I’ve only been to Santa Monica once — it doesn’t feel like it’s part of the real world to me. It’s too expensive for a representative sampling of people to live there — even with the homeless population.
OTOH, I live in a smaller town, in the oldest neighborhood, and it’s quiet, safe, walkable and affordable. Things within walking distance: Town square, courthouse, multiple bars/restaurants, grocery store, pharmacy, almost all county offices, all city offices, post office, schools and a major river. Oh, and several parks, but as we have a decent-sized yard (and kids are grown) we seldom visit those. My Dutch husband feels at home here.