Marina del Rey, Santa Monica: Waterfront Living with Urban Convenience
Additionally, A distinctive coastal community anchoring Santa Monica's west side, known for marina culture, recreational access, and moderate walkability.
About Marina del Rey in Santa Monica
Marina del Rey stands as Santa Monica's waterfront anchor, defined by its working yacht harbor, boating culture, and pedestrian-friendly waterfront promenade. The neighborhood combines moderate walkability (score 33) with excellent transit access (score 9 out of 10), making it appealing to buyers who value both car-free convenience and access to open water. Home prices median at $1.65 million, reflecting its coastal location and lifestyle amenities, while the broader Santa Monica community reports a median household income of $106,797 and 67.8% college-educated residents.
Real Estate Market in Marina del Rey
| Median home price | $1.65m |
|---|---|
| Year over year change | +3% to +5% |
| Price per sq ft | $850 to $950 |
| Median rent | $2,227 |
| Typical days on market | 18 to 25 days |
| Buyer competition | Fierce |
| Walk Score | 33 |
| Bike Score | 57 |
Additionally, the neighborhood commands premium pricing typical of Santa Monica's coastal properties, with strong rental demand and consistent buyer interest. Inventory tends to move quickly given limited waterfront stock and appeal to lifestyle-oriented purchasers.
Expect multiple offers on desirable waterfront and canal-view properties. Sellers often receive above-list bids; buyers should prepare strong offers with minimal contingencies and proof of funds. Waterfront condos and marina-view units command premiums and sell faster than inland properties.
Who Thrives in Marina del Rey
Entry-level pricing starts above $800k, requiring significant down payment; the neighborhood suits first-time buyers with substantial capital who prioritize waterfront lifestyle over affordability.
Additionally, good schools like Coeur D'Alene Avenue Elementary (score 70) and family-friendly parks including Burton Chace Park and Ballona Creek Park appeal to families; transit access eases school commutes.
Additionally, strong rental demand ($2,227 median) and consistent appreciation make the neighborhood attractive for buy-and-hold or short-term rental investors seeking Santa Monica coastal exposure.
Additionally, transit score of 9 and reliable internet infrastructure suit remote professionals who value walkable waterfront amenities and low commute stress over traditional office proximity.
Additionally, walkable marina promenade, cultural venues like Beyond Baroque Literary/Arts Center, and proximity to beaches create an active, lower-stress retirement lifestyle for those prioritizing recreation and community.
Property Types in Marina del Rey
Premium pricing for direct water views and harbor access; most competitive segment.
Often located in inland portions or canal-adjacent areas; slightly lower prices than direct waterfront.
Strong rental income potential; popular with investors seeking Santa Monica coastal exposure.
Living in Marina del Rey, Santa Monica
Daily life in Marina del Rey centers on waterfront activity and maritime culture. Additionally, the neighborhood's focal point, the marina itself, draws sailors, fishermen, and water enthusiasts; nearby Fiji and Fisherman's Village offers dining, shopping, and entertainment within walking distance. While the walk score of 33 reflects car-dependent inland pockets, the waterfront promenade and parks like Burton Chace Park and Ballona Creek Park provide pedestrian-friendly recreation. Cafes such as Alfred and Winston Pies, plus fitness venues including The Studio (MDR) and CorePower Yoga, support an active outdoor lifestyle year-round.
- Salt · 5 min walk
- Dear Jane's · 7 min walk
- El Torito · 8 min walk
- Tony P's Dockside Grill · 11 min walk
- TonyP's Dockside Grill · 11 min walk
- Alfred · 12 min walk
- Winston Pies · 12 min walk
- Sam's Coffee Hall · 14 min walk
- Starbucks (Inside Ralphs) · 15 min walk
- Killer Cafe · 16 min walk
- Burton Chace Park · 5 min walk
- Admiralty Park · 12 min walk
- Ballona Creek Park · 27 min walk
- Glen Alla Park · 28 min walk
- Fountain Park · 28 min walk
- Trader Joe's · 11 min walk
- Ralphs · 14 min walk
- Ralphs · 15 min walk
- Pavilions · 19 min walk
- Le Vain Bakery · 29 min walk
- CorePower Yoga · 18 min walk
- The Studio (MDR) · 23 min walk
- LA Fitness · 29 min walk
- Venice High School West Gym · 33 min walk
- The CenterPointe Club · 36 min walk
- AMC Dine-in Marina 6 · 21 min walk
- Venice Canal Historic District · 28 min walk
- Social and Public Art Resource Center · 29 min walk
- Beyond Baroque Literary/Arts Center · 29 min walk
- Venice Fishing Pier · 31 min walk
Annual events: Marina Del Rey Seafood Festival, summer concert series at Burton Chace Park, weekend farmers markets, sailing regattas
Schools Near Marina del Rey, Santa Monica
Additionally, public schools serving the neighborhood include Coeur D'Alene Avenue Elementary (score 70, KG-5), a solid performer for younger students, and Westside Global Awareness Magnet (score 39, KG-8), which emphasizes global perspectives. Secondary options include Venice Senior High (score 48.5, 9-12) and several charter alternatives.
Elementary Schools
School Score 70 with 66% math and 74% reading proficiency
Proximitii 2026School Score 65 with 60% math and 70% reading proficiency
Proximitii 2026School Score 54.5 with 47% math and 62% reading proficiency
Proximitii 2026Middle Schools
School Score 39 with 31% math and 47% reading proficiency
Proximitii 2026High Schools
School Score 48.5 with 31% math and 66% reading proficiency
Proximitii 2026School Score 32 with 22% math and 42% reading proficiency
Proximitii 2026School Score 20 with 20% math and 20% reading proficiency
Proximitii 2026Private Schools Nearby
- St Mark Elementary School (KG-8) — 25-minute walk
- Venice Lutheran School (KG-8) — 29-minute walk
- Westside Neighborhood School (PK-8) — 39-minute walk
- Acton Academy Venice Beach (1-9) — 32-minute walk
Feeder pattern: Students typically feed from elementary to middle school within Santa Monica or Los Angeles Unified School District boundaries; some families opt for private schools like St Mark Elementary School or Venice Lutheran School for continuity through eighth grade.
Source: Proximitii 2026
Commute from Marina del Rey
Additionally, marina del Rey's position on Santa Monica's west side creates variable commute times depending on destination. The neighborhood benefits from strong public transit access (transit score 9), including bus lines via the Green Route 87 and connections at Admiralty terminals.
The neighborhood's transit score of 9 (out of 10) reflects excellent bus coverage and some pedestrian access to regional rail; however, most residents rely on personal vehicles for non-local trips.
Neighborhoods Near Marina del Rey
Not sure Marina del Rey is the right fit? Compare these nearby neighborhoods.
Frequently Asked Questions about Marina del Rey
What is the average home price in Marina del Rey, Santa Monica?
The median home price in Marina del Rey is approximately $1.65 million, reflecting its coastal location and waterfront amenities. Waterfront condos and marina-view properties typically range from $1.2 million to $3.5 million, while single-family homes inland run $1.4 million to $2.8 million. Prices have appreciated 3 to 5 percent year-over-year, consistent with Santa Monica's strong market fundamentals and limited waterfront inventory.
Is Marina del Rey a good place to live?
Yes, for buyers prioritizing waterfront lifestyle and active recreation. Additionally, the neighborhood excels in transit access and coastal amenities but has a moderate walk score (33) for inland properties, meaning some car dependence. The community is well-educated (67.8% college-educated in Santa Monica) and attracts professionals, families, and retirees who value maritime culture, beach proximity, and lower commute friction via public transit.
What schools serve Marina del Rey?
Coeur D'Alene Avenue Elementary (score 70) is the primary elementary option, serving grades KG-5 with solid academic performance. Additionally, for middle school, Westside Global Awareness Magnet (score 39, KG-8) emphasizes global education. Moreover, high school students attend Venice Senior High (score 48.5) or charter alternatives like Animo Venice Charter High. Private options include St Mark Elementary School and Venice Lutheran School for K-8 continuity.
Is Marina del Rey safe?
The neighborhood maintains a police presence via the Marina Del Rey Sheriff's Station and emergency response from Los Angeles County Fire Department Station 110. Like much of coastal Santa Monica, Marina del Rey is generally safe, though property crime rates are typical for high-value real estate areas. Walkable waterfront areas and well-lit parks encourage community activity and visibility.
Who is Marina del Rey best suited for?
Marina del Rey appeals to investors seeking rental income, remote workers valuing transit and low commute stress, active outdoor enthusiasts, and affluent families prioritizing beach and water access. First-time buyers may find prices challenging; retirees often love the walkable waterfront culture and proximity to recreation and cultural venues like Beyond Baroque Literary/Arts Center.
What amenities are nearby?
Marina del Rey offers strong food and dining options including Tony P's Dockside Grill, Salt, and Dear Jane's, plus cafes like Alfred and Winston Pies. Additionally, grocery shopping includes Trader Joe's and Ralphs. Moreover, recreation abounds with Burton Chace Park and Ballona Creek Park, fitness studios such as CorePower Yoga and The Studio (MDR), and entertainment at AMC Dine-in Marina 6 and the Venice Fishing Pier. Shopping includes Sephora, Athleta, and Drybar.
Where this Marina del Rey 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.
Find Your Marina del Rey Home Today
Additionally, explore waterfront and canal-view properties in Santa Monica's most vibrant coastal neighborhood, backed by local market expertise and seamless home-buying guidance.
Search homes in Marina del Rey →