Venice is a small beach community located west of downtown Los Angeles, just south of Santa Monica and north of Marina del Rey. Centrally located, Venice is 16 minutes to Los Angeles International Airport and 20 minutes to Beverly Hills and, although very close to major freeway access, most close-by areas are best reached by surface streets.
Originally developed in 1905 as 'Venice of America,' it offers a wide and diverse range of living opportunities ranging from stately Craftsman built just after the turn of the century and little 1920's California bungalows to avant-garde contemporary homes and loft-style residential studios.
Many of the neighborhoods of Venice are like smaller communities unto themselves, each with its own flavor and style. Many have active neighborhood groups, including organized neighborhood watch associations.