where should i live in santa barbara

Our Top Five Favorite Spots To Live In The Santa Barbara Area

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What are the pros and cons of living in Santa Barbara?

• Pros of Living in Santa Barbara Amazing Variety of Scenery Spanish Influence Outdoor Fun Perfect Climate Exceptional Higher Educational Opportunities
• Cons of Living in Santa Barbara High Cost of Living Water Rationing Wild Fires Oil and Tar Beaches
• Related Questions How safe is Santa Barbara? Will I see celebrities in Santa Barbara? ...

What is it like to live in Santa Barbara California?

Santa Barbara is an easy, breezy coastal city on the southern coast of California. Generally, Santa Barbara is a safe and beautiful city, home to college students and long-standing residents alike.

What are fun things to do in Santa Barbara California?

Things to Do in Santa Barbara with Kids

1. Santa Barbara County Courthouse. Once you get to the top, there are spectacular views of downtown Santa Barbara, the beautiful lawn and dow ...
2. Santa Barbara Zoo. Enjoyed our afternoon at the zoo. ...
3. Old Mission Santa Barbara. ...
4. Shoreline Park. ...
5. Cabrillo Bike Path
6. Arroyo Burro County Beach Park. ...
7. Santa Barbara Harbor. ...
8. Stearns Wharf. ...

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How far is Santa Barbara from Tustin?

Tustin is located in United States with (33.7459,-117.8262) coordinates and Santa Barbara is located in United States with (34.4208,-119.6982) coordinates. The calculated flying distance from Tustin to Santa Barbara is equal to 117 miles which is equal to 188 km.

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What is the best area in Santa Barbara?

The 7 Best Neighborhoods in Santa Barbara for TouristsWest Beach. The most popular place to stay in Santa Barbara is the neighborhood of West Beach, a wide but short swathe of sand hemmed in between Santa Barbara Harbor and Stearns Wharf. ... East Beach. ... Funk Zone. ... Downtown. ... Haley Corridor. ... Montecito. ... Goleta.

Is Santa Barbara California a good place to live?

Nestled near the Santa Ynez Mountains on the central coast of California lies the flourishing city of Santa Barbara. Often referred to as the “American Riviera,” Santa Barbara is a good place to live and was even ranked as the 7th best place to live in the United States in terms of quality of life.

Is living in Santa Barbara worth it?

It's known for its Spanish-style architecture, stunning beaches, and extensive wine country. The cost of living in Santa Barbara is high, but the city has excellent public schools and a variety of cultural attractions, including museums, theaters, and festivals.

How much do you need to make to live in Santa Barbara?

Typical Expenses1 ADULT2 ADULTS (1 WORKING)0 Children0 ChildrenOther$4,748$7,080Required annual income after taxes$41,113$59,368Annual taxes$11,562$17,9847 more rows

Is rent in Santa Barbara expensive?

The most expensive neighborhoods in Santa Barbara are Santa Barbara Downtown, where the average 1-bedroom apartment rent goes for $5,900, Upper State, where renters pay $3,545 on average for a 1-bedroom apartment, and Downtown Santa Barbara, where the average 1-bedroom apartment rent goes for $2,850.

What is it really like to live in Santa Barbara?

Santa Barbara is hip and trendy, and has quick access to incredible surfing to boot. Besides being an amazing place to live it is well known for its beaches, resorts and many activities that draw tourists from around the world.

Do any celebrities live in Santa Barbara?

Tom Cruise, Jennifer Lopez, Steven Spielberg, Whoopi Goldberg, Kevin Costner, and Oprah Winfrey are just a few of the Hollywood heavyweights to call Santa Barbara home.

How expensive is it to live in Santa Barbara?

Family of four estimated monthly costs are 5,516$ without rent. A single person estimated monthly costs are 1,512$ without rent. Santa Barbara is 10.69% more expensive than New York (without rent)....Cost of Living in Santa Barbara.RestaurantsEditBasic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 915 sq ft Apartment219.69$65 more rows

Can I live in Santa Barbara without a car?

Travelers won't miss having a car at all during their stay in Santa Barbara thanks to the city's pleasant walkable and rideable neighborhoods, the abundance of public transportation options (trains, pedicabs, trolley, etc.), the proximity of the Amtrak station to the beach, and the wealth of information provided by ...

Why is Santa Barbara famous?

Santa Barbara is best known for its broad, sandy beaches, and whether you're looking to catch the perfect wave or the perfect sunset, there are plenty from which to choose.

Why is Santa Barbara called the American Riviera?

Santa Barbara is known as The American Riviera® thanks to its Spanish Colonial Revival architecture, rich heritage, world-renowned food and wine scene, stunning natural beauty and near-perfect weather.

Why is there tar on Santa Barbara beaches?

Although tarballs can indicate an oil spill, Santa Barbara's persistent and significant beach tar accumulation arises almost entirely from natural sources – the COP marine hydrocarbon seep field which has been active for at least half a million years. Tarball on the sand.

Is it safe to live in Santa Barbara?

While Santa Barbara's crime rate is higher than the national average, it's actually quite low when compared to other major California cities like Los Angeles and San Diego. In fact, Santa Barbara's violent crime rate is nearly 50% lower than Los Angeles.

How expensive is it to live in Santa Barbara?

Family of four estimated monthly costs are 5,516$ without rent. A single person estimated monthly costs are 1,512$ without rent. Santa Barbara is 10.69% more expensive than New York (without rent)....Cost of Living in Santa Barbara.RestaurantsEditBasic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 915 sq ft Apartment219.69$65 more rows

What is the crime rate in Santa Barbara California?

Santa Barbara Annual CrimesViolentTotalNumber of Crimes4122,954Crime Rate (per 1,000 residents)4.6533.32

Who lives in Santa Barbara California?

Today, the American Riviera remains a favorite of the rich and famous. Tom Cruise, Jennifer Lopez, Steven Spielberg, Whoopi Goldberg, Kevin Costner, and Oprah Winfrey are just a few of the Hollywood heavyweights to call Santa Barbara home.

Where is the best place to stay in Santa Barbara?

East Beach is my top pick. This is a really cool area of the city, with loads to do for visitors and locals. It is a great spot to appreciate the f...

Which is the best area to stay for wine in Santa Barbara?

Montecito has the best selection of wine bars and tasting. Downtown also has loads of fun places to visit for incredible wine. You won't struggle t...

Where is good to stay in Santa Barbara on a budget?

We recommend Downtown. This area offers all the incredible architecture, food and history of a great city and it has the most cheap accommodation o...

What are the best hotels in Santa Barbara?

Here's our 3 favourite hotels in Santa Barbara:- Casa Del Mar Inn- Palmoro House- The Presidio

How much higher is the cost of living in Santa Barbara?

Compared to the rest of the country, Santa Barbara's cost of living is 123.4% higher than the U.S. average. More Cost of Living or Compare Santa Barbara's Cost of Living

What is the most pleasant month in Santa Barbara?

Small-city complex/College town - Central California coast, 90 miles northwest of Los Angeles. August, July and September are the most pleasant months in Santa Barbara, while January and February are the least comfortable months.

Is Santa Barbara inland or north?

Santa Barbara is on a narrow coastal plain that spreads east-west, while Santa Maria and Lompoc are located inland and to the north, respectively.

Is Santa Barbara more expensive than other cities in California?

The climate is exceptional, and the small-town ambience and attractiveness is well preserved compared to other California locations. The high Cost of Living and average home price statistically represent the whole county, but Santa Barbara is assuredly more expensive.

Is Santa Maria agricultural?

Educational attainment is notably high. Santa Maria, 15 miles inland, is primarily agricultural but is growing as a residential and minor commercial center. Lompoc, on a hilly projection into the Pacific known as Point Conception, contains the Vandenberg Air Force Base, a major coastal military installation and testing facility. Lompoc has started to emerge as an attractive residential alternative to tony Santa Barbara.

Is Lompoc a city in Santa Barbara?

The three major cities in Santa Barbara County, two named in the metro area, and the other one, Lompoc, no longer in the name, offer a highly contrasting set of places to live. Coastal Santa Barbara is the center of the “California Riviera”—an area of mild climate, beautiful coastline, Mediterranean architecture, laid-back ambience, and affluence. The University of California at Santa Barbara, about 10 miles north, brings a college town element without dominating town life.

Does Santa Barbara have a winter storm?

The southerly orientation of Santa Barbara and the inland location of the other cities provide shelter from strong Pacific storms in winter. Santa Maria is far enough inland to experience below-freezing temperatures several times in winter. Most precipitation occurs in winter.

Who lives in Santa Barbara, CA?

The Santa Barbara metro area attracts a mix of families, retirees and college students, as well as recent graduates (though high rents often prevent younger residents from living in Santa Barbara proper). The area is also home to a large Hispanic community, and Spanish is often heard on the streets.

What to do on the beach in Santa Barbara?

Along the beachfront, residents can bike, run, kayak, surf, play beach volleyball or stroll out onto Stearns Wharf, a historic wooden pier dotted with shops, restaurants and the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History Sea Center, an interactive marine education facility.

What are the most popular events in Santa Barbara?

Popular annual events include the Summer Solstice Celebration, Old Spanish Days Fiesta, the Santa Barbara International Film Festival and the I Madonnari Italian Street Painting Festival held on the grounds of Old Mission Santa Barbara, often called the "Queen of the Missions.".

How many blocks of pedestrian walkways are there in Santa Barbara?

To promote the use of alternative forms of transportation, Santa Barbara has made the downtown State Street area more pedestrian-friendly, with 10 blocks of pedestrian walkway between Sola and Gutierrez Streets in the heart of the city's entertainment district.

Where to go for wine tasting in Santa Ynez Valley?

Outside the immediate area, residents can hike, camp and go wine tasting in the Santa Ynez Valley. Solvang, the Danish-style village, is a popular day trip locale, as is the town of Goleta, thanks to its indoor ice skating rink, aptly named Ice in Paradise.

Is Santa Barbara a big city?

Santa Barbara isn't nearly as large as nearby Los Angeles, but it offers the cultural amenities of a bigger metro area. Downtown Santa Barbara features Mediterranean-style stucco buildings with red tile roofs, reflecting the city's Spanish colonial heritage. That motif, especially the red tile roofs, is visible throughout the city. The area welcomes hundreds of visitors during annual events such as the Summer Solstice Celebration, the Santa Barbara International Film Festival and the Old Spanish Days Fiesta.

Is Santa Barbara a moderate climate?

With its unique east-west coastline and south-facing beaches, Santa Barbara enjoys a moderate climate. However, in late spring and summer, the city experiences "June gloom," when weather patterns create fog that sweeps in from the ocean, making mornings and early afternoons gray and dreary until it fizzles out late in the day.

Is Santa Barbara a good place to stay?

It's a nice place to stay just 15 minutes away from the beautiful downtown Santa Barbara. Though the town is pretty residential and only has one or two large shopping areas, each place proves to have a warm inviting feeling. Everyone is friendly and trucking along with life too.

Is crime in Carpinteria low?

Crime is extremely low compared to other areas of the country. Police in Carpinteria are usually not extremely visible, however they tend to be more present in Santa Barbara which is approximately ten minutes away. Read 4 Reviews.

Neighborhoods in Santa Barbara

There are different cities and neighborhoods to live in within Santa Barbara County. Some of the most common neighborhoods for SBCC students are The Mesa, Downtown, Goleta, and Isla Vista.

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What is the best place to live in Santa Barbara?

Riviera. One of Santa Barbara’s most sought-after neighborhoods, Riviera gives residents access to the Mediterranean good life with its large, gorgeous Spanish-style homes and relaxed, easy-breezy vibe.

What is Santa Barbara known for?

Thanks to a temperate Mediterranean climate, relaxed vibes, and coastal and mountain views complete with a selection of local wineries, Santa Barbara earns its nickname as “The American Riviera”. Folks who live here have the privilege of spending their free time surfing in the Pacific, hiking mountain trails, biking winding paths, ...

How many square miles is Santa Barbara?

Even though Santa Barbara is small — just 21 square miles — the city’s handful of neighborhoods offer different experiences with their own pros, cons, and sense of community. With that in mind, we’ve taken a closer look at our top five neighborhoods in Santa Barbara to give you the lowdown on vibe, location, who your neighbors would be, activities, ...

Is Santa Barbara a fire risk?

While the plentiful trees and vegetation keep residents close to nature, the neighborhood itself can feel slightly removed from the rest of Santa Barbara (a pro for some), and the fire risk is very real.

Is Isla Vista bike friendly?

There are also a lot of parks, and Isla Vista is a very bike-friendly community. Pro Tip: Start your search here early to get the best selection and avoid the rush just before the start of the school year. Old Mission Santa Barbara.

Is it too early to move to Santa Barbara?

Planning Your Move To Santa Barbara. With any kind of move, it’s never too early to start planning, even if it’s just doing research. And because no two moves are the same, finding a flexible, personable, and customizable moving service is key.

What to do in Santa Barbara?

Take a hike. Hiking is a favorite pastime in Santa Barbara, where getting the blood pumping in your legs is rewarded with gorgeous views and fresh coastal air. Some top trails at different difficulty levels include the Arroyo Burro Beach Loop (easy), Inspiration Point (moderate), and Tangerine Falls Trail (hard).

Where to spend a sunny afternoon in Santa Barbara?

While admittedly a bit more of a tourist activity, Downtown Santa Barbara’s State Street La Arcada Plaza is still a popular way to spend a sunny afternoon — especially if you enjoy shopping at boutiques, people watching, or soaking in the bustling atmosphere. Screen films at the Santa Barbara Film Festival.

How many days of sunshine does Santa Barbara have?

The stellar weather in Santa Barbara. Temperatures typically range from the mid-40s to the mid-70s. Boasting 300 days of sunshine a year, you have ample opportunity to take advantage of all the outdoor activities and events throughout the city.

How many people will live in Santa Barbara in 2020?

In 2020, nearly 450,000 people called the Santa Barbara metro area home, while the city of Santa Barbara’s population reached roughly 92,000. Santa Barbara gets big love for such a small town; the city encompasses only a little more than 21 square miles of land . Even though Santa Barbara is a college town, it’s also popular with retirees, ...

Where to take dogs in Santa Barbara?

Arroyo Burro Beach. Known as Hendry’s Beach to the locals, this is Santa Barbara’s premier dog-friendly beach. There’s even a DIY dog-washing station set up in the parking lot, so you can get all the sand and salt water off your pooch before heading home. 3.

Where is Isla Vista?

This is where you want to be. Located next to the University of California at Santa Barbara (UCSB) campus, Isla Vista is pretty much exclusively for college cohorts. With that in mind, expect budget-conscious businesses and a very social vibe — oh, and it’s close to the beach, of course! Mission Canyon.

Is Santa Barbara expensive?

Okay, real talk: Santa Barbara is expensive. In fact, it’s one of the most expensive cities in Central California. According to Payscale, the cost of living in Santa Barbara is 100% higher than the national average — ouch!

Santa Barbara, CA Population & Demographics

The city of Santa Barbara has a population of 91,357 distributed out over 19.5 miles at a population density of about 4,600 people per square mile. The median age here is 37.6, which is marginally greater than the California average of 37.

Santa Barbara, CA Crime

Thinking about moving to this community, but wondering if Santa Barbara is a safe place to live? Crime-wise, Santa Barbara, although in a better spot than most large California cities, doesn’t hold up great, according to Areavibes.

Cost of Living in Santa Barbara, CA

If you’re moving to Santa Barbara with the expectation that it won’t be a weight on your wallet, turn back now! T he cost of living here is 123% higher on average than other places in America, according to Bestplaces.

Santa Barbara, CA Transportation

Need to know how to get around Santa Barbara? As previously mentioned, Santa Barbara is cut in half by Route 101, which leads directly to Los Angeles or San Francisco, depending on whether you take it north or south.

Santa Barbara, CA Schools & Colleges

Living in Santa Barbara, you’ll be served chiefly by the Santa Barbara Unified Public School District. The district is home to more than 14,000 students and 24 schools, of which 30% are rated as Above Average, according to GreatSchools.

Santa Barbara, CA Climate & Weather

Santa Barbara’s beauty and community draw in plenty of people, sure, but its weather is another big factor. The widely beloved California weather is here in full force! You can expect lows of 43 degrees Fahrenheit during the winter months, and highs of 73 degrees Fahrenheit during the summer months, and the beaches are open and popular year round.

Best Neighborhoods in Santa Barbara, CA

Santa Barbara’s neighborhoods are widely renowned as an integral part of SB’s charm and vibrant community. No matter which of Santa Barbara’s beautiful sub-communities you choose to live within, you’ll have a great time. Check out some of your neighborhood options below:

Where to go for a hike in Santa Barbara?

Santa Barbara's location between Santa Ynez Mountains and the Pacific Ocean offers a host of recreation opportunities for retirees. The mountains provide some of the best hiking in the state, with trails for both the novice and experienced hiker, and several outfitters offer guided hikes for seniors. The Santa Barbara portion of the California Coastal Trail stretches from the Arroyo Burro Estuary to the end of East Beach and the Andrée Clark Bird Refuge. The trail system is popular with walkers, cyclers and equestrians and is even wheelchair accessible. The waters off the Santa Barbara coastline are perfect for sailing, sea kayaking, paddleboarding or surfing. Stearns Wharf is a great place to whale watch – or people watch. Bicycling is not only a good form of exercise but is also a popular means of transportation with dozens of bike paths and trails crisscrossing the city.

What is the Santa Barbara Bowl?

The Santa Barbara Bowl amphitheater hosts outdoor concerts and offers spectacular views of the mountain canyon. Santa Barbara also boasts a symphony orchestra and opera company, which hold performances throughout the year, and the parks and recreation department sponsors free concerts in Chase Palm Park every Thursday in July. Residents also enjoy a full calendar of festivals, including the annual Old Spanish Days-Santa Barbara Fiesta in August, which celebrates the city’s Spanish heritage, and the Santa Barbara Arts and Crafts Show.

What is the Valle Verde community?

Valle Verde is one of 34 senior living communities in Santa Barbara. Monroe says an important contributor to the city's vibrant arts and culture scene is the University of California Santa Barbara which hosts free lectures, performances and film screenings as well as continuing education classes through its Extension office. Santa Barbara is home to the Arlington Theatre, which hosts the annual Santa Barbara International Film Festival; the Lobero Theatre, which hosts smaller concerts; and the Granada Theater downtown.

Is it easy to be outdoors in Santa Barbara?

"It is very easy to be outdoors and active in Santa Barbara because there are many beautiful parks, beaches, hiking and horse riding trails," Grubb says. "Beautiful, safe beaches and mountains make for a stunning backdrop and great playground for the active senior adult."

Is Santa Barbara warmer than California?

The ocean breezes rising off the Pacific help moderate temperatures in Santa Barbara. Summers are cooler and winters much warmer than California's more inland communities. Temperatures average in the high 60s in the winter and rarely rise above the 70s in summer. The city's climate mimics that of cities in the Mediterranean region of Europe, and thus Santa Barbara has been dubbed "The American Riviera." The mild temperatures make it easy for seniors to be outdoors and stay active.

Is Santa Barbara a good place to retire?

Despite the hefty price tag – Santa Barbara ‘s cost of living is 122 percent higher than the national average – the city’s Mediterranean climate, diverse housing options and abundance of social and recreational activities for seniors combine to make Santa Barbara one of the top places to retire.

Is Santa Barbara a non profit?

Santa Barbara boasts nearly 1,000 non-profit organizations – including the Central Coast Commission for Senior Citizens-Area Agency on Aging – which not only offer assistance to seniors in need but also give retirees opportunities to volunteer and become involved in philanthropic work and to socialize with others in the community. Research shows that seniors who are social and involved in their community have a lower risk of depression or other mental maladies and tend to have improved physical health.