Santa Monica Neighborhood
Is Pico West a Safe Place to Live? Housing, Crime & Buyer Guide
Explore safety, home prices, commute patterns, and neighborhood insights in Santa Monica, California - so you can decide with confidence before buying or renting.
Most buyers only see the home. Smart buyers check the neighborhood first.
Crime Summary:
Crime Overview (last 12 months)
Severe1257
Medium856
Low1147
Other2181
110 Registered Offenders Nearby
Rape28
Child involved54
Assault12
Other32
Crime Details:
Recent reported incidents in the past 12 months (newest first). Up to 10 records.
| Crime date | Crime description | Address | Crime category |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jul 16, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, a resident reportedly slipped and fell near Washington Boulevard in Culver City. Units including Engine 42 and Rescue 42 responded. | Washington Blvd, Culver City, CA 90232 | Medical Emergency |
| Jul 16, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, a female with a mental illness was reported near the Starbucks at Purdue Avenue and Santa Monica Boulevard. | Purdue Ave & Santa Monica Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90025 | Medical Emergency |
| Jul 16, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, fire units were dispatched to several automatic fire alarms and small rubbish fires, including near Palms Boulevard, the 405 freeway by Getty Drive, Hollywood Boulevard, and South Main Street. One crew reported finding no problems and being unable to access a school location, and requested that school police be notified. | Palms Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90066 | Fire |
| Jul 16, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, radio traffic describes a possible domestic dispute on Main Street, where a woman is reportedly screaming inside a small white four-door vehicle. Units are being directed to the area, with references to an earlier possible battery that may be connected or nearby. | S Main St, Los Angeles, CA 90291 | Domestic Dispute |
| Jul 16, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, officers responded to a report of a suspicious white van near Rose Avenue and Penmar Avenue. A possible female occupant in her late 30s was contacted or checked by authorities. | Rose Ave & Penmar Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90405 | Suspicious Activity |
| Jul 16, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, officers are responding to a possible DUI incident near Riviera Avenue and Westminster Avenue in Santa Monica, where a driver in a white Volkswagen reportedly drove into a parked vehicle. | Westminster Ave & Riviera Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90291 | Substance Use |
| Jul 16, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, a disturbance was reported in an apartment near Via Marina. A female was causing disruption inside and appeared to have a medical episode. No weapons were seen. The subject reportedly has blood on her face. | Mariners Village, 4572 Via Marina #303, Marina Del Rey, CA 90292 | Medical Emergency |
| Jul 16, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, officers are investigating a possible e-bike theft near a fitness club on Broadway. The reporting party is tracking the e-bike, which was reportedly taken from the location about 15 minutes earlier. | Broadway, Santa Monica, CA 90401 | Theft Report |
| Jul 16, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, officers are dispatched code two to a reported grand theft auto involving an e‑bike with baskets, reportedly stolen about 15 minutes earlier near a business on Broadway. The reporting party is in the lobby and is tracking the e‑bike’s location. | Broadway, Santa Monica, CA 90401 | Theft Report |
| Jul 16, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, officers respond to a report of a man near South Sepulveda Boulevard who is described as hitting passing vehicles with his hands and a small guitar. The call is handled at a non-emergency response level. | S Sepulveda Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90025 | Disturbance |
For all crime details - View Safety Report
Median Home Price
$1,546,287
Renter Occupancy
90.7%
Vacancy Rate
16.4%
Nearby neighborhoods
Overview
Pico West is a densely urban neighborhood in Santa Monica, California, known for its high median home price of $1,546,287, which is more expensive than 83.7% of California neighborhoods.
The area features mostly small to medium apartment complexes and single-family homes, with a dominant renter occupancy rate of 90.7%. Many residences were built between 1940 and 1969, with some from 1970 to 1999.
UrbanHigh RentersExecutive Professionals
Quick Facts
| Average Rent | $3,738 |
|---|
Housing market and real estate character
Pico West's housing market is characterized by a predominance of renter-occupied, small to medium-sized apartment buildings and high-rise complexes.
| Renter Occupied Rate | 90.7% |
|---|---|
| Large Apartment Buildings | 81.5% |
| Small Unit Share (1-2 bedrooms) | 85.8% |
| Vacancy Rate | 16.4% |
What buyers will notice right away
Most housing units are renter occupied, indicating a rental-focused market.
Vacancy is elevated, which may reflect new construction or prolonged vacancies.
The neighborhood has a very high concentration of small apartments, suitable for singles or small households.
Families & Lifestyle
Pico West attracts a high share of young professionals and offers an active urban lifestyle with strong social opportunities.
The neighborhood's high executive and professional employment shapes its character.
Walkability and bike commuting are prominent, supporting an active lifestyle.
Active Urban Living — Residents enjoy nightlife, socializing, and convenient commuting options.
| Young, Single Professionals | High concentration |
|---|---|
| Walking Commute Share | 15.9% |
Demographics
| Executive, Manager, Professional Share | 78.4% |
|---|---|
| Foreign Born Residents | 25.1% |
| British Ancestry | 4.6% |
| Iranian Ancestry | 3.5% |
| Greek Language Speakers | 1.4% |
Commute
Pico West offers some of the shortest commutes in the U.S. with a variety of transportation modes.
Pico West residents benefit from short commutes and diverse transportation options, including walking and biking at rates well above national averages.
Short Commutes — Over 40% of residents commute under 15 minutes.
Active Transportation — Walking and biking are popular, reflecting the neighborhood's urban design.
| Under 15 Minute Commute | 41.6% |
|---|---|
| Drive Alone Rate | 41.9% |
| Walk to Work | 15.9% |
| Carpool Rate | 5.6% |
| Bicycle Commute Rate | 5.5% |
Homes for sale near 90401
For-sale listings in this zip code. Open a property in HoodScore to run a safety report.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the median home price in Pico West?
The median home price is $1,546,287, higher than 83.7% of California neighborhoods.
Is Pico West primarily renter or owner occupied?
About 90.7% of housing units are renter occupied, one of the highest rates nationally.
What are common commute methods in Pico West?
Many residents walk (15.9%) or bike (5.5%) to work, with 41.9% driving alone.