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Venice Life is a blog for locals and visitors to learn about the vibrant community of Venice, California. The site offers information on local events, dining and entertainment as well as real estate listings in Los Angeles' beachside communities.

7 Things to Know About Moving to Santa Monica

Moving to Santa Monica

Whether you’re happy to leave your current hometown or disappointed to be moving after decades of living in your old house, the prospect of change can come with mixed emotions. However, a new start allows you to meet new people, try new opportunities, and start a fresh chapter in life. And if Santa Monica is the place you’re going to, know that you’re headed in the right direction. But before you pack your boxes and move, here are seven essential things you should know.

1. Santa Monica’s is a Beachfront Paradise

There are dozens of breathtaking beachfront cities on the West Coast, and Santa Monica stands among the best. Enjoy miles of pristine beachfront with eye-catching turquoise waters for swimming, surfing, scuba diving, and fishing. Join intense volleyball matches or dig your toes in the warm, grainy sand on the ever-famous Santa Monica Beach. Have the weekend off? Take your family over for a picnic at one of Santa Monica’s outdoor spaces, including the 6.2-acre Tongva Park filled with creative architectural structures. There’s no shortage of fun things to do here!

2. The Economy’s Strong and Stable

Well, you don’t expect everything to just be all about fun and games, right? To keep it real, the local economy in Santa Monica is booming as much as anywhere else in California. Expect to find high-paying jobs that match your degree or even odd jobs that pay a pretty penny. According to bestplaces.net, the median household income in the city is about $74,534 a year. That’s much higher than the U.S average of $53,482. But of course, it’s not always easy to land the role you desire. Competition might not be as fierce as in LA or San Francisco, but you’ll still encounter it. You better have that resume polished and ready!

Santa Monica’s economy is booming.

3. Amazing Food Options

Whether you’re a casual muncher or a gourmet eater, your taste buds are going to love it in Santa Monica. The city is a foodie’s dream come true with a wide range of themed restaurants and specialty cuisines. From a Chinese diner to a Peruvian restaurant to all-in-one seafood eateries, you’ll never run out of options when it comes to dining out. Some places you should never miss include Mao’s Kitchen that packs delicious meals for reasonable prices, Bay Cities Deli’s and its noteworthy Godmother sandwich, and Bru’s Wiffle and their yummy brunch dishes.

The city is a foodie’s dream come true.

4. Plenty of Options When Looking For Apartments

If you’re moving to Santa Monica but don’t have any idea where to start your search, look no further than the Pico Boulevard area between 5th-7th street. This part of town has everything from studio apartments to luxurious condos, although you might want to take some time filling up that piggy bank. The rule of thumb is the closer you get to the beachfront, the more expensive rent is. So if you’re on a budget, consider sacrificing commute time to the beach for more affordable living expenses.

5. The Community Treats Transplants Nicely

One of the scariest considerations to make when moving is finding a sense of belonging in your new community. How welcoming will they be to you? Will your neighbors accept you for who you are? Are you going to fit in your workplace smoothly? So many questions, so little time to answer all of them. Luckily, you might want to let go of this worry as Santa Monica boasts an incredibly high tolerance for diversity. People from around the nation flock to the place, and everyone greets each other with beams on their faces. Though this doesn’t mean you’ll be treated like royalty, it might help ease your anxieties about being shunned by your peers.

6. Santa Monica is an Expensive Place to Live

No need to hide this fact. It’s expensive out there. What can you expect? With beautiful beaches, charming neighborhoods, and coastal Cali vibes, it’s no surprise why many are willing to pay the price just to settle in this attractive beach town. Whether it’s rent, parking, or median home cost, the prices can often stretch someone’s bank account. Fortunately, the beauty of Santa Monica isn’t exclusive only for the reach. With patience and persistent research (and a bit of luck), you’ll eventually find a place to stay that suits your budget.

It’s expensive out there. What can you expect?

7. Never Miss an Opportunity to Visit the Santa Monica Pier

When people think of Santa Monica, they automatically assume that the first thing that comes to mind is the pier. That’s not far from the truth since it had been a popular landmark of Santa Monica almost ever since its initial construction back in 1909. Nowadays, there are plenty of attractions along the pier, such as amusement rides, aquariums, and food kiosks. This might be a great way to rejuvenate yourself if you want some time off from those coffee shops on 3rd Street Promenade. On top of that, there will be festivals going on here all year round, so there’ll never be a dull moment if you’re around Sunset Park.

When people think of Santa Monica, they automatically assume that the first thing that comes to mind is the pier.

Look Forward to Life in Silicon Beach

Santa Monica is a caliber of its own. It has a certain charm that you won’t find anywhere else. Although it’s not as tech-boomy as San Francisco or lively like L.A, it’s not hard to fall in love with the beach town’s likable atmosphere, gorgeous setting, and warm community.

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What You Need to Know Before Renting a House in Venice

Venice Neighborhood

It’s not every day that you will move to a new place but calling Venice your new home is undoubtedly a pretty big decision. Venice has everything from history, art, tech, iconic landmarks, and some of the best healthy cuisines on the West Coast. It is also home to the most stunning beaches in Los Angeles. Whether you’re looking for an active lifestyle or want to spend some time relaxing by the ocean, it’s the perfect destination. But before packing up your bags, here are a few things you should know about.

History

Venice was founded in 1905 by tobacco millionaire and real estate developer Abbot Kinney. After taking a walking tour of Venice, Italy, Kinney was determined to bring that level of grandeur to the States in the form of a resort destination. Along with building lavish hotels, restaurants, a boardwalk, and an amusement pier, Kinney and his crew dug out nearly 16 miles worth of canals to mirror Venice’s European counterpart. It was an instant hit. People from all over the country came to marvel at Kinney’s creation.

Today, all that remains are six waterways that flow through several neighborhoods. The historic canals make the area one of the most expensive properties in Los Angeles. But this doesn’t make it any less gorgeous than it was decades ago.

Venice’s Thriving Art Scene

Over the years, hundreds of artists have moved to Venice to boast their most epic art pieces. As a result, the place is now riddled with hundreds of Instagram-worthy streets filled with incredible murals and installations. Moreover, its proximity to Los Angeles provides talented individuals access to sophisticated galleries and collectors than any other location on the West Coast. If you’re the artsy type, this is the perfect place to be inspired.

Silicon Beach

Ever since Google opened its Venice campus in 2011, the city has become a thriving tech hub with many companies operating within its borders. It’s part of Silicon Beach, the tech and start-up capital of LA. This makes it suitable for those who want a sweet spot between living near the beautiful ocean and being close to various work opportunities.

The Sights!

The Venice Beach Boardwalk is an iconic place in Southern California. This area has everything from restaurants, shopping, live musical performances to fortune tellers, unique artists, chanting Hare Krishnas, and bikini-clad roller-skaters. That’s not all. You can also enjoy stellar views of the beach while taking pictures of the colorful landmark, the “Venice” sign on Windward Avenue. It is a cultural mecca and has earned its spot as one of the best global tourist destinations California has to offer

Venice has one of the most amazing sights you’ll ever witness.

Venice and fitness

If you want to get that summer body on, Venice has the perfect place for you. Muscle Beach Venice, the “Home of Bodybuilding,” nestled right in the center of Venice Beach, has had the biggest names in bodybuilding and film, including Franco Columbu, Lou Ferrigno, and Arnold Schwarzenegger since 1963. People at Venice generally and fit and are conscious of their health and diet. Venice also has multiple restaurants that offer healthy but delicious food for bodybuilding enthusiasts and foodies alike.

Living Here

Venice is one of the best places to live in California and is a haven for young people. You’ll never get bored with all the sights and things to do here. If you visit Venice and want to explore the city differently, renting a house is an excellent idea. Though having a median rent of $2,100 makes it more expensive, the sights and opportunities you will come encounter make it all worth every penny. You won’t find such a diverse place anywhere else in the world!

Say hello to Venice!

Ready to Move?

With all the sights and things to do in Venice, it’s no surprise why people from across the globe go here for vacations or make it their coastal home. If you want to experience it in person, take into consideration the cost of living in Venice. Other than that, you can say hello to Venice as your new home!

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7 Reasons You’re Better Off Hiring A Local LA Mover

Hiring Movers

Los Angeles is a big city with plenty of action. Aside from the excitement, moving here can be overwhelming. You have to find a quality neighborhood, set up utilities, and of course, plan the logistics. It’s easy to lose hope but don’t forget one thing: hiring movers! 

Many people think they can handle a move on their own, but this isn’t always the best idea. Movers help with all aspects of moving. Not convinced? Here are seven reasons why you’re better off hiring movers when relocating to LA.

1. You’ll Save Time and Money

Moving is not easy or cheap. It requires money and effort, whether you’re relocating by yourself or with the help of professionals. The big difference when hiring movers is that they make the process a whole lot easier. You don’t have to stress yourself looking for materials. Movers will do it for you. You don’t have to strain your back lifting furniture and appliances. Movers will take care of the labor for you. You don’t have to worry about your items getting damaged. Movers will handle them carefully for you. See, everything they do is for your own sake. But how do these save you money, considering movers can get quite expensive? Well, if you look at the bigger picture, they save you from possible medical bills or new purchases for damaged items.

2. They Know How to Navigate Through LA

Los Angeles is one of the busiest cities in the country. Moving here for the first time means getting lost in the traffic, scrambling for parking space, or confusing your neighborhood for another. Do you really want to tackle all this hassle on your own? You can’t just say, “I’ll figure it out when I get there.” There’s a huge chance you’re going to mess up. LA movers know how to navigate the city like the back of their hand. They will always have a solution for your concerns and demands.

There’s a big chance they know LA a lot better than you do.

3. You’ll Get More Personalized Service and Attention

Since local movers only operate within their areas, they can cater to most of your needs right away. They won’t have to consult other movers or do a lot of research to help you. On top of that, they can plan your move right, so it’s successful without any problems. A lot of moving companies boast a nationwide presence. This means that their services are usually more generalized or even limited. On the other hand, LA movers will be available whenever you need them. 

4. They Know Your Neighborhood’s Top Spots

LA Movers know every nook and cranny of the city by heart. Whether you’re moving to Silver Lake, West Hollywood, or Studio City, they have the resources and knowledge to relocate you smoothly. As stated earlier, there’s no need for them to do some additional research on possible routes and choose the best course of action. 

5. You Can Hire Them for Other Services

Movers do more than just packing and loading your stuff to the truck. They also offer other convenient services. To start, they can dismantle bulky furniture and reassemble them at your new home. You can also count on them to move large objects like pianos, pool tables, and bathtubs. Got a precious collection that needs utmost care? Entrust the job to local movers who specialize in white-glove services! They can move anything from wine bottles to fragile sculptures to century-old paintings. Hiring a moving company takes care of all these tasks.

6. Your Belongings Will Be Insured

Movers don’t only make things easier for you. They also make sure to give you peace of mind. That’s because moving companies are required to cover your belongings with insurance. It’s only natural considering they’re handling your stuff, right? They take every precaution, from wrapping up everything in blankets and padding it to securing items in protective outer boxes so that nothing gets damaged or lost on the way. You won’t get to enjoy this kind of assurance when moving by yourself. If you happen to drop your $1000 TV, that’s on you.

7. Local Movers Can Give Discounts

Local movers sometimes offer discounts for special events or if your home is close to their warehouse. This is a great way to save money on other costs. Most of these companies are eager to work with you, so don’t be shy about asking for discounts and negotiating the price of your move. Just make sure that you get a binding estimate. This means that movers will have to honor the price they name during your in-home evaluation.

Conclusion

Hiring movers might seem expensive, but it’s a totally worthwhile investment. It makes the entire LA relocation process easier so you can immediately get back to living a normal life.

Hiring movers may be expensive, yes. But is it totally worth it in the end? Most definitely!

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