Living in Pacific Palisades offers coastal luxury and big-city access that make it one of the most sought-after neighborhoods in Los Angeles. Tucked between the picturesque Santa Monica Mountains and the Pacific Ocean, this affluent community is a serene escape just off Sunset Boulevard, yet close to all the excitement Los Angeles is known for. Whether you’re drawn to scenic hikes, ocean breezes, or upscale dining, moving to Pacific Palisades offers a lifestyle that’s both peaceful and fun.
So, is Pacific Palisades a good place to live? Absolutely. The area is celebrated for its natural beauty, safe streets, and strong sense of community. A typical Pacific Palisades home boasts stunning ocean or mountain views, while its walkable village center provides boutique shopping, gourmet restaurants, and year-round events. With easy access to Santa Monica, Malibu, and the heart of LA, living here means you can enjoy quiet mornings by the sea and lively evenings in the city, all in one day.
Is Pacific Palisades a Good Place to Live?
Yes, Pacific Palisades is a good place to live. Living in Pacific Palisades offers a sense of security and seclusion while still being just a stone’s throw away from Santa Monica and Downtown Los Angeles.
Where Is Pacific Palisades?
Pacific Palisades is in Los Angeles County in scenic Southern California, perfectly positioned between the Pacific Ocean and the Santa Monica Mountains. This upscale coastal neighborhood is part of the greater Los Angeles metro area and is often considered a serene suburb of Downtown Los Angeles, which is located about 20 miles west.
Situated along Sunset Boulevard, it borders Santa Monica to the southeast, Bel Air and Westchester to the east and south, and is near Woodland Hills and Mission Hills to the north within the San Fernando Valley. Surrounded by beaches and green spaces, living in Pacific Palisades offers a rare combination of oceanfront relaxation and easy city access.
When living in Pacific Palisades, you’ll be served by the Big Blue Bus and LA Metro.
Does moving to Pacific Palisades sound great to you? Give our Pacific Palisades moving company a call! Our Pacific Palisades movers are here for you every step of the way.
Pacific Palisades Population & Demographics
How many people are living in Pacific Palisades? The Pacific Palisades population is 23,717, making it one of the biggest neighborhoods in Los Angeles. Residents living in Pacific Palisades are among the wealthiest in the state, and the Pacific Palisades median household income is $192,476 (compared to the national average of $78,538. There are just over 10,000 housing units in Pacific Palisades, 78% of which are owned and 22% of which are rented.
Additional Pacific Palisades demographics:
- Sex ratio: 52.6% female, 47.4% male
- Median age: 48
- Racial & ethnic composition: 81.9% White, 9.4% two or more races, 7% Asian, 0.9% Black or African American, 0.8% other
- Foreign-born population: 14.4%
Is Pacific Palisades a good place to live in terms of crime? Here’s a look at the Pacific Palisades crime rate.
- Overall crime rate: 1,964 crimes per 100,000 people (14% lower than national average)
- Violent crime rate: 110 crimes per 100,000 people (70% lower than national average)
- Property crime rate: 1,854 crimes per 100,000 people (3% lower than national average)
As you can see, living in Pacific Palisades is very safe. After moving to Pacific Palisades, you’ll be served by the Los Angeles Police Department.
Pacific Palisades Cost of Living
Is Pacific Palisades a good place to live for families on a budget? Living in Pacific Palisades is very expensive. The Pacific Palisades cost of living is 137% higher than the Los Angeles average and 231% higher than the national average, making it one of the most expensive communities in the state. As such, the cost of living in Pacific Palisades CA is not attainable for everyone.
If you’re thinking about living in Pacific Palisades, then you’ll likely need to explore Pacific Palisades real estate. Pacific Palisades mostly consists of luxury single family homes, and the home prices reflect this. According to Redfin, the average home price in Pacific Palisades is $3.1 million. This is higher than the Los Angeles average of $1.1 million and the national average of $443,000.
If you’d rather rent in Pacific Palisades, you’ll have a few options to choose from. According to RentCafe, the average rent in Pacific Palisades is $3,755.
Neighborhoods in Pacific Palisades | Where to Live in Pacific Palisades
Living in Pacific Palisades means exploring a collection of several smaller neighborhoods situated within the larger Pacific Palisades community. At the heart of the community is Pacific Palisades Village, a walkable center with tree-lined streets, upscale living, inviting coffee shops, and upscale shopping. Surrounding the village, the Alphabet Streets neighborhood offers charming single family homes on grid-style streets, while the Huntington Palisades boasts expansive, luxurious homes and Mediterranean-style villas with stunning views of the Pacific Ocean.
For those moving to Pacific Palisades who crave a quieter retreat, the Riviera features estate-style residences and easy access to the renowned Riviera Country Club, while Rustic Canyon offers a serene environment ideal for hiking and even horseback riding.
Pacific Palisades Weather & Climate
Is Pacific Palisades a good place to live in terms of weather? The Pacific Palisades climate is a warm-summer Mediterranean climate, with mild, dry conditions year-round – one reason living in Pacific Palisades is so appealing.
Summers stay comfortable with highs in the mid-70s to low-80s°F, while winters are mild with the high Pacific Palisades temperature in the mid-60s and lows in the upper-40s.
While wildfires have been a problem in the past, homeowners can stay up-to-date on fire damage and conditions with the community’s fire damage maps.
Things to Do in Pacific Palisades
When living in Pacific Palisades, you’ll find plenty of fun things to do. From shopping in the Pacific Palisades Village to strolling through the weekly Pacific Palisades Farmers Market to exploring nearby parks like Rogers State Historic Park and Topanga State Park, you’ll never run out of things to do in Pacific Palisades. Here are a few things to consider if you aren’t sure what to do in Pacific Palisades.
Will Rogers State Historic Park is a must-do when living in Pacific Palisades. This beautiful park features trails with views of Los Angeles and the ocean.
1501 Will Rogers State Park Rd, Pacific Palisades, CA 90272, (310) 230-2017
Grab your clubs and head to Riviera Country Club, where you can enjoy a championship golf course with amazing views.
1250 Capri Dr, Pacific Palisades, CA 90272, (310) 454-6591
This former tycoon’s residence was modeled after a 1st-century Italian villa with Greek and Roman artifacts.
17985 Pacific Coast Hwy, Pacific Palisades, CA 90272, (310) 440-7300
Additional Pacific Palisades Attractions
When living in Pacific Palisades, make sure you check out the community event calendar.
Pacific Palisades Restaurants
Residents living in Pacific Palisades can enjoy their fair share of fantastic food. From coffee shops to exquisite dining, there’s always a new restaurant to try out. These are a few of the best restaurants in Pacific Palisades.
This Italian joint is located in Highland Village and serves up yummy Italian dishes like pizza and pasta.
538 Palisades Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90272, (424) 426-5900
A favorite among locals living in Pacific Palisades, Palisades Garden Cafe is a casual spot with hot breakfast, coffee, and pastries.
15231 La Cruz Dr, Pacific Palisades, CA 90272, (310) 459-6160
Head over to The Cafe to enjoy locally-sourced Mediterranean-inspired dishes like baked heirloom tomatoes and open-face sandwiches.
Getty Villa, 17985 Pacific Coast Hwy, Pacific Palisades, CA 90272, (310) 440-7300
Jobs in Pacific Palisades
Is Pacific Palisades a good place to live for job-seekers? While primarily a residential community, there are plenty of opportunities for jobs in Pacific Palisades thanks to its mix of local businesses and proximity to greater Los Angeles.
The neighborhood features careers in hospitality, retail, healthcare, education, and professional services, with employers such as Palisades Charter High School, the Pacific Palisades Village retail and dining district, Providence Saint John’s Health Center in nearby Santa Monica, and local boutique firms.
Many residents also commute to Santa Monica, Century City, and Downtown LA instead of seeking out Pacific Palisades jobs.
According to PayScale, the average salary for those living in Pacific Palisades is about $87,000, reflecting the area’s affluent economy.
If you’ll be searching for jobs after moving to Pacific Palisades, then search for ‘Pacific Palisades jobs’ on Indeed.
Schools in Pacific Palisades
Families living in Pacific Palisades benefit from access to excellent schools. The primary Pacific Palisades school district is the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD), which serves over 429,000 students. Top-rated public options include Pacific Palisades high schools like Palisades Charter High, along with strong elementary schools in Pacific Palisades such as Canyon Charter, Marquez Charter, and Palisades Elementary.
Education choices extend to highly regarded private schools in Pacific Palisades, including Seven Arrows Elementary, Village School, and St. Matthew’s Parish School, all known for small classes and strong academics. Nearby colleges like Santa Monica College, UCLA, and Loyola Marymount University provide higher education opportunities just a short drive away.
Students and residents living in Pacific Palisades can enjoy access to the Palisades Branch Library.
Pacific Palisades Statistics & Information
- County: Los Angeles County
- Pacific Palisades area: 24.31 square miles
- Pacific Palisades zip code: 90272
- Pacific Palisades area code: 310, 424
- Pacific Palisades elevation: 328 feet
- Pacific Palisades time zone: Pacific Time Zone (UTC -8 and -7)
- Closest airport to Pacific Palisades: Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), 14.5 miles away
Map of Pacific Palisades
When living in Pacific Palisades, check out this map to explore fun things to do and places to explore.
Are You Ready to Make Living in Pacific Palisades a Reality?
So, is Pacific Palisades a good place to live? Living in Pacific Palisades has never been better. The area is rebuilding after the wildfires in early 2025, and the community is stronger than ever. When living in the area, you can enjoy friendly neighbors, beautiful views, and plenty of fun things to do.
If moving to Pacific Palisades is in your future, then let the team at Movegreen help you. We are committed to you, your belongings, and the environment, and will work hard to get you settled into your new home quickly and efficiently. To discuss your move and get started with a free quote, call our Pacific Palisades movers today at (866) 684-7336.
