Santa Barbara, CA

Santa Barbara, CA, is undoubtedly one of the happiest places to live in the entire United States. Located on California’s Central Coast, the city boasts stunning natural beauty, a near-perfect temperate climate, beautiful sandy beaches, serene green spaces, and close proximity to popular coastal places such as Los Angeles. What’s more, you’ll be mesmerized by the rich heritage of the place, the spectacular Spanish Colonial Revival architecture, and the world-renowned food and wine scene.

If you’re moving to Santa Barbara, you’ll need to factor in the housing costs which substantially affect the cost of living there. The average home value in Santa Barbara is about $1.8 million. That translates to the median listing home price per square foot being $1,100. Of course, the home prices depend on whether it’s a single-family home, a townhouse, or a condo. The average time a house is on the real estate market in Santa Barbara is 56 days.

There are several reasons for the high square-footage cost. The city is much in demand and hosts affluent residents. Moreover, there are strict restrictions on newer development - further tipping the scale of the demand and supply model. That’s probably why most of the Santa Barbara residents are renters. The median monthly rent for a 700 square feet 1-bedroom apartment runs to about $2,550.

While finding affordable real estate or rental property can be challenging in Santa Barbara, it’s not impossible. You’ll need to do some due diligence and compare Santa Barbara home prices to other housing markets. And while you’re at it, you may want to find out the most valuable home features and design trends that the residents desire. And also find out about home improvement projects that fetch the highest return on investment (ROI).

City highlights

Santa Barbara may not be a huge metropolitan city like San Francisco or Los Angeles, but it has incredible charm. Away from the hustle and bustle of the bigger cities, this coastal town allows you to enjoy yourself at the beach, the amazing brunch spots, live entertainment venues, and top-rated restaurants. Santa Barbara residents enjoy an urban-suburban feel while being just a few hours away from the metro areas.

Geographic location

This small city is located along the Pacific Coast and is 97 miles northwest of Los Angeles. It lies between the steep Santa Ynez Mountains and the Pacific Ocean and faces the Santa Barbara Channel. The total area is just under 20 square miles of land.

Climate

The general climate of Santa Barbara County is like a mild Mediterranean-like climate - with warm, dry summers and cool, wet winters. Don’t be surprised to find most of the county’s rivers, creeks, and streams run dry during the summer months. You can expect an average of 283 sunny days throughout the year. That makes it the perfect weather for outdoor activities and surfing.

Demography

The city of Santa Barbara has a population of about 90,911. Even though it’s predominantly a college town, it appeals to retirees too. The median age of residents hovers around 39 years old. If you’re looking for quality of life, this is the place for you.

Cost of Living

Santa Barbara is one of the most expensive cities to live in in the country. In fact, the cost of living is almost 118% higher than the national average! Housing, health care, and food are expensive and contribute to the high cost of living. You can expect to spend around $5,647.3, excluding rent if you’re a family of four. A single person may have a monthly expenditure of $1,539.6, excluding rent.

However, the median household income is significantly higher too. In 2021, it was about $89,250 - almost $20,000 more than the national median household income. Keep in mind that the average salary may vary depending on the occupation, experience, and professional demand.

The income tax rate can be as high as 12.3% for those in the top income bracket.

Transportation

The city has pleasant bikeable and walkable neighborhoods and an abundance of public transportation options such as trains, pedicabs, and trolleys. Santa Barbara, CA has a walk score of 61.

Schools

Santa Barbara is home to the University of California - one of the top public universities in the United States. The stunning cliffside campus has its own beach! Another popular destination for students is Santa Barbara City College - a top-ranking community college in America.

For young families with small children, there are several top-notch elementary, middle, and high schools such as Montecito Union, Cold Spring Elementary, and Dos Pueblos Senior High School.

What is the city like?

When in Santa Barbara, don’t be surprised to find rich and famous neighbors such as Tom Cruise, Jennifer Lopez, Steven Spielberg, and Oprah Winfrey. The palm-lined beaches, the breathtaking mountain views, the gorgeous houses reflecting historic architecture, and the most beautiful sunsets make Santa Barbara a prized destination for many.

You can’t help but fall in love with “The American Riviera”. With top-notch schools, colleges, local amenities, and fantastic dining options, the city appeals to all ages. In fact, it has been ranked the 7th best place to live in the United States for offering a great quality of life.