Hows the noise?

I assume you mean the noise from the Santa Monica Airport?

If so it is no big deal. Most people don't even notice that the airport is there. In LA in general traffic noise is more of a consideration if you are anywhere near any of the main arteries like Santa Monica Blvd. that is what you hear more of.

LAX is a different story. It is one of the things that makes El Segunda a bit of a drawback for folks. But when you are inside you house in say Mar Vista, I doubt you would even be aware that you near an airport.

That's my can of beans anyway.