Zip code 90402, Mar 2026 to May 2026, from the Redfin Data Center. 90402 is mostly the area north of Montana Avenue. Zip codes don't line up neatly with neighborhood borders, and medians hide a wide range of homes, so treat these as a rough feel for the area.
In 1892 Santa Monica founders Senator John P. Jones and Arcadia Bandini de Baker gave the city the bluff top along Ocean Avenue as a public park, first called Linda Vista Park. Its palms and ocean overlook still form the western edge of North of Montana, and a statue of Arcadia Bandini de Baker stands in the park's rose garden.
The homes
North of Montana is Santa Monica's most residential corner: flat, quiet, tree-lined streets running toward the ocean, with larger lots than most of the Westside. The homes are a mix of 1920s through 1950s Spanish, traditional and Cape Cod-style houses, plus a growing number of large new builds, from modern farmhouse to clean-lined contemporary. Many lots have room for a pool and a guest house.
Along Montana and a few blocks south, you'll find condos and townhomes that come up for sale more often than the houses.
The feel
- Montana Avenue runs along the south edge, with boutiques, cafes, salons and restaurants for about a dozen blocks.
- San Vicente Boulevard has a wide grassy median lined with coral trees, popular with runners every morning.
- Palisades Park sits on the bluff over the ocean along Ocean Avenue, and the California Incline drops right down to the beach and the Pacific Coast Highway.
- Ocean air. It's often cooler here than inland, with morning marine layer in late spring and early summer.
Eat, drink, shop
- Forma (Montana Ave). An Italian restaurant and cheese bar where some pastas are finished tableside in a wheel of cheese. Book ahead. The Infatuation
- Bread Head (Montana Ave). A sandwich shop baking its loaves fresh each day, known for its muffuletta. The Infatuation
- Bun & Mi (Montana Ave). A banh mi shop with standout Vietnamese sandwiches, especially the shaken beef. The Infatuation
- Sogno Toscano (Montana Ave). An Italian cafe for pricey but excellent panini with cured meats, plus strong espresso. The Infatuation
- Caffe Luxxe (Montana Ave). A European-style espresso bar with handmade drinks and pastries, and no Wi-Fi on purpose. Time Out
Getting around
The Metro E Line ends at Downtown Santa Monica, with trains to Culver City, USC and Downtown LA. The 10 starts in Santa Monica, and Brentwood, the Palisades and Malibu are all a short drive. Like everywhere on the Westside, rush hour traffic toward the 405 takes planning.
What's new
- Santa Monica Pier bridge. The 1930s bridge from Ocean Avenue to the Pier is being replaced. Work began in December 2025, a temporary pedestrian bridge opened in June 2026, and completion is expected in late 2027. The Pier stays open throughout. (City of Santa Monica)
- LA28 at Venice Beach. Venice Beach is set to host the Olympic triathlon in 2028 and serve as the starting point for the marathon and the road cycling races. (Westside Current)
- Metro D Line subway extension. The first section opened in May 2026 with new stations at Wilshire/La Brea, Wilshire/Fairfax and Wilshire/La Cienega. The next sections, through Beverly Hills and Century City and on to Westwood and the VA, are under construction. (Metro)
Good to know
- It's its own city. Santa Monica has its own permits, building rules and planning process, separate from the City of LA.
- Its own transfer tax. Santa Monica charges an additional transfer tax on higher-priced sales. Ask your escrow officer how it applies.
- Rent control. Santa Monica has its own rent control rules covering many older multi-unit buildings, which matters if you're looking at a duplex or small building.
- Teardowns and new builds. Many homes here are newer construction on older lots. Ask for permits and final sign-offs for any recent work.