I often get asked why this neighborhood is so expensive and if it's because of the school district. Santa Monica is a region where both public school districts and private schools are frequently mentioned, making it difficult to answer this question in one sentence. Even within Santa Monica, property prices vary depending on which school is nearby, so it's hard to explain the overall market based solely on the school district.

A frequently mentioned school among Korean parents is Crossroads School for Arts and Sciences. Located in downtown Santa Monica, this private school charges an annual tuition of $46,694 for elementary grades and $55,489 for upper grades.

This school has a strong arts curriculum. The advantage is that it has a consistent record of college admissions, while the downside is that its tuition is not lower than that of other nearby private schools. Each family may weigh these factors differently.

Windward School in Los Angeles is often mentioned as a comparison. Its tuition is around $52,580 per year. If you have the same budget, it's advisable to directly compare how the two schools differ in terms of curriculum and commuting distance. Longer commute times can reduce participation in after-school activities, so just the distance can significantly affect the overall school experience.

Looking at home prices, the average home value in Santa Monica is $1,697,753 (Zillow, as of June 30, 2026, down 1.3% from the previous year). However, if you look only at single-family homes, the median sale price rises to $3,850,000, while condos are around $1,335,000. Even within the same city, the perceived market value can vary greatly depending on the type of housing. I couldn't find specific rental prices in this survey, so if you're considering renting, it's best to check the latest market rates through a management office or agent.

This could be advantageous for investors. While condo listings tend to have a lower entry threshold, the need to calculate rental yield and management costs can be burdensome. It's safer to assess risks by property type rather than assuming prices will always rise.

Santa Monica is known to have specific city ordinances related to rentals, so it's wise to check these regulations before proceeding with a rental agreement. The applicability of these ordinances can vary with older buildings, so it's safe to inquire directly with landlords or management offices.

Families moving from out of state often choose to rent first to experience the schools and neighborhood before deciding to buy. Whether renting or buying is better can depend on how long you plan to stay or the likelihood of moving in the future.

Many families also compare Santa Monica with nearby West Los Angeles. While Santa Monica has better school accessibility, if you want more space within the same budget, it may be realistic to broaden your search to nearby areas.

Private school tuition tends to increase slightly each year. If your child is in the lower grades, it's wise to consider how much tuition may rise over the next few years when planning your long-term budget. Asking the school about tuition increases over the past three years can also be helpful.

Given its proximity to the beach, some homes may be built with materials that are vulnerable to moisture or salt. If you're looking at older properties, thoroughly inspecting the roof and exterior during the home inspection can save you repair costs later.

School district boundaries and support criteria can change each year, so if you have a specific address in mind, be sure to check the school's assignment before purchasing.

This article is not investment or legal advice, and it's necessary to consult real estate and tax professionals before finalizing any contracts.