We are continuing our series about popular Los Angeles neighborhoods, and today we’re taking a closer look at Marina del Rey.
If you’re already planning a move and want professional help with the logistics, our local Marina del Rey moving company can assist with apartment, condo, and house moves across the Westside.
Thinking about moving to Marina del Rey? This compact waterfront community on L.A.’s Westside combines marina views, modern apartments, and easy access to the beach, all just a short drive from Venice, Santa Monica, Culver City, and LAX. If you want coastal living without being right in the middle of a tourist strip, Marina del Rey might be exactly what you’re looking for.
Where Is Marina del Rey?
Marina del Rey sits along the coast of Los Angeles County, bordered by Venice to the north and Playa del Rey to the south. It’s best known for:
- One of the largest man-made small-craft harbors in the U.S.
- A mix of waterfront apartments, condos, and hotels
- Quick access to Venice Beach, Santa Monica, and
Silicon Beach (Playa Vista, Culver City, tech hubs)
For commuters, it’s an attractive “home base” because you can reach:
- Culver City and Playa Vista in around 15–25 minutes (traffic depending)
- Santa Monica in a short drive or bike ride up the coast
- LAX in roughly 15–25 minutes, which is great if you travel often
You get a strong coastal feel without being as hectic as Venice or Santa Monica.
From Marshland to Marina: A Brief History of Marina del Rey
The story of Marina del Rey is much more recent than some other Los Angeles neighborhoods, but its transformation from wetlands to a vibrant harbor community is a big part of what makes the area unique.
From Wetlands to Vision: For many years, the area that is now Marina del Rey was part of the Ballona wetlands – marshy land used for farming, hunting, and duck ponds. As Los Angeles grew, planners began to imagine a small-craft harbor that could serve boaters, residents, and visitors along the coast.
1950s–1960s: Building the Harbor: In the 1950s, Los Angeles County and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers moved forward with the idea of a man-made marina. Construction of the breakwaters, basins, and slips took place through the early 1960s, reshaping the shoreline into what would become one of the largest small-craft harbors in the United States.
Official Opening and Early Growth: Marina del Rey was officially dedicated in the mid-1960s, and quickly began attracting boat owners, waterfront businesses, and visitors. New apartments, hotels, restaurants, and charter services grew up around the harbor, turning it into both a residential community and a coastal destination.
Recreation and Coastal Living: By the 1970s and 1980s, the area was known for sailing, fishing, and harbor cruises, as well as its convenient access to Venice, Santa Monica, and LAX. More residential complexes were built along the water, offering people a chance to live just steps from their boat slips, bike paths, and the beach.
Modern Marina del Rey: Today, Marina del Rey blends updated marinas, renovated apartment communities, and waterfront dining with its laid-back harbor atmosphere. While it continues to serve as a major boating and recreation hub, it’s also a highly sought-after neighborhood for people moving to the Westside who want coastal living, modern amenities, and quick access to nearby job centers.
Who Is Moving to Marina del Rey?
Marina del Rey has a relatively small population compared to many Los Angeles neighborhoods, but its community is diverse, active, and always in motion. Here’s who you’ll often find moving here today:
- Young Professionals:
Many work in tech, entertainment, or media hubs in nearby Playa Vista, Culver City, Santa Monica, and Venice. They’re drawn to Marina del Rey for its modern apartments, waterfront views, and quick commute to the Westside. - Remote Workers:
People who work from home love the combination of marina views, walkable paths, and easy access to cafés, gyms, and outdoor spaces for a mid-day break. - Boating and Outdoor Enthusiasts:
Sailors, paddle boarders, cyclists, and runners choose Marina del Rey so they can live right next to the harbor, bike paths, and the beach. - Downsizing Couples and Empty Nesters:
Many choose Marina del Rey when they want to trade a larger suburban home for a low-maintenance condo or apartment with resort-style amenities. - Frequent Travelers:
Professionals who fly often for work appreciate living just a short drive from LAX while still enjoying a calm, coastal neighborhood.
This mix gives Marina del Rey its distinct feel—coastal, modern, and relaxed, with a strong focus on outdoor living and convenience.
Marina del Rey Neighborhood Guide
Marina del Rey covers a compact area wrapped around the harbor, but each part of the community has its own character and lifestyle. When you’re planning a move, it helps to understand the main pockets around the marina.
Harborfront Apartment Communities
Many of Marina del Rey’s best-known buildings line the water’s edge. Living here means waking up to marina views, being steps from the docks, and having quick access to walking paths, restaurants, and boat rentals. These communities often feature pools, fitness centers, and shared outdoor lounges.
Interior Marina Neighborhoods
Just a few blocks away from the water, you’ll find mid-rise apartment and condo buildings with a quieter residential feel. These areas still offer easy access to the harbor, but with slightly less foot traffic and a more “neighborhood” atmosphere, plus convenient access to major streets like Lincoln Boulevard.
Areas Near Venice and the Beach
On the northern side, closer to Venice, you’ll find homes and apartments that blend the laid-back beach lifestyle with quick access to both the marina and the Venice boardwalk. This pocket is ideal if you want to be close to cafés, bike paths, and nightlife while still enjoying a calmer home base.
Marina-Adjacent Condo and Townhome Communities
Around the edges of Marina del Rey are clusters of condos and townhomes that appeal to people looking for more space than a typical apartment, but who still want to stay close to the harbor, beaches, and Westside job centers. These areas often attract long-term residents, small families, and professionals who value both comfort and location.
Whether you’re seeking a waterfront high-rise with marina views or a quieter building a few blocks inland, Marina del Rey offers a range of options for people who want coastal living with easy access to the rest of Los Angeles.
What Is Life Like in Marina del Rey?
Life in Marina del Rey is all about coastal convenience and everyday comfort. You’re close to the water, bike paths, and beaches, but still within easy reach of major job centers on the Westside. It feels calmer than Venice or Santa Monica, yet you still get plenty of dining, fitness, and lifestyle options.
Walkability & Active Lifestyle: Many residents can walk or bike to coffee shops, waterfront paths, gyms, and restaurants. The marina paths and nearby beach trails make it easy to stay active without getting in the car.
Waterfront Vibes: Boats, docks, and harbor views are part of daily life. People walk their dogs along the water, watch sunsets by the marina, and spend weekends on kayaks, paddle boards, or harbor cruises.
Dining & Cafés: Marina del Rey offers a mix of waterfront restaurants, casual brunch spots, and nearby options in Venice, Playa Vista, and Santa Monica. It’s easy to grab a quick coffee or enjoy a relaxed dinner with a view.
Fitness & Wellness: Gyms, yoga studios, Pilates, and outdoor workout areas are common in and around the marina communities. Many apartment buildings also include on-site fitness centers, pools, and spas.
Calm, Coastal Atmosphere: Compared to busier tourist areas, Marina del Rey feels quieter and more residential. You still get energy from nearby beaches and nightlife, but your home base stays more relaxed and laid back.
Pros of Moving to Marina del Rey
- Coastal Living: Harbor views, ocean air, and quick access to the beach and bike paths.
- Convenient Westside Location: Short drives to Venice, Santa Monica, Playa Vista, and Culver City.
- Modern Housing: Many buildings are newer or recently renovated with strong amenities.
- Active, Outdoor Lifestyle: Easy access to boating, cycling, running, and waterfront walks.
- Close to LAX: Great for people who travel frequently for work or leisure.
Cons of Moving to Marina del Rey
- High Cost of Living: Rents and housing prices are on the higher end for Los Angeles.
- Limited Single-Family Homes: Most options are apartments or condos, not standalone houses.
- Parking & Traffic: Garage and street parking can be tight, and nearby roads get busy at peak hours.
- Smaller Floor Plans: Many units prioritize location and amenities over large interior space.
- Tourist & Weekend Crowds Nearby: The harbor and surrounding areas can feel busier on weekends and holidays.
Planning your move to West Hollywood? Check out our neighborhood guide, Moving to West Hollywood: Lifestyle, Costs, and Tips, to learn what daily life is like before you book your movers.
Cost of Living in Marina del Rey
Like most coastal Westside neighborhoods, living in Marina del Rey requires solid financial planning. Housing and everyday expenses are higher than many inland parts of Los Angeles, but you’re paying for location, views, and convenience.
| Category | Typical Range (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Average Rent (1-bedroom apartment) | $2,900 – $3,800+ per month |
| Luxury / Waterfront Units | $4,000+ per month |
| Typical Condo / Home Prices | Often in the $900,000 – $1.5M+ range |
| Estimated Comfortable Income | Many professionals aim for $120,000+ annually |
| Utilities (1-bedroom apartment) | Around $150 – $220 per month |
Everyday expenses such as groceries, gyms, dining out, and parking can also be higher than the Los Angeles average, especially in newer or waterfront communities. Budgeting for both housing and lifestyle is key when planning a move to Marina del Rey.
Still searching for the right place before moving to Marina del Rey or another Westside neighborhood? Take a look at our step-by-step guide How to Find an Apartment for Rent in Los Angeles for tips on budgeting, touring units, and signing a lease with confidence.
Local Favorites & Waterfront Highlights in Marina del Rey
Even if you don’t live right on the main channel, Marina del Rey offers plenty of waterfront spots, parks, and local landmarks that residents actually use—whether you’re meeting friends, going for a walk, or just watching the boats.
- Burton Chace Park – A popular marina-front park with wide lawns, picnic areas, and scenic views of the harbor. It’s also home to outdoor concerts and seasonal events throughout the year.
- Fisherman’s Village – A waterfront promenade styled like a New England fishing village, with restaurants, live music on some weekends, and great harbor views for sunset walks.
- Marina “Mother’s Beach” (Marina Beach) – A calm, protected lagoon that’s ideal for paddleboarding, kayaking, or just relaxing with kids in shallow water.
- Marvin Braude Bike Trail – The coastal bike path runs right through Marina del Rey, making it easy to ride north toward Venice and Santa Monica or south toward Playa del Rey and beyond.
- Ballona Wetlands & Nearby Nature Areas – Just east of the marina, the wetlands and bike paths give you a break from city traffic with birdwatching, walking, and running routes along the water.
Safety in Marina del Rey
Safety is one of the reasons many people choose Marina del Rey over busier beach neighborhoods. The area is generally considered low in violent crime compared to California averages, with most issues related to occasional property crimes like car break-ins.
Marina del Rey is an unincorporated community of Los Angeles County and is served by the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department (Marina del Rey Station), along with county fire and harbor patrol services. Most residential streets feel comfortable for evening walks, especially around the marina paths and main apartment communities, though it’s still smart to follow normal big-city precautions and secure vehicles and bikes.
Schools and Education
Marina del Rey itself is small, so families often look at a mix of nearby public and private schools in surrounding neighborhoods like Del Rey, Playa del Rey, Venice, and Westchester. The area is primarily served by the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD).
Nearby options include:
- Marina del Rey Middle School & Performing Arts Magnet – A LAUSD campus in the Del Rey area that serves many students from Marina del Rey and nearby communities.
- Paseo del Rey Natural Science Magnet and Playa del Rey Elementary – Elementary schools in Playa del Rey that attract families from the Westside coastline.
- Additional elementary, middle, and high schools – Families also consider schools in Venice, Mar Vista, and Westchester, as well as private and charter options depending on commute and preferences.
If you’re moving to Marina del Rey with kids, it’s a good idea to check school boundaries, magnet programs, and waitlists early in your relocation planning.
Transportation and Parking
Getting around Marina del Rey is a mix of walking, biking, and driving. Many residents can walk to restaurants, marinas, and waterfront paths, but most still rely on a car for errands and commuting. Parking in larger apartment and condo complexes is usually structured or garage-based, and visitor parking can get tight on weekends and during events.
For car-free options, residents use:
- Local bus lines – Regional bus systems connect Marina del Rey to Culver City, Santa Monica, and other Westside hubs.
- Marina del Rey WaterBus (seasonal) – In the summer, an affordable WaterBus operates on weekends and select days, connecting multiple stops around the marina by boat for a low per-ride fare (often around $1).
- Bike and scooter routes – The coastal bike path, local lanes, and shared scooters offer a convenient way to reach Venice, Playa del Rey, and nearby beach neighborhoods.
When you plan your move, it’s important to confirm building rules for parking permits, loading zones, and elevator reservations for the moving day.
Employment and Commute
Marina del Rey works well as a “home base” for many Westside professionals. A large share of residents work in nearby tech, media, entertainment, and startup hubs in Venice, Playa Vista (Silicon Beach), Santa Monica, and Culver City, as well as at LAX and along major commercial corridors.
Typical commute times from Marina del Rey can range from:
- About 10–20 minutes to Playa Vista or Culver City in light traffic
- A short drive or bike ride to Venice and Santa Monica
- Roughly 15–25 minutes to LAX, depending on time of day
For many people relocating to Marina del Rey, the trade-off is higher housing costs in exchange for shorter commutes and quick access to both work and the beach.
Festivals and Community Events
Marina del Rey may feel smaller and quieter than some neighboring cities, but it still has a full calendar of waterfront events that residents look forward to every year.
- Marina del Rey Summer Concert Series – Free outdoor concerts at Burton Chace Park during the summer, featuring a mix of symphonic performances and popular music with views of the harbor.
- Holiday Boat Parade – In December, boats decorated with lights and holiday themes parade through the marina, drawing crowds to Burton Chace Park, Fisherman’s Village, and waterfront restaurants.
- Fourth of July Fireworks – A major fireworks show over the water, visible from parks, beaches, and the harbor area, is a long-running Marina del Rey tradition.
- Seasonal waterfront events – Pop-up markets, outdoor movie nights, boating events, and fitness gatherings round out the community calendar.
If you’re planning a move to Marina del Rey, these events offer an easy way to meet neighbors, get to know the marina paths and parks, and start feeling at home in the community.
Still exploring your options along the Westside? If you’re also considering Santa Monica, check out our guide Moving to Santa Monica: Lifestyle, Costs, and Tips (2025 Guide) to compare coastal living, prices, and everyday life before you decide where to move.
Resident Testimonials: Why People Love Living in Marina del Rey
For many residents, moving to Marina del Rey feels like a lifestyle upgrade — closer to the water, outdoor activities, and the Westside, without giving up everyday convenience.
“I moved from an inland neighborhood in Los Angeles, and living by the marina has completely changed my routine. I can walk to coffee, bike along the beach path, and watch the sunset over the harbor almost every evening. Moving to Marina del Rey was one of the best decisions I’ve made.”
– Alex P., Marina del Rey Resident
“We chose Marina del Rey because we wanted a calmer home base but still needed to be close to Culver City and Playa Vista for work. The commute is manageable, and on weekends we’re out on the water or walking around Fisherman’s Village. It feels like a small coastal town right next to the city.”
– Priya & Daniel, Young Professionals
“After downsizing from a larger house, we were nervous about moving to an apartment. But our building has great amenities, covered parking, and we can stroll along the marina every morning. Moving to Marina del Rey let us simplify our life without feeling like we were giving anything up.”
– Maria & Luis, Empty Nesters
Who Should Consider Moving to Marina del Rey?
Moving to Marina del Rey makes the most sense for people who want coastal living, modern amenities, and easy access to the Westside without being right in the middle of a busy tourist zone.
- Singles and Couples: Ideal for those who want a relaxed, coastal lifestyle with nearby restaurants, waterfront walks, and quick access to Venice, Santa Monica, and Playa Vista.
- Remote and Hybrid Professionals: Great for people who work from home or split time between the office and home, and want to balance workdays with walks by the marina or bike rides on the beach path.
- Tech and Creative Professionals: Convenient for workers in Playa Vista, Culver City, Venice, and Santa Monica who want a shorter commute plus an active, outdoorsy lifestyle.
- Affluent Renters and Condo Buyers: If you’re willing to pay more for location and amenities, you’ll find modern apartments, condo buildings, pools, gyms, and marina views.
- Frequent Travelers: Being relatively close to LAX makes Marina del Rey attractive for people who fly often for work or leisure.
Families can enjoy the area’s safety, parks, and waterfront access, but may need to look at nearby neighborhoods for a wider range of school options and larger single-family homes.
Still deciding if moving to Marina del Rey is the right choice, or wondering whether nearby communities might fit you better? Check out our comparison guide Moving to El Segundo or Playa Vista: Pros and Cons to Help You Decide to see how these Westside neighborhoods stack up for commuting, lifestyle, and budget.
Final Thoughts: Should You Move to Marina del Rey?
Choosing to move to Marina del Rey means embracing a coastal lifestyle built around the water, outdoor living, and convenient access to the rest of the Westside. It’s a place where you can finish work and be walking along the marina or biking by the ocean a few minutes later. Compared to nearby tourist-heavy areas, Marina del Rey feels more relaxed and residential, while still keeping you close to Venice, Santa Monica, Playa Vista, and LAX.
At the same time, it’s important to recognize the trade-offs: the cost of living is high, many homes are apartments or condos rather than single-family houses, and parking or traffic can still be challenging at peak times. For people who value space over location, inland neighborhoods might be a better fit. But if you want everyday access to the harbor, bike paths, and beach without giving up city convenience, the advantages of Marina del Rey often outweigh the drawbacks.
For young professionals, remote workers, couples, and anyone who enjoys an active, outdoor lifestyle, moving to Marina del Rey can feel like a major upgrade. The key is to plan carefully—understand your budget, compare buildings and amenities, and think through commute times and parking before you sign a lease.
That’s where we come in. At SQ Moving Company, we’ve been helping people move across the Westside and into Marina del Rey since 2012. Our professional movers know how to work with waterfront buildings, elevators, parking garages, and HOA or building requirements like Certificates of Insurance. We offer a full range of moving services—residential, apartment, office, same-day, and white-glove moves—so your transition is as smooth and stress-free as possible. If you’ve decided that Marina del Rey is your next home base, our team is here to help you settle in with confidence.
