3.6 out of 10

Pico

34.0241930731685 -118.471210939284
Great for
  • Internet Access
  • Cost of Living
  • Gym & Fitness
  • Lack of Traffic
  • Medical Facilities
Not great for
  • Eating Out
  • Shopping Options
  • Neighborly Spirit
  • Nightlife
  • Parking
Who lives here?
  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Hipsters
  • Beach Lovers
  •  

Reviews

2/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 2/5
  • Safe & Sound 1/5
  • Clean & Green 2/5
  • Pest Free 2/5
  • Peace & Quiet 2/5
  • Eating Out 2/5
  • Nightlife 3/5
  • Parks & Recreation 3/5
  • Shopping Options 2/5
  • Gym & Fitness 4/5
  • Internet Access 5/5
  • Lack of Traffic 2/5
  • Parking 2/5
  • Cost of Living 4/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 2/5
  • Public Transport 3/5
  • Medical Facilities 4/5
  • Schools 4/5
  • Childcare 4/5
2yrs+

"High School, College and Gangs"

Pico is a bit of a mixed bag when it comes to Santa Monica. On the one hand, it is one of the most ethnically diverse areas in Santa Monica. It is also the home of Santa Monica High School which is a solid school without a lot of the problems that some other schools suffer. The students here test consistently higher than students in other similar urban schools. Pico is also home to Santa Monica College, a school that is quite popular with southern California students. All of these are good things about Pico.

Unfortunately, Pico is also the gang area of Santa Monica, where five of Santa Monica’s eleven murders from the last three years have taken place. Many blame the city for overlooking the gang and narcotic problems. One of the gangs active in the area and implicated directly in at least one of the recent murders is a gang known as “The Graveyard Crips.” Given the wealth and beauty of the rest of Santa Monica, it is a shame that they can’t seem to break this section of town from its problems.

The main drag is Pico Blvd. that has a very run down look compared to the rest of Santa Monica. There are lots of Seventies style boxy apartments and older ranch homes in this area. One good effect of the dangerous neighborhood, of course, is that it does hold back apartment prices somewhat. Most apartments are below $2,000 in the area.
Pros
  • ethnically diverse
  • close to beach
  • affordable rents
Cons
  • crime
  • traffic
  • the freeway
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Hipsters
  • Beach Lovers

Travelling to Pico?

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Best Streets in Pico

1

Centinela Ave

3.5/5
"Lively commercial neighborhood"
34.0342346212936 -118.462577550261

Unranked Streets in Pico

9th St

2.5/5
"Great place to rent. "
34.0163999732865 -118.485932966171

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