Why Buyers Love Brentwood, Santa Monica, California
Additionally, A walkable, family-focused neighborhood blending suburban calm with urban convenience on Santa Monica's west side.
About Brentwood in Santa Monica
Brentwood stands as one of Santa Monica's most desirable neighborhoods, offering a rare blend of walkability, strong schools, and residential charm. Additionally, with a walk score of 86, the community delivers everyday convenience without sacrificing the quiet, tree-lined streets that define suburban living. Families and young professionals gravitate here for access to quality education, proximity to local restaurants and parks, and a genuine sense of neighborhood identity that many California coastal areas have lost.
Real Estate Market in Brentwood
Additionally, brentwood represents the premium tier of Santa Monica real estate, reflecting strong demand among families and established professionals. The neighborhood's median home value of $1.65 million positions it squarely in the luxury market, though pricing varies significantly by property type and exact location.
Competition for homes in Brentwood is intense, with desirable listings often attracting multiple offers within days. Strong pre-approval and flexibility on contingencies strengthen any bid; expect to offer at or above asking price for school-district properties.
Who Thrives in Brentwood
Entry-level homes in Brentwood start near $900k; first-time buyers may find limited options unless budget exceeds $1M.
Additionally, top-rated elementary and private schools, parks including Barrington Recreation Center, and walkable access to family amenities make Brentwood ideal for households with children.
Additionally, rental demand and property appreciation support investment returns; median rent of $2,227 reflects strong tenant interest in this sought-after area.
Additionally, walkable streets, abundant cafes like Alfred and Joe & The Juice, and reliable home office space in larger homes suit professionals working from home.
Additionally, walkability and proximity to healthcare (Brentview Medical Urgent Care) and leisure amenities appeal to active retirees, though high property costs may limit appeal.
Property Types in Brentwood
Majority of Brentwood inventory; range from mid-century renovations to new construction on larger lots.
Lower-cost entry point; popular with downsizers and buyers seeking lower maintenance.
Luxury development active along San Vicente and in central Brentwood; command premium pricing.
Living in Brentwood, Santa Monica
Daily life in Brentwood revolves around walkable streets where residents routinely visit Vicente Foods or Whole Foods Market for groceries, grab coffee at Pop's Bagels or Alfred, and dine at neighborhood staples like Mendocino Farms or Katsuya. Additionally, the community's active lifestyle score of 9 reflects abundant fitness options including Barry's, SoulCycle, and Orangetheory Fitness, alongside parks like Veterans Barrington Park and The Landmark Park. From morning yoga to evening walks along tree-lined blocks, Brentwood residents enjoy a rhythm that balances suburban tranquility with urban accessibility.
- Mendocino Farms · 7 min walk
- Katsuya · 8 min walk
- Planta · 10 min walk
- Burger Lounge · 11 min walk
- Chin Chin · 11 min walk
- Pop's Bagels · 4 min walk
- Alfred · 5 min walk
- Joe & The Juice · 5 min walk
- Açai Nation · 11 min walk
- Starbucks · 12 min walk
- Barrington Recreation Center · 18 min walk
- The Landmark Park · 20 min walk
- Veterans Barrington Park · 22 min walk
- Vicente Foods · 1 min walk
- Whole Foods Market · 10 min walk
- SusieCakes · 12 min walk
- Winston Piesmiths · 14 min walk
- Ralphs · 16 min walk
- Barry's · 14 min walk
- Orangetheory Fitness · 14 min walk
- SoulCycle · 16 min walk
- Monarch Athletic Club · 17 min walk
- Hot Yoga · 22 min walk
- Brentwood Theatre · 19 min walk
- Wadsworth Theater · 24 min walk
- Jackie Robinson Stadium · 25 min walk
- Kuruvungna Springs Cultural Center and Museum · 27 min walk
- fresh prince of bel air · 27 min walk
Annual events: Santa Monica Farmers Market, Fourth of July fireworks, community art walks, seasonal school fundraisers
Schools Near Brentwood, Santa Monica
Brentwood's school profile is one of the neighborhood's primary draws, anchored by strong public and private options serving K-12. Franklin Elementary (rated 88) and Kenter Canyon Elementary Charter (83.5) rank among Santa Monica's top elementary schools, while Paul Revere Charter Middle (69) and University Senior High (45) complete the public feeder path.
Elementary Schools
School Score 88 with 87% math and 89% reading proficiency
Proximitii 2026School Score 83.5 with 82% math and 85% reading proficiency
Proximitii 2026School Score 65.5 with 60% math and 71% reading proficiency
Proximitii 2026School Score 40.5 with 34% math and 47% reading proficiency
Proximitii 2026Middle Schools
School Score 69 with 63% math and 75% reading proficiency
Proximitii 2026High Schools
School Score 45 with 32% math and 58% reading proficiency
Proximitii 2026Private Schools Nearby
- St Martin Of Tours Elementary School (PK-8) — 19-minute walk
- Southern California Montessori School (PK-KG) — 27-minute walk
- St Sebastian School (KG-8) — 29-minute walk
- Brentwood School (KG-12) — 23-minute walk
- Archer School For Girls (6-12) — 24-minute walk
Feeder pattern: Families attending Franklin Elementary typically feed to Paul Revere Charter Middle, then to University Senior High; private school options like Brentwood School (K-12) offer an alternative path.
Source: Proximitii 2026
Commute from Brentwood
Additionally, brentwood's west-side location places residents within reasonable commute distance of major employment centers across greater Los Angeles and the westside. The neighborhood's transit score of 51 and walk score of 86 reflect good local walkability, though car dependency increases for longer commutes.
Additionally, metro bus stops at San Vicente & Bundy and Montana & Bundy provide local transit options; limited rail access makes car ownership practical for most residents.
Neighborhoods Near Brentwood
Not sure Brentwood is the right fit? Compare these nearby neighborhoods.
Frequently Asked Questions about Brentwood
What is the average home price in Brentwood, Santa Monica?
The median home value in Brentwood is $1.65 million, reflecting the neighborhood's premium status within Santa Monica. Single-family homes typically range from $1.1 million to $2.8 million, while condos and townhomes range from $850,000 to $1.6 million. Newer construction and tear-down opportunities command higher prices, often exceeding $2.5 million. Prices have appreciated approximately 2.8 percent year-over-year, consistent with Santa Monica's broader luxury market trends.
Is Brentwood a good place to live?
Yes. Additionally, the neighborhood consistently ranks among Southern California's most desirable communities, combining excellent schools, high walkability (score of 86), and strong residential character. Families appreciate proximity to Franklin Elementary and other top schools, while professionals value convenient access to cafes, fitness studios, and dining. The main trade-off is pricing and traffic during peak hours on connecting streets like San Vicente and Bundy.
What are the top-rated schools in Brentwood?
Franklin Elementary (rated 88) and Kenter Canyon Elementary Charter (83.5) are the neighborhood's highest-performing public schools. Additionally, for K-12 options, private institutions like Brentwood School offer an alternative with strong academics. Paul Revere Charter Middle (69) serves as the typical public middle school feeder. Many families also consider St. Martin of Tours Elementary School for faith-based education within the community.
Is Brentwood safe?
Brentwood maintains a reputation as one of Santa Monica's safer, more stable neighborhoods, with active community engagement and local policing (Los Angeles Fire Department Fire Station 19 serves the area). Additionally, crime rates are below Santa Monica's city average, and the walkable street environment encourages foot traffic and neighborhood presence. Residents report feeling secure during day and evening hours, though personal safety awareness is standard practice in any urban or suburban Los Angeles community.
Who should consider moving to Brentwood?
Families seeking quality schools and walkable suburban living are the primary audience. Additionally, young professionals and remote workers appreciate the neighborhood's walkability, dining, and fitness options. Established households with higher budgets find premium real estate and community stability. First-time buyers with budgets under $900,000 may find limited inventory, and retirees should weigh high property costs against the benefits of walkability and healthcare access.
What shopping and dining options exist in Brentwood?
The neighborhood offers strong retail and food access. Additionally, residents shop at Vicente Foods and Whole Foods Market for groceries, grab coffee at Alfred or Joe & The Juice, and dine at restaurants including Katsuya, Mendocino Farms, and Burger Lounge. Moreover, fitness studios like Barry's, SoulCycle, and Orangetheory Fitness serve active residents. Local boutiques and salons including MiniLuxe and Dekado Home Decor add character to the commercial districts along San Vicente and Montana.
Where this Brentwood data comes from
Numbers throughout this guide come from public, authoritative sources. Additionally, walk and transit scores come from Walk Score, neighborhood boundaries and POI data from OpenStreetMap and Proximitii, and parent-city demographics from the U.S. Census Bureau.
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