Venice and Santa Monica are on the border of each other. Last Friday I spent the night at the home of my high school room mate. He lives on the walkway next to the sand in Venice (i.e. boardwalk). Very, very nice with the ocean and all. Not long ago they had a homeless problem right there on the sand. That has all been cleaned up. Lots of characters on bikes (electric and pedal), roller skates, bare feet, scooters, The most eclectic group of people you will ever see.. A center for art, food, beach, surfing, sailing-very healthy place to live. You will often see celebrities skating down the board walk. Also expensive because close to central business district of L.A..
Santa Monica not quite as eclectic and quite a bit more "staid". Great shopping and restaurants .
Both considered "west L.A." and have a considerable liberal bent to their politics if that is important to one. However, both are expensive areas to live in. I enjoy very much going there but likely could not afford the type of home I'm accustomed to.
Best part for me in Venice is that they don't enforce dog laws re leashes, etc. Your dog can have freedom to run on the beach and swim in the ocean notwithstanding leash laws and most people are adults when it comes to cleaning up dog poop.
