Located in the western section of Los Angeles County in the state of California, the city of Santa Monica hosts a residential population of approximately 90,000 inhabitants. Thanks to its advantageous positioning in close proximity to Los Angeles, Santa Monica offers its residents a wealth of cultural and economic opportunities, all within a short driving distance. For business owners, Santa Monica may prove to be the perfect location for establishing a new business or relocating a pre-existing establishment. Rental properties for lease here, including office space for rent and commercial space for rent, can be found throughout the numerous neighborhood zones of Santa Monica at large.

Median household income levels in Santa Monica are significantly higher than state levels, currently sitting at approximately $70,000. Because of this, residents of Santa Monica are commonly considered to exist within a middle-class income demographic. Some of the more common occupations for residents of Santa Monica include positions in industries such as the professional, scientific and technical services, film production, finance and healthcare, among others. Unemployment levels in Santa Monica remain slightly below state averages, although both figures remain higher than national levels. A study undertaken in 2010 revealed that slightly more than 10% of local residents currently live below the poverty line here. The largest employer in Santa Monica is the City of Santa Monica, followed closely by UCLA Medical Center’s Santa Monica branch.

The development of Santa Monica was significantly catalyzed by the development of the Los Angeles and Independence Railroad, which connected the city of Santa Monica with Los Angeles. During the opening years of the 20th century, the entertainment and tourism industry in Santa Monica grew tremendously, with the Pacific Electric Railroad providing an invaluable transportation tool for those from the Greater Los Angeles area seeking to visit the numerous entertainment attractions found here. The Asian American population in Santa Monica has grown consistently since the turn of the century, and has helped this community to develop a more varied cultural tapestry.

The downtown region of Santa Monica currently hosts a wide variety of businesses that differ greatly in size and focus. Those seeking the maximum possible visibility for their enterprise in Santa Monica are advised to search for available rental space in this area. That being said, prime real estate in Santa Monica, as with any city in the country, is likely to be noticeably more expensive than in less centrally-located areas.