M arina del Rey, California is a jewel of the Pacific Ocean. Located on the Los Angeles waterfront, Marina del Rey has the largest pleasure craft port in the world, housing slips and facilities for about 6,000 boats and yachts. The marina contains a variety of hotels and restaurants, as well as the USC Information Sciences Institute and ICANN, also known as the Center of the Internet. With nearly perfect year round weather, outdoor activities abound. This is a peaceful, affluent, yet close-knit community. Neighbors know one another and meet up at the numerous events offered throughout the town.

As a part of Los Angeles county, Marina del Rey supports a population of approximately 8,200 people. Residents average 39 years of age, with an average household income of about $69,000 and median home value of around $200,000. The town is in the heart of L.A.'s Westside between Los Angeles International Airport and Santa Monica. It is within walking distance of the eclectic and colorful Venice Beach area and a quick drive away from Beverly Hills.

Within the town itself, Marina Beach is a popular destination. It's known locally as Mother's Beach, due to the calm, shallow waters that make it a great place for little ones to splash around. Active residents take to the 26-mile long coastal path that stretches from Malibu to Palos Verdes. Whether you're training for a marathon, enjoying a leisurely bike ride, or sitting on a blanket for an afternoon of people watching, this boardwalk area is the heart of the beach community.

Dining options in Marina del Rey offer the best of Mexico and the Pacific Rim. Restaurants range from the absolute freshest seafoods to nationally recognized California cuisine, French, Italian, Japanese and Mexican. No matter which type of food you crave, you will almost always be able to dine on the water. In southern California tradition, dress is casual and thanks to the nearly perfect weather, you can dine al fresco year round. Marina del Rey has so many restaurants that serve outstanding champagne brunches that the city has become known as The Place for Sunday brunch, drawing diners from Los Angeles and beyond.

Marina del Rey provides an exciting array of activities for its residents and tourists alike. Parents like the library's Pajama Storytime, offered every Wednesday evening. Designed for preschool aged children, parents and children can watch puppet shows or listen to professionals tell the ultimate in bedtime stories. The Fisherman's Village Music Series is offered on Saturdays and Sundays, with live jazz, latin, pop, and blues concerts. In the summer, Burton Chace Park offers more free live music with its Classical Thursdays and Pop Saturdays programs.

Of course, with such a magnificent harbor, boating and watersports feature prominently in the town's recreation roster. The Sunset Series Sailboat races draws both participants and spectators to watch spectacular boats sail the harbor. The annual California Cup Regatta is celebrated for an entire weekend in May. The Tour of the Tall Ships offers a chance to learn about the lives and craft of 18th century sailors, complete with a battle reenactment.

Fishermen can take advantage of the many free fishing days, where no license is required to toss a line into the water. But serious anglers are drawn to the area for its sport fishing. The Mako for Dollars Shark Tournament invites teams to compete for $25,000 in cash and prizes for the largest Mako brought to the dock. For an even larger purse, the Santa Monica Bay Halibut Derby offers over $200,000 in prizes.

For some wacky fun in the sun, put a team together or simply watch the Gillis Volleyball Invitational, held in August. This event has been held for over thirty years, and brings over 600 players to compete in a volleyball tournament where all all of the competitors are dressed in costume. For those who want a more serious athletic competition, consider the L.A. County Marathon, which draws professionals and amateurs from around the world.

Marina del Rey is a peaceful, family-oriented enclave. The feel of the town more closely resembles the gently lapping waters at Mother's Beach than the nearby metropolis of Los Angeles. But this proximity offers residents world-class shopping and entertainment venues, while enjoying the far more simple life of a cozy community. If you are thinking of moving to Marina del Rey, California, our relocation packet is yours for the asking!