We get a lot of DMs from families abroad. They’re sitting in Sydney or Stockholm or Singapore, scrolling through golden hour beach sunsets and kids on cargo bikes, wondering: “Could we actually do this?”

Short answer? Yes! But let's talk about what that actually looks like, beyond the influencer feeds and the doomscroll-y news. Because Venice is wild, it's wonderful, and it deserves more than surface level hot takes.

First, let's get real with some data. About 21% of Venice residents are foreign-born. Walk down Abbot Kinney on a Saturday morning and you'll hear French, Japanese, Mandarin, and a whole lot of Australian accents.

This isn't some random coincidence. Venice has become a legitimate expat hub for families who want the California dream, but with community, culture, and a vibe that feels less "LA sprawl" and more "global village by the sea."

Venice isn't Malibu. It's not pristine and polished. It's messy and magical in equal measure. Think street performers on the boardwalk, hair braiding stations, aspiring rappers handing you their latest track, a run club jogging past, and someone yelling in the distance for reasons that remain …unclear.

The lifestyle here is outdoor centric, creative, and active. Families spend weekends at the skate park, biking the boardwalk, or strolling through the canals (yes, Venice has actual canals, leftover from 1905 and absolutely Instagram worthy). There's surfing, paddleboarding, beach volleyball, and muscle beach if you're into that whole fitness-meets-people-watching scene.

But here's what expat families tell us they love most: the slowness. Even in a city as chaotic as LA, Venice has pockets of calm. It’s not slow like a small town. It’s slow like “let’s talk for 20 minutes outside the coffee shop while our kids scooter in circles.”

You're going to feel immediately at home. The beach culture, the coffee obsession, the laid-back-but-actually-very-ambitious energy? Venice gets it. You'll find other Aussie families at every park playdate, and yes, there are multiple spots serving proper flat whites. The biggest adjustment? The lack of public transit (more on that in a sec) and the fact that "beach culture" here includes a lot more... performance art.

There's a strong French community here, and you'll find bilingual programs and French-speaking playgroups. The biggest culture shock? Portion sizes (everything is huge), the lack of walkability, and the very American approach to scheduling every single kid activity. But the farmers' markets, the emphasis on organic, and the creative energy? Chef's kiss.

You'll miss pub culture and the NHS (sorry, American healthcare is... meh). But you'll love the year round outdoor life and the fact that your kids can actually play outside in February. The British wit and dry humor fit right in with Venice's creative crowd.

The sustainable living culture here, composting, cargo bikes, farmer's markets, will feel familiar. The year round sunshine? That's the dream. The challenging bits? The lack of universal childcare, the expense (though you're probably used to high costs), and the fact that Venice's version of "lagom" is... not quite as balanced. But the outdoor preschools and nature-based education scene is strong.

Venice itself isn't as Asian centric as some LA neighborhoods but you're close to amazing resources. The schools are diverse, there are strong enrichment programs, and LA's incredible Asian food scene is a short drive away.

Grocery real talk: yes, there are Japanese markets nearby (think Mitsuwa or Nijiya)… but if you’re used to doing one big “everything” run the nearest full size Asian grocery store, 99 Ranch in Westwood, makes a full grocery run feel like a bit of a mission.

The biggest adjustment? The much more relaxed approach to academics in early childhood compared to what you might be used to, though plenty of families supplement with weekend programs.

If you’re moving here with school aged kids (or a preschooler who’s somehow already running your household), this is the part where a lot of expat parents go “what”?

The biggest “academic culture shock” on the Westside often isn’t the teachers (they’re great) or the kids (they’re resilient)… it’s the baseline your family is coming from.

A lot of families notice:

None of this is a value judgment, just your friendly heads up so you’re not blindsided at back to school night.

UK kids start Reception at 4, while US kids start Kindergarten at 5.

So when UK families arrive, it can feel like your kid is a full year “ahead” in early literacy and math, because they often are.

Real talk: early elementary in a US public school can feel more relaxed compared to the UK National Curriculum, and some kids end up repeating material they already covered.

Quick terminology translator (because this trips everyone up at least once):

Aussie families sometimes notice the first year can feel like revision, especially in math.

Australia has tended to outpace the US in math on PISA-style comparisons, and the curriculum is often more consistently structured across schools. Translation: your kid may look “ahead” on paper at first… while they’re also adjusting to a new classroom culture, new friendships, and new everything.

Nordic kids often start formal schooling later (around age 6 or 7), with a more play-based, holistic early approach.

When Scandinavian families land in LA, the biggest surprise is often the volume of standardized testing (and the overall “measure, track, assess” energy). The flip side: many Nordic kids catch up quickly, and then shine in independence, critical thinking, and literacy once they’re settled.

If you’re coming from an education culture where academic rigor starts early (and enrichment is just part of the plan), US early elementary can feel… chill.

Some families love that at first, more time for sports, arts, and sleep. Others feel uneasy and choose to supplement with after school or weekend programs. If that’s you: you’re not “that parent.” You’re just translating what “support” looks like in a new system.

A gentle note: it’s also totally okay if you don’t supplement. Kids do really well here in lots of different lanes, and there isn’t one “right” way to be a Westside school family.

Here's something that surprises people: Venice isn't just for the ultra wealthy. Yes, there are multimillion-dollar homes on the canals and tech millionaires buying up beach front real estate. But there are also longtime residents in rent-controlled apartments, artists in converted garages, and families making it work in more affordable pockets.

Real talk on costs:

But here's the thing: Venice has economic diversity that's increasingly rare in coastal California. You'll see kids from wildly different backgrounds at the same playground. The public schools reflect this mix. It's not perfectly harmonious, but it's real, and many families appreciate the socioeconomic diversity their kids grow up around.

This is the question we get most from families abroad: "But what about the homelessness? Is it safe?"

Here's the truth: Yes, Venice has visible unhoused neighbors. You will see people living in tents, in vehicles, or rough sleeping. It's a reality of living here, and it's part of the larger housing crisis across California.

But here's what the fear-mongering news coverage won't tell you:

Is it perfect? No. Will you see things that make you uncomfortable? Probably. But is it the apocalyptic hellscape portrayed on certain news channels? Absolutely not.

Most expat families we talk to say the reality is far less scary than the perception. They learn which blocks to avoid for morning walks, they teach their kids compassion and awareness, and they get involved in community efforts. It becomes part of the fabric of living here, not the defining feature.

Let's be honest: LA public transit is... not great. There's the Expo Line that connects to downtown (you still prob have to drive to Santa Monica to catch it) and some bus routes, but compared to most cities? It's rough.

But here's where Venice gets creative: cargo bike culture is huge. Venice has a Bike Score of 94, and you'll see families hauling two kids, groceries, and a dog in custom cargo bikes. The beach path stretches for miles. Streets have bike lanes (some better than others). Many families go car light or even car free for daily life.

The reality?

Okay, so we've covered the challenges. But let's talk about the magic: because there's a reason families from around the world keep choosing Venice.

It's the community. Venice Rising exists because this community actually shows up for each other. There are weekly newsletters (shameless plug: sign up here!), active Facebook groups, constant playdates, and a real sense that people look out for each other's kids.

It's the lifestyle. Your kids will grow up playing in the ocean, biking to get donuts, attending outdoor movie nights. They'll see incredible diversity: not just demographic, but creative, economic, and cultural. They'll think street performers and public art are just... normal.

It's the weather. This cannot be overstated. Year round outdoor life changes everything. February beach days. October picnics. No "cooped up winter blues."

It's the creativity. Venice attracts artists, entrepreneurs, makers, and dreamers. Your kids will absorb this creative energy. They'll think differently about what's possible.

It's the global village vibe. With 21% foreign-born residents, your family won't be the only expats figuring it out. There's a built-in community of people who get it.

We know Venice isn't for everyone. If you need pristine sidewalks, predictable routines, and zero grit? This might not be your spot. If you're looking for the "luxury LA" experience? Head to Manhattan Beach or Brentwood.

But if you want a place that's alive: where your kids will grow up with salt in their hair and sand in their shoes, where diversity isn't a buzzword but a daily reality, where creativity and community matter: then Venice might just be your people.

The expat families who thrive here are the ones who embrace the chaos, who find the beauty in the mess, who teach their kids resilience alongside wonder. They're the ones who see Venice not as a perfect destination, but as an imperfect, vibrant, occasionally chaotic, absolutely magical place

Ready to learn more? Check out our Venice Rising calendar for family events, or join our community to connect with other families (including lots of expats!) navigating life on the Westside.

We're here for the real talk, the practical tips, and the honest conversations. Welcome to Venice. It's wild, it's complicated, and we wouldn't want to raise our kids anywhere else.