Top 10 Reasons to Make Marina del Rey Your New Home
One look around Marina del Rey convinces most people to settle in and stay awhile (like forever!). But just in case you’re not yet convinced, here are our Top 10 Reasons to Make Marina del Rey Your New Home.
10. Fisherman’s Village
You may recognize Fisherman’s Village from its supporting role as Orange County in Arrested Development. The Banana Stand may be gone, but the restaurants and lighthouse are still there. A touch kitschy in its current state, the Village is undergoing redevelopment in the near future to revamp this waterfront classic. Living in MDR means walking or biking to this semi-hidden gem for sunset alfresco dinner at Sapori Italian, drinks at Whiskey Red’s, or shopping at the unique boutiques along the waterfront.
Source: http://arresteddevelopment.wikia.com/wiki/File:1x05_Charity_Drive_(16).png
9. The weather
LA has some of the best weather in the country, and Marina del Rey has some of the best weather in LA. According to the Weather Channel, in the dead of winter, the average low is 47 degrees. In the dog days of summer, the average high is only 79 degrees. There are 268 days of sun per year, and only 22 days with measurable precipitation. It can’t be beat.
Source: https://weather.com/weather/monthly/l/90292:4:US
8. Concerts in the Park
All summer long, Burton Chase Park hosts FREE Concerts in the Park on Thursday and Saturday evenings. Grab your picnic basket and a blanket to enjoy some live music and some fresh air. Burton Chase is a pleasant walk from anywhere on the East Side of the Marina. And those of you living on the West Side of the Marina can pick up the $1 Water Bus for easy transport to the park. No need to pay $8 parking when you live so close by!
Source: http://www.shoresmdr.com/blog/2015/07/20/shores-spotlight-the-best-marina-del-rey-summer-happenings/
7. The airport
You can get to LAX in 15-20 minutes from Marina del Rey. This 6-mile buffer is the perfect airport distance! Close enough for convenient transportation and picking up family, but far enough that the noise is a non-issue.
6. The Bike Trail
The Marvin Braude Bike Trail runs 22 miles from Torrance up to the Palisades, circling the marina for breathtaking water views. Living in Marina del Rey means you’re just a few minutes’ ride from Venice Beach, and only about 20 minutes from the world famous Santa Monica Pier. To the south, you can ride past the Ballona Wetlands, Dockweiler State Beach, Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach, even down through Redondo. Let’s face it, you might be better off biking to Redondo Beach than trying to take Lincoln/PCH or the 405 these days!
So grab your beach cruiser and some friends for an old-school day of fun in the sun. Or grab your road bike and start training for your triathlon. Either way, the bike path is there for you.
Photo by David Zaitz
5. Entertainment Upgrades
The entire Marina del Rey Community has been in a state of upgrade since about 2010. Luxury condos, upscale restaurants, and redeveloped retail centers are taking MDR to the next level. Most notably, the Villa Marina Marketplace Mall on the corner of Lincoln and Maxella has vitalized the entire area, bringing shopping and nightlife back to the center of Marina del Rey.
Source: https://www.callisonrtkl.com/projects/villa-marina-marketplace-phase-two/
4. Great schools
People don’t think of Marina del Rey as having great schools, but they do! Coeur D’Alene Elementary is a 9 out of 10, and Venice Senior High School (yep, that’s Rydell High from Grease!) is an 8 out of 10. The Marina del Rey Middle School doesn’t score so well, just 3 out of 10. But do your own research before ruling this school out. The dance and marine science programs are excellent. If you decide against Marina del Rey Middle School, there are plenty of options for local magnet, charter, and private middle schools.
Source: http://wavenewspapers.com/tag/venice-high-school/
3. Reasonable real estate prices
Ok, a $1.08MM listing price for an average 2-bed may seem like a lot. But those in-the-know understand that this is a value for coastal LA communities north of the 90. Venice is averaging $1.5MM for a 2-bed, and Santa Monica is currently at $1.52MM. Sure you could look further north or further south, but then you’re getting into rough commute territory.
Source: http://ppmechanical.com/portfolio/marina-pointe-luxury-condominiums/
2. Proximity to the water
Boating, rowing, kayaking, paddle-boarding, the Marina is a water-lover’s dream! No matter where you live in MDR, you’re within walking distance of the water and all it has to offer.
Photo by David Zaitz
1. Your health
The single best reason to make Marina del Rey your new home is for your health! We’ve already mentioned the walkability, the bike path, the water sports, and the great weather that allows you to enjoy these activities year round. But that’s not all!
All your healthcare needs are met locally with the dentists, doctors, and urgent care right on Lincoln in the Marina Medical Professional Building and Cedars-Sinai Marina Hospital across the street.
You have access to great health food stores like Rainbow Acres Natural Foods, and healthy eateries like The Mad Carrot and Tender Greens.
And there are even more fun activities to keep you fit: Bikram Yoga, Equinox Luxury Fitness, Volleyball at Mother’s Beach, and nearby Muscle Beach in Venice. With so many fun fitness options, you’ll never get bored staying healthy in Marina del Rey!
Photo by David Zaitz
We want to know what you think
What’s your top reason for making Marina del Rey your new home?