Tucked along the sun-soaked coastline of Los Angeles County, Marina del Rey is a picturesque coastal community known for its peaceful harbor, laid-back lifestyle, and upscale amenities. Whether you're seeking a relaxed waterfront vibe or quick access to urban attractions, living in Marina del Rey offers the best of both worlds.
With its walkable marina, luxury apartments, and thriving dining scene, this is one of Southern California’s premier destinations for coastal living. If you're considering moving to Marina del Rey, this guide will help you get to know the area, from neighborhoods and recreation to transportation and real estate trends.
Is Marina Del Rey a Good Place to Live?
Marina del Rey is a great place to live for those who enjoy a peaceful yet vibrant lifestyle in a scenic setting. This seaside community offers a unique blend of stunning views of the marina, outdoor recreation, and modern amenities, making it especially appealing to professionals, retirees, and families alike.
Residents appreciate the area's walkability, access to beaches, and close proximity to Venice, Santa Monica, and LAX. With upscale dining, water activities, and year-round sunshine, Marina del Rey delivers a high quality of life in one of Southern California’s most desirable coastal neighborhoods.
Where Is Marina Del Rey?
Marina del Rey is a coastal gem located in western Los Angeles County, nestled along the shores of the Pacific Ocean. This scenic harbor town sits four miles south of Santa Monica and next to Venice Beach, offering a peaceful escape with all the perks of urban convenience. To the east lies Culver City, a growing hub for tech and entertainment, while Playa del Rey borders the community to the south.
State Route 1, better known as the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH), runs through Marina del Rey, hugging the California coastline for 656 miles. It passes through Malibu to the north and Long Beach to the south. Residents also enjoy easy access to major roads like Lincoln Boulevard, the Marina Freeway (CA-90), and the nearby I-405, making commutes to downtown Los Angeles very manageable. It's just minutes to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), about four miles away.
Living in Marina del Rey means you're perfectly positioned between beachside bliss and city living.
How Far Is Marina Del Rey From Los Angeles?
While living in Marina del Rey, you'll enjoy convenient access to downtown Los Angeles. It's only 12 miles from Marina del Rey to Los Angeles, still within commuting distance.
What’s the Population of Marina Del Rey, California?
Marina del Rey is an unincorporated community and CDP with a population of 11,373 at the 2020 census. Most of the housing stock is multi-unit properties, meaning the community is very densely populated. More than 9,000 people are living in Marina del Rey per square mile. It's part of the Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim metro area, home to 13 million people.
Demographics of people living in Marina del Rey:
- Median age: 37.8 years
- Senior population (65 and older): 6%
- Sex ratio: 55% female to 45% male
- Educational attainment: 76.7% bachelor’s degree or higher (metro: 37.4%)
- Foreign-born population: 23.5%
- Median household income: $142,440 (metro: $93,525)
- Per capita income: $97,684 (metro: $46,385)
- Race and ethnicity: 71.2% White, 9.9% Hispanic, 7.4% Asian, 4.4% Black or African American, 5.6% two or more races, and 1.3% other races
Is Marina Del Rey Safe?
One of the benefits of living in Marina del Rey is the low risk of crime. The Marina Del Rey crime rate is 53% below the national average and almost one-third the average for California. The estimated violent crime rate is 194 violent offenses per 100,000.
People living in Marina del Rey are served by the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department (LASD) from the Marina del Rey Sheriff's Substation.
What’s the Cost of Living in Marina Del Rey?
Living in Marina del Rey comes at a premium. The cost of living in Los Angeles is about 60% higher than the U.S. average, and this desirable community is even more expensive.
Housing plays the biggest role in the cost of living in Marina del Rey. Luxury apartments in Marina del Rey account for most of the housing stock, with very few single-family homes. The average rent is $4,216 compared to $2,763 in L.A., according to Rentcafe.
The median home price is $1.08 million, according to Redfin. You'll pay a median price of $970,000 for a condo.
Marina Del Rey Neighborhoods
Marina del Rey is known for its luxury high-rises, including waterfront condos and apartments. It’s a prime location for those who want to wake up to the sight of boats and enjoy evening walks along the harbor. 98% of housing units are in multi-unit properties, primarily condos and apartments. There's a small section west of the harbor with single-family homes.
Whether you prefer lively marina-front living or a more tucked-away retreat, this beautiful area has something for everyone. No matter where you choose to settle down, living in Marina del Rey means enjoying a relaxed, coastal lifestyle in one of L.A.'s most desirable communities. Here are some of the most popular places to live.
Marina City Club
Built in 1974, the 13-story Marina City Club features 600 luxury condos. It's one of the most popular options for people buying a home in the area. Units range from 400 to 3,400 square feet. The guarded, gated community boasts three pools, a spa, six tennis courts, on-site fine dining, and a full-service marina with 300 slips.
The Admiralty High-Rise (AHR) Condominium Complex
Built in 2003, this sprawling condo complex has three buildings: The Cove, The Regatta condos, and The Azzura condos. There are 800 condos in AHR, with its striking bright green-aquamarine exterior. About 2,500 people live in AHR, or almost one-third of the people living in Marina del Rey.
Apartments in Marina Del Rey
Only 7% of people living in Marina del Rey are homeowners; the rest choose to rent. There are more than a dozen Marina Del Rey apartments, including communities with their own marinas. Here are some popular developments with starting rent for one-bedroom apartments.
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Climate & Weather in Marina Del Rey
While living in Marina del Rey, you'll enjoy a classic Mediterranean climate, with mild, wet winters and warm, dry summers, perfect for year-round outdoor living. Thanks to its coastal location, temperatures are comfortably moderate, typically ranging from the mid-60s to mid-70s, with refreshing ocean breezes that keep the air clean and cool. Rain is rare and mostly limited to the winter months, while the summer season is ideal for beach days, boating, and evening strolls by the marina.
The best time to visit Marina del Rey is from late spring through early fall, when the sun is shining, and the community’s vibrant waterfront atmosphere is in full swing.
Things to Do in Marina Del Rey
Living in Marina del Rey offers a wide variety of outdoor activities, scenic spots, and entertainment options that showcase the area's natural beauty and vibrant marina culture. From pristine beaches to unique shopping centers like Villa Marina Marketplace, there's something for everyone. The harbor’s laid-back vibe is perfect for relaxing strolls, water sports, dining with panoramic ocean views, or enjoying live music and cultural events.
Fisherman's Village is a charming waterfront promenade styled after a New England fishing town, complete with colorful buildings, art galleries, and unique gift shops. Visitors can enjoy waterfront dining, boat rentals, and harbor cruises, all set to the backdrop of live weekend music and sweeping views of the marina. It’s a must-visit for a mix of entertainment, shopping, and casual seaside fun.
Fisherman's Village, 13755 Fiji Way, Marina Del Rey, CA 90292
Mothers Beach is a local favorite known for its calm waters and family-friendly vibe, ideal for kayaking, paddleboarding, and picnicking. With its sandy shoreline, palm trees, and nearby playground, it's perfect for kids and anyone looking to unwind by the water. This peaceful spot is a go-to destination for families with young children, thanks to its surf-free, sheltered beach.
Mothers Beach, 4101 Admiralty Way, Marina Del Rey, CA 90292
Set on a scenic peninsula, Burton Chace Park is the largest park in Marina Del Rey and a popular gathering place for locals. It offers green open spaces, picnic tables, and walking paths with panoramic harbor views, making it great for everything from quiet afternoons to community festivals. Throughout the year, the park hosts free concerts, movie nights, and the famous Marina del Rey Holiday Boat Parade.
Burton Chace Park, 13650 Mindanao Way, Marina Del Rey, CA 90292 (424) 526-7903
Other things to do and attractions near Marina Del Rey:
Best Restaurants in Marina Del Rey
While living in Marina del Rey, you'll enjoy upscale restaurants and waterfront dining around every corner. Here are some of the best places to eat in the area.
- The Warehouse Restaurant. One of the most popular waterfront restaurants in Marina del Rey, this long-standing restaurant serves classic American comfort food with marina views. 4499 Admiralty Way, Marina Del Rey, CA 90292 (310) 823-5451
- Killer Shrimp. This bustling seafood eatery is known for its happy hours and fresh peel-and-eat shrimp. 4211 Admiralty Way, Marina Del Rey, CA 90292 (310) 578-2293
- Beachside Restaurant & Bar. Enjoy magnificent water views from the patio and a selection of seafood dishes. 14160 Palawan Way, Marina Del Rey, CA 90292 (310) 439-3033
Economy & Job Opportunities in Marina Del Rey
This seaside community is particularly attractive to young professionals. It's part of the burgeoning tech scene of Silicon Beach, a hub for over 500 technology companies and startups, including Google, Snap Inc., and Electronic Arts. The job market here is robust. Living in Marina del Rey offers employment opportunities in professional, scientific, and technical services, as well as in the hospitality and tourism sectors.
Major employers and employment centers include:
- Marina Del Rey Hospital, an affiliate of Cedars-Sinai Health System
- Hotel MdR – a DoubleTree by Hilton
- The Ritz-Carlton, Marina del Rey
- Waterside at Marina Del Rey, a large shopping and dining destination
- Boating and maritime careers, including companies involved in yacht rentals, dock operations, and boat maintenance
Marina Del Rey Schools
For families considering living in Marina del Rey, the area offers a variety of highly rated educational institutions. The community is served by the Los Angeles Unified School District, but there are no schools in Marina del Rey itself. Students attend the following public schools:
- Westside Global Awareness Magnet School
- Coeur d'Alene Avenue Elementary School
- Marina del Rey Middle School
- Venice High School
Nearby charter schools include Ocean Charter School and Goethe International Charter School, co-located on the Marina Del Rey Middle School campus, with a multilingual and international curriculum.
Nearby private schools include: Westside Neighborhood School, Culver City Christian School, Acton Academy Venice Beach, and St. Bernard College Preparatory. You can explore private schools in the San Fernando Valley if you're willing to drive a bit further.
There are three colleges less than five miles away: Loyola Marymount University (LMU), West Los Angeles College, and Santa Monica College (SMC).
Marina Del Rey Information
- Marina Del Rey county: Los Angeles County
- Total area: 1.46 square miles
- Marina Del Rey zip codes: 90291, 90292, and 90295
- Marina Del Rey area codes: 310 and 424
- Elevation: 0 feet
- Marina Del Rey time zone: Pacific Time Zone (UTC -7 and -8)
- Closest airport to Marina Del Rey: Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), 4 miles away
Marina Del Rey California Map
Explore restaurants, attractions, and things to do while living in Marina Del Rey.
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