Welcome to North of Montana
Quite luxury homes, coastal views, and upscale shopping along Montana Avenue
North of Montana, often called NoMo or NOMA, is an affluent residential neighbourhood in northern Santa Monica. The area is known for its tree-lined streets, spacious single-family homes, beautifully landscaped properties, and a relaxed coastal atmosphere. Montana Avenue serves as the neighbourhood's main commercial street, while Palisades Park and the Pacific Ocean are close by. Residents enjoy easy access to the beach, outdoor recreation, boutique shopping, and the rest of the Westside.
Montana Avenue gives North of Montana a convenient village-like atmosphere with more than 150 restaurants and retailers. The tree-lined avenue is filled with independent boutiques, specialty shops, cafés, bakeries, wellness studios, and neighbourhood services. Despite being close to Downtown Santa Monica and the Santa Monica Pier, the area feels peaceful and removed from the busier tourist activity.
What to Love
- Quiet, tree-lined residential streets
- Close proximity to the beach and Palisades Park
- Upscale boutiques, cafés, and restaurants
- Spacious luxury homes and landscaped properties
Local Lifestyle
North of Montana has a relaxed, community-oriented lifestyle with a strong emphasis on outdoor living. Residents can walk or bike to Montana Avenue for coffee, shopping, dining, and everyday conveniences, while the nearby ocean and Palisades Park provide plenty of opportunities to enjoy the outdoors. The neighbourhood combines the privacy of an established residential community with the convenience of being close to Santa Monica’s major attractions.
Dining, Entertainment & Shopping
Montana Avenue is the heart of the North of Montana community and is lined with restaurants, cafés, boutiques, wellness studios, and specialty shops. The avenue is known for its relaxed atmosphere and curated selection of independent businesses.
Father’s Office is a long time Montana Avenue favourite known for its famous Office Burger, craft beer selection, and casual gastropub atmosphere. The Santa Monica location is at 1018 Montana Avenue.
Forma Restaurant is a stylish Italian restaurant at 1610 Montana Avenue featuring fresh pasta, a large cheese selection, wine, cocktails, and contemporary Italian dishes.
R+D Kitchen at 1323 Montana Avenue is a neighbourhood favourite with an open-air dining room serving lunch, dinner, cocktails, and casual American fare.
Milo & Olive is nearby on Wilshire Boulevard and serves wood-fired pizzas, handmade pastas, fresh pastries, artisan coffee, and seasonal dishes throughout the day.
Montana Avenue also offers a wide range of shopping, from independent boutiques and specialty retailers to beauty, wellness, and family-oriented businesses. Its more than 150 restaurants and retailers make it one of Santa Monica’s most convenient neighbourhood shopping districts.
Things to Do
Palisades Park is one of the neighbourhood's most recognizable outdoor destinations, offering scenic views overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Residents can enjoy walking, jogging, cycling, and relaxing along the bluffs while taking in the coastal scenery.
The
Annenberg Community Beach House is located along Pacific Coast Highway at the northern end of Santa Monica State Beach. The five-acre oceanfront destination includes a historic pool, playground, splash pad, beach courts, open seating, walking paths, cultural events, and spectacular ocean views.
The Beach House also preserves the historic Marion Davies Guest House and offers public tours, community events, recreation programs, and seasonal activities. The grounds are open to the public, with amenities including volleyball courts, a playground, splash pad, and view deck.
Santa Monica State Beach provides additional opportunities for swimming, walking, cycling, beach volleyball, and enjoying the Pacific coastline. The northern portion of the beach is particularly close to the Annenberg Community Beach House and the residential neighbourhoods of North Santa Monica.
Roosevelt Elementary School is located at 801 Montana Avenue, directly on the neighbourhood's main commercial corridor. Franklin Elementary School is located at 2400 Montana Avenue, while Lincoln Middle School is at 1501 California Avenue.
Santa Monica High School is located at 601 Pico Boulevard and offers college-preparatory academics, honours and Advanced Placement courses, athletics, arts, and a variety of student activities.
St. Monica Catholic Elementary School and Saint Monica Catholic High School are private schools located nearby on 7th Street and Lincoln Boulevard, respectively.
