I'm moving back to California (previously lived in Huntington Bch) and have been looking for a rental in Santa Monica. I chose Santa Monica because it seems to fit my desire for people around their 30's, active, out-going, outdoor restaurants, bars, shopping, non-snobby, laid back, and a DIVERSE CULTURE. I have already met people from Brazil, Sweden, etc. and I love that. There is pretty small region in SM that is safe and fits this mold.
First question: besides westside rentals, is their a better way to go about finding a 2 bedroom place in this area (I also have a dog which makes it harder)?
Is there another area in SoCal that fits this description that I can look into?
*Note, I work out of my home so commuting is not an issue. Just want to be in the action. Hntgton Bch was awesome, but it is missing the city life and is kind of molded just around surfing.
Thank you.

Craig's list?

Thanks suze. I've been there too and done the drive around method as well.

I don't know if the paper still exists, but if the Outlook is still out there, you could try that. As an alternative, either that paper or the L.A. Times might have, under classifieds, jobs for property managers in S.M., which is basically collecting rent, calling when something needs to be fixed (as opposed to fixing it yourself) for which you generally get an apartment and a very reduced rent.

I would not want to stay in Santa Monica. I love Santa Barbara. We stayed at the Motel6 there so we're not snobs. It's only 100 yards from the sea. Paul

Thanks surfgirl. I'll try the times and see if the Outlook is out there still. It would be nice to have any kind of reduced rent, but property manager is not an option for me. Although I work out of my home, I usually work a 50 hour week. Thank you.

Hermosa Beach or Redondo Beach.

The Outlook is defunct.

Check out the South Bay Daily Breeze or the Beach Reporter for Hermosa or Redondo Beach.

Thank you all for your help. Found a place in Santa Monica. In the end, my best resources were Westside Rentals and the good 'ol drive by method. I booked a room last weekend at the Huntley in SM and drove around all day Sat. and Sunday. On Sunday, I found a sign that had a website and phone number for apartments...called...rental application signed and paid for 20 minutes later AND while sitting in the leasing office, I just happened to meet a guy who had a dog walking business...what luck!

congratulations!! and thanks for the post. i grew up in the venice/santa monica area so was watching this post with interest.