Get to know Santa Monica, CA

Santa Monica is a beachfront city in Los Angeles County.  It was named by Spanish explorers after Saint Monica.  The town was connected to Los Angeles by the Los Angeles and Independence Railroad in the 1870’s and began to develop.  The city was incorporated in 1886.  At the beginning of the 20th century it became a tourist spot as amusement piers became popular.  The Pacific Electric Railroad brought people across the Greater Los Angeles area to Santa Monica for the pier and beaches.  In 1922 Donald Wills Douglas, Sr. opened a plant for the Douglas Aircraft Company.  The Douglas Company grew with the onset of World War II and kept facilities in Santa Monica until the 1960’s.  The city was hit hard by the Great Depression.  The Works Project Administration was responsible for several buildings, including City Hall.  Since the 1980’s the downtown has been revitalized, brining job growth and increased tourism.  The main employers include the City of Santa Monica and the Santa Monica-UCLA Medical Center.  The city is also home to a number of headquarters including Hulu, Universal Music Group, and Lionsgate Films.  Some notable attractions include the famed Santa Monica Pier, built in 1909, and Palisades Park.

Quick Facts

Population: 92,169

Median Household Income: $76,580

Median Property Value: $1,030,500