“All I need are palm trees and a little piece of paradise.”
About Santa Barbara
A combined population of approximately 140,000 gives Santa Barbara, Goleta and Carpinteria a lifestyle neither immense nor monotonous. A harbor, commuter train station and a regional airport provide many options for traveling to and from the area, while Los Angeles is a mere 90 miles south. Picturesque vineyards lie just over the hills and a wild backcountry offers much opportunity for exploration and adventure. A plethora of parks, historical landmarks, multiple museums and performance venues deliver leisure and entertainment, while a mixture of casual cuisine and world class restaurants make this city one of the premier places to reside in the world. Santa Barbara boasts exceptional public and private schools, a top ranked university, an acclaimed city college, several graduate institutes, and the largest medical center on the central coast.
Neighborhoods
Downtown Santa Barbara
Downtown is where the action can be found. It offers access to some of the city’s finest restaurants, shops, and cultural attractions. There is a vibrant arts scene with many theaters, galleries, museums and music venues. An eclectic mix of condos, bungalows and Victorians offer entry to city living where residents can walk or ride bikes to festivals and farmer’s markets.
What to Expect: Walkability to just about anything.
The Market: Condos, bungalows, and historic Victorians.
Public Schools:
Riviera
Closely resembling the Mediterranean coasts of France and Italy, this neighborhood is why Santa Barbara has become known as the “American Riviera.” Red-tiled rooftop homes sit along the hillsides with the mountains as the backdrop and the vast ocean in front. Peaceful and sunny, the Riviera is quintessential Santa Barbara.
What to Expect: Phenomenal views, narrow and winding streets.
The Market: 1920’s Spanish architecture mixed with mid-century modern.
Public Schools:
Mission Canyon
Tucked away in a valley, or canyon, just north of downtown, the homes here enjoy the shade of the tall, mature trees and peaceful privacy. Mission Canyon offers spectacular mountain and ocean views and access to outstanding hiking trails. It is home to the Santa Barbara Botanical Gardens and The Museum of Natural History.
What to Expect: Phenomenal views, narrow and winding streets.
The Market: 1920’s Spanish architecture mixed with mid-century modern.
Public School:
Upper East
Located east of upper State Street, this neighborhood is located below the Riviera and Mission Canyon. Because the topography is relatively flat, the Upper East is a great walking neighborhood. Homes in this area are large, impressive, and sought after. Sopping with character and intrigue, this neighborhood is in close proximity to downtown’s shops and restaurants.
What to Expect: Flat and walkable streets, embellished yards, peaceful parks.
The Market: Large, impressive and intricate homes.
Public Schools:
Mesa
Close to the beach and perched above the city with incredible ocean and mountain views, the Mesa offers easy access for those interested in taking advantage of Santa Barbara’s outdoor activities. Beaches, parks, bike and running paths will keep you on your feet.
What to Expect: Great views and outdoor living.
The Market: Beach cottages and mid-century homes.
Public Schools:
Washington Elementary School
Monroe Elementary School
McKinley Elementary School
San Roque
Just north of downtown, San Roque is an ideal choice for families. Schools and parks are within walking distance as well as the many shops and restaurants on upper State St. San Roque tends to have a slightly warmer and drier climate due to its more inland location.
What to Expect: Peaceful living in a central location.
The Market: Charming 1930’s and 1940’s homes with good-sized yards.
Public School:
Samarkand
Just across State Street from San Roque, Samarkand is a small neighborhood that flies under the radar due to its location and low amount of traffic. It is quiet, safe, and offers views of the foothills. Ideally located in a central location, schools and shops are just down the road.
What to Expect: Low through traffic and underground utilities.
The Market: Charming 1930’s and 1940’s homes with good-sized yards.
Public School:
West Side
State Street cuts the city of Santa Barbara into east and west halves, with the Westside enjoying the plush oceanfront property and backs up to the Mesa to the north. The Westside is more dense than other areas in Santa Barbara, but its residents enjoy peaceful living in the most diverse area with close proximity to the beach, downtown, and the esteemed Santa Barbara City College.
What to Expect: Neighborhood living close to the beach, downtown and the Mesa.
The Market: Charming 1930’s and 1940’s bungalows.
Public School:
Goleta
Goleta, The Good Land. 10 miles west of downtown Santa Barbara, Goleta was initially settled as orchards, citrus groves, and working ranches. The area has developed rapidly since the 1950’s and is a very desirable place to work and live. In addition to many technology and engineering headquarters, Goleta is home to UCSB, the Santa Barbara Airport, and outdoor spaces including the Ellwood monarch butterfly grove. Goleta has its own farmer’s market, hospital, and many options for shopping and dining near each of its suburban neighborhoods.
What to Expect: Excellent public schools, golf courses, parks, beaches and bike paths.
The Market: Modest single family homes, newer condo and townhome developments.
Public Schools:
Brandon, El Camino, Ellwood, Foothill, Hollister, Isla Vista, Kellogg, La Patera, Mountain View, Goleta Family School
Montecito
Located a few minutes south of downtown Santa Barbara, Montecito is one of California’s most esteemed neighborhoods. The community is quiet and picturesque with an abundance of natural assets such as Butterfly Beach, hiking trails and tree-lined streets. The upper and lower villages offer fine-dining and upscale shopping, while the Santa Ynez Mountains serve as a scenic background as well as a natural boundary limiting development.
What to Expect: Privacy at home and peaceful living in the charming villages.
The Market: Gated estates on large lots mixed with beach bungalows and quaint neighborhoods near the coast.
Public Schools:
Summerland
Tucked between Montecito and Carpinteria, and only 5 miles from downtown Santa Barbara, lies the tiny beach community of Summerland. The geography here is dominated by coastal cliffs and hillsides that allow most residences unobstructed views of the Pacific Ocean and Channel Islands. Antique stores, bed and breakfasts, art galleries and cafes line the main street. Quiet and laid-back, this hidden gem is a great place to unwind.
What to Expect: Phenomenal views and charming shops.
The Market: Cape Cod cottages to expansive oceanfront estates.
Public School:
Carpinteria
Ten miles south of Santa Barbara, Carpinteria is a beach community known for its great surfing and laid-back atmosphere. The main street, Linden Ave., offers specialty shopping, cafes, and restaurants that range from casual to fine dining. The beaches here are wider than their Santa Barbara counterparts and the surfing is legendary, especially at Rincon Point.
What to Expect:
The Market: Modest neighborhood homes and condos juxtaposed with mansions on the beach at Padaro lane.
Public Schools: