With quite possibly the nicest climate of any city in the U.S. , Santa Monica is host to millions of visitors each year.

Santa Monica , which spans 8.3 square miles and has a population of approximately 95,000 people, has its own school district, police and fire departments, Municipal Court, and Department of Building and Safety. It is approximately 20 minutes to downtown Los Angeles during off-peak hours, and is host to two major hospitals and several fine smaller medical facilities. Santa Monica even has its ownMunicipal Airport (SMO, 310-458-8591), and its own Web site.

Its restaurants and shopping compare with the best in the country. The art and architecture scene is very exciting. There are many excellent galleries and "working artist studios" to visit. Award-winning, architect-designed homes are springing up, with the renewed energy in the economy.

The advent of “ Hollywood moving West” has encouraged talent and mogul alike, to reside nearby.

With so many working at home nowadays, the convenience of close-by foraging, or, better still, to walk to favorite haunts, is an alluring part of living in Santa Monica.

Recreational opportunities abound, from the fun at Santa Monica Pier and the city's lovely beaches, to its plentiful bike paths, and coastline view of Palisades Bluffs park on Ocean Avenue . This lovely tree-filled grassy park is host to joggers, on-going classes in T'ai Chi, or folks relaxing with a game of checkers or a good book. Sundays bring families for picnics and long strolls along the bluffs.

The beachside bike (roller blade) path is packed on the weekends (thrilling to dangerous, in fact), but a fun and exhilarating experience during the week.

Santa Monica has one of the strictest rent-control ordinances in the country. However, as of January 1, l999, vacancy decontrol was inaugurated. This step has encouraged landlords to spruce up their buildings to enter the market place, once again.

The three most entertaining and convenient commercial areas to frequent are:

The Third Street Mall is host to the Wednesday and Saturday A.M. Farmer's Market, the most dynamic lively open air marketplace for interesting produce, organic products, fish, veges, herbs, flowers, etc., in Los Angeles .

Until you've explored Santa Monica , you haven't really experienced the abundance of the Wes side.