coastal scarcity and global desirability

Investment Outlook 90401

90401 is best suited for investors seeking low-risk, long-term stability rather than speculative upside. While entry prices are high, the area delivers:

• resilient values
• premium rents
• strong year-round demand
• efficient resale potential

Local expertise is essential due to Santa Monica’s permitting, rent regulations, and unique building-by-building differences..

Best Listing Agent in Santa Monica 90401

A top listing agent in Santa Monica 90401 understands how downtown coastal living, mixed-use buildings, and building-specific characteristics affect value. Pricing and presentation must reflect walkability, light, building condition, HOA structure, rental restrictions, and buyer demand unique to 90401.

An experienced 90401 listing agent provides:

• Accurate valuation using real time micro-market data
• Guidance on improvements and presentation to maximize appeal
• Professional marketing with photos, video, and targeted online exposure
• Knowledge of Santa Monica regulations to ensure a smooth, compliant sale
• Strategic negotiation supported by evidence and market insight

This approach helps sellers position their home correctly and navigate a market where building differences, views, noise levels, and HOA rules significantly impact value.

Buyer’s Agent in Santa Monica 90401

A strong buyer’s agent in 90401 understands the nuances of downtown Santa Monica, where buildings differ in condition, HOA rules, amenities, parking, light, and long-term resale strength. Buyers need clear guidance on value, potential risks, and how each property fits their lifestyle and investment goals.

A knowledgeable 90401 buyer’s agent offers:

• A value analysis based on layout, light, building age, parking, and views
• Insight into HOA structure, reserves, restrictions, and upcoming assessments
• Recommendations for inspections suited to coastal and older buildings
• Smart offer strategy that balances competitiveness with protection
• Negotiation of credits or repairs based on inspection findings

This ensures buyers make informed decisions and avoid costly surprises in an area where buildings vary widely in quality and desirability.

Why is pricing a home correctly important in Santa Monica 90401?

Pricing determines whether your listing attracts the right buyers or sits on the market. 90401 is highly price sensitive.

• Study comps, pending sales, and current market conditions.
• Evaluate walkability, layout, light, parking, views, and street character.
• Consider zoning, height limits, and future development potential.
• Position your home to generate strong early interest from qualified buyers.
• Adjust pricing strategy quickly when the market shifts.

90401 Santa Monica Location and Map Boundaries

Santa Monica 90401 ZIP code boundaries run from Wilshire Boulevard (north) to Pico Boulevard (south), Lincoln Boulevard (east) to Ocean Avenue and the Santa Monica coastline (west). This area includes Downtown Santa Monica, the Third Street Promenade, Santa Monica Place, the Pier, and numerous ocean-view condo buildings.

90401 Santa Monica ZIp Code Includes- Downtown Santa Monica

Downtown Santa Monica
Santa Monica Place
The Third Street Promenade
Ocean Avenue luxury condos
The Pier and beachfront hotels
Tongva Park
The Metro E-Line station area
Prime walkable streets from 2nd to Lincoln