Discover Santa Barbara: A Guide to Neighborhoods and Schools
Santa Barbara, nestled on the longest south-facing stretch of coastline on the West Coast of the United States, is perfectly positioned between the majestic Santa Ynez Mountains and the Pacific Ocean. Renowned as the "American Riviera" for its Spanish Colonial architecture, balmy Mediterranean climate, and stunning ocean views, Santa Barbara stands out as a premier resort destination.
The city boasts world-class accommodations and dining, with over 400 restaurants to choose from. Its lively downtown, urban wine trail, and breathtaking hiking spots are complemented by water sports, a historic harbor, and sparkling beaches, making Santa Barbara a magnet for tourists. Home to 88,665 residents who are deeply engaged in their community, environment, and local businesses, Santa Barbara is celebrated for its high quality of life and active lifestyle.
The city’s calendar is packed with events year-round, including festivals like Old Spanish Days and the International Film Festival, as well as cultural events at its beautiful theaters. Regular concerts at the Santa Barbara Bowl, set against awe-inspiring views, are a major draw. Additionally, Santa Barbara is home to top educational institutions, including the University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB) and City College. With convenient rail transportation, a 2-hour drive from Los Angeles, and a nearby airport, Santa Barbara is easily accessible from anywhere in the world.
Each neighborhood in Santa Barbara adds its own unique flavor to the city’s vibrant tapestry. The Mesa offers a relaxed beach vibe, while Mission Canyon is known for its picturesque hiking trails and historic mission. The Riviera features charming, winding streets and intricate stonework from early 20th-century Italian immigrants. Family-friendly San Roque is renowned for its festive Halloween celebrations, and Samarkand, often called "the land of heart’s desire," adds its own charm to the mix.
The Eastside and Westside each boast their own distinct characteristics, separated by the famous State Street. Downtown Santa Barbara is divided into the Funk Zone, known for its boutique wineries, trendy eateries, and art galleries, and the main shopping district further north on State Street. The Waterfront area includes Stearns Wharf, the harbor, the Santa Barbara Zoo, and a range of fine tourist accommodations. Each neighborhood contributes to the rich, diverse experience that makes Santa Barbara truly special.
Neighborhoods in Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara boasts several distinct neighborhoods, each with its own charm and character. For real estate purposes, the city is divided into thirty key areas: Alta Mesa (#1), Cielito (#2), East Beach (#3), East Mesa (#4), East San Roque (#5), Eastern Goleta Valley (#6), Eastside (#7), Eucalyptus Hill (#8), Foothill (#9), Hitchcock (#10), Hope (#11), Hope Ranch (#12), Laguna (#13), Las Positas (#14-17), Bel Air Knolls (#14), Campanil (#15), Hidden Valley (#16), Las Positas (#17), Lower Riviera (#18), Lower West Side (#19), Milpas (#20), Mission Canyon (#21), More Mesa (#22), North State (#23), Oak Park (#24), Riviera (#25), Samarkand (#26), San Roque (#27), Upper East (#28), West Beach (#29), West Downtown (#30), West Mesa (#31), and West Side (#32). Each neighborhood offers something unique, catering to various preferences and lifestyles.
Downtown Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara's downtown neighborhood is a captivating blend of culinary delights, historic charm, and vibrant energy. From the trendy eateries and artisan breweries in The Funk Zone to the historic streets and arcades in the Presidio, and the charming storefronts on State Street, downtown Santa Barbara offers a rich tapestry of experiences that will leave you enchanted.
The district’s allure is heightened by its historical and cultural landmarks. The Granada Theatre and various museums provide a glimpse into the city's storied past, while luxurious spas offer a touch of relaxation. The Spanish Colonial architecture, prominently showcased in the Santa Barbara County Courthouse, reflects the style that flourished after the 1925 earthquake. The iconic red-tiled roofs add a magical touch to the area, enhancing its visual appeal.
Downtown Santa Barbara enjoys exceptional views, nestled between the towering Santa Ynez Mountains and the Pacific Ocean. Its Mediterranean climate and designation as the "American Riviera" further contribute to its charm. Housing options in this vibrant area range from chic apartment buildings and quirky condo complexes to historic single-family homes, each with its own unique character and story.
Residents of downtown Santa Barbara enjoy a high walkability score of 97, making it easy to explore the diverse dining options and engage with the local community. The twice-weekly Farmers Market is a local favorite, where residents and restaurateurs alike gather to stock up on fresh, organic produce. With its exceptional dining, cultural attractions, and unique homes, downtown Santa Barbara is a place where people truly love to live.
Riviera
The Riviera is one of Santa Barbara’s most distinguished and affluent neighborhoods, celebrated for its resemblance to the Mediterranean coastlines of France and Italy. Spanning the two-mile stretch between Sycamore Canyon and Mission Canyon, the Riviera offers a picturesque and exclusive residential experience.
The main artery of the Riviera, Alameda Padre Serra Road, winds gracefully along the hillside, starting near the historic mission and extending all the way to Montecito. This scenic road is flanked by winding streets and features intricate stone terracing, a hallmark of early 20th-century Italian craftsmanship.
The neighborhood’s steep topography provides spectacular views of Santa Barbara, the Pacific Ocean, and the Channel Islands, making it highly desirable for those seeking stunning vistas. The Riviera is also home to Franceschi Park and a portion of Hillside (Orpet) Park, offering residents access to green spaces and recreational opportunities.
Luxury accommodations include the El Encanto Hotel, renowned for its breathtaking views. Additionally, the Riviera houses the Santa Barbara County Bowl, a 3,500-seat outdoor amphitheater that is a popular venue for concerts and cultural events. With its scenic beauty, rich history, and prime location, the Riviera is a truly exceptional place to live.
Mission Canyon
Mission Canyon, nestled just north of downtown Santa Barbara, is renowned for its natural beauty and historical significance. Home to La Cumbre Peak, the highest summit in the Santa Ynez Mountains, Mission Canyon is characterized by its wooded, hilly terrain, stretching from the Old Mission and extending along Foothill Road to Mission Canyon Road and Las Canoas Road.
This area is a popular gateway for weekend hikers, offering access to some of the most picturesque and rugged landscapes in Santa Barbara. The natural vegetation here, while contributing to its rustic charm, also makes it prone to fires.
Mission Canyon boasts spectacular views and is anchored by the historic Santa Barbara Mission, famously known as "the queen of the missions." Founded in 1786, the Mission sits on a rise of land between the Pacific Ocean and the Santa Ynez Mountains, providing a stunning backdrop for its historical tours.
For outdoor enthusiasts and history buffs alike, Mission Canyon offers a wealth of activities. Enjoy picnics in the Mission Rose Gardens, explore a variety of hiking trails, or visit the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden. The nearby Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History also offers a unique experience with its butterfly exhibit. Whether you're looking to immerse yourself in history or enjoy the great outdoors, Mission Canyon has something for everyone.
Upper East
The Upper East is a distinguished neighborhood in Santa Barbara that gently ascends from downtown towards The Mission and the base of The Riviera. Bounded to the south by State Street and to the north by Valerio Street, the Upper East is renowned for its prestige and elegance.
This area is celebrated for its impressive mountain views and, in some cases, glimpses of the ocean. At its heart stands the Santa Barbara Mission, a historical gem surrounded by upscale homes. Established in the 1700s, the mission has been expanded and rebuilt three times, and today it serves as a vibrant center with a parish ministry, educational tours, and community festivals. Set against a backdrop of lush rose gardens, mountains, and clear blue skies, the mission adds a touch of grandeur to the neighborhood.
The Upper East is a pedestrian-friendly area, offering easy access to downtown amenities, including shops, museums, and theaters, as well as the nearby Mission Rose Gardens. Residents appreciate the neighborhood’s walkability and its proximity to cultural and recreational facilities. The area features many homes of historical or architectural significance, making it ideal for those who enjoy exploring its rich heritage on a leisurely walking tour.
Mesa
The Mesa is a vibrant Santa Barbara neighborhood that epitomizes a laid-back beach lifestyle. The term "Mesa," meaning "table" in Spanish, refers to the flat, elevated land that extends along Santa Barbara’s southwestern edge, a feature noted since the mission days. This area stretches from Santa Barbara City College in the east to Arroyo Burro County Beach, also known locally as Hendry’s or The Pit, covering about two and a half miles.
The Mesa is highly sought after for its direct access to beautiful beaches, including Mesa Lane Beach and Thousand Steps Beach. Its proximity to both the ocean and the college makes it an attractive location. Residential development in the area began in the 1920s but faced interruptions due to the discovery of the Mesa Oil Field. Although the field was soon depleted, and housing resumed post-World War II, remnants of the oil industry, like tanks and sumps, lingered until the early 1970s.
Today, the Mesa is a favorite among families, thanks to its numerous playgrounds and parks. La Mesa Park and Shoreline Park stretch the entire length of the neighborhood, with Shoreline Park being particularly renowned for its expansive open spaces, lush lawns, playgrounds, picnic areas, and breathtaking views. The area also features abundant bike paths, making it easy to enjoy the outdoors. Downtown Santa Barbara is just a 5-8 minute bike ride away, and many city college students commute by bike, adding to the neighborhood’s vibrant and active community atmosphere.
San Roque
San Roque, located northwest of downtown, is where a lot of Santa Barbara local families live. Admired for its diverse architectural themes such as Spanish Colonial, English Tudor, French Normandy, and American Colonial, it’s no wonder San Roque property is highly sought after. The homes are beautiful and unique. Shrouded in trees, the streets are always shaded, but the temperature is always at least five degrees warmer than coastal neighborhoods due to its inland location. Several great schools and parks pepper the area allowing for a safe environment for children to play in. San Roque is also the most popular spot for Trick-or-Treaters on Halloween. It is the neighborhood that boasts it is close to everything but just far enough from the hustle and bustle of downtown. There are fun shops and delicious restaurants sprinkled throughout the area. With the Five Points Shopping Center and Loreto Plaza as their backyard, San Roque residents don’t have to travel far for necessities.
Samarkand
Samarkand, a name derived from an Old Persian term meaning "the land of heart's desire," originally referred to a luxurious Persian-style hotel converted from a boys' school in 1920. Today, Samarkand designates a distinctive neighborhood nestled between Las Positas, State Street, De La Vina, Oak Park, and the Freeway.
With its rich history and quintessential Santa Barbara charm, Samarkand is a beautifully maintained area. The neighborhood is renowned for its stunning views, diverse architecture, and a strong sense of pride in homeownership. It offers a welcoming environment for families, featuring gently rolling hills, breathtaking mountain vistas, and occasional glimpses of the ocean.
Samarkand is home to Cottage Hospital and the beloved Oak Park, which hosts many of Santa Barbara’s prominent festivals and provides family-friendly entertainment. The nearby Earl Warren Showgrounds and Santa Barbara Municipal Golf Course offer additional recreational opportunities, making Samarkand a vibrant and engaging community.
West Side
The Westside of Santa Barbara stands out not only as the city's most densely populated neighborhood but also as its most diverse. In the mid-19th century, when California was annexed into the Union, the Westside was characterized by open grazing lands and farmland, with marshy areas near the beach. Today, State Street divides Santa Barbara into east and west halves, with the Westside lying to the west of State Street. This area predominantly spans the lowlands between State Street and the Mesa.
The Westside is highly sought after for two main reasons: its proximity to both the beach and downtown, and its relative affordability compared to other parts of the city. While West Beach and the lower Westside feature more affluent properties and luxurious amenities, including numerous inns and hotels catering to tourists, the upper Westside and downtown areas offer more affordable housing options. West Beach, with its upscale accommodations and picturesque setting just across Cabrillo Boulevard, remains a popular destination for visitors and locals alike, providing a blend of convenience and charm in this vibrant neighborhood.
Schools in Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara is served by the highly-regarded Santa Barbara Unified School District (SBUSD), which provides excellent educational opportunities for students in the area.
Santa Barbara Preschools/Elementary Schools
Adams Elementary School (K-6th Grade)
Monroe Elementary School (K-6th Grade)
Cleveland Elementary School (K-6th Grade)
Roosevelt Elementary School (TK-6th Grade)
Franklin Elementary School (K-6th Grade)
Santa Barbara Community Academy (K-6th Grade)
Harding University Partnership School (K-6th Grade)
Washington Elementary School (K-6th Grade)
McKinley Elementary School (K-6th Grade)
Santa Barbara Middle School
Santa Barbara Junior High School (7th-8th Grade)
La Cumbre Junior High School (7th-8th Grade)
La Colina Junior High School (7th-8th Grade)
Goleta Valley Junior High School (7th-8th Grade)
Located in Goleta,California but a part of the Santa Barbara Unified School District (SBUSD).
Santa Barbara High Schools
Alta Vista Alternative High School (9th-12th Grade)
Santa Barbara High School (9th-12th Grade)
San Marcos High School (9th-12th Grade)
Dos Pueblos High School (9th-12th Grade)
La Cuesta Continuation High School (9th-12th Grade)
Santa Barbara Private Schools
Providence School (K-12th Grade)
The Knox School of Santa Barbara (JK-8th Grade)
Crane Country Day School (K-8th Grade)
The Riviera Ridge School (PK-8th Grade)
St. Raphael Elementary School (PK-8th Grade)
Our Lady of Mount Carmel School (PK-8th Grade)
Santa Barbara Middle School (6th-9th Grade)
Notre Dame School (PK-8th Grade)
Santa Barbara Colleges
Westmont College
Westmont College is a private Christian liberal arts college in Montecito, California.
Santa Barbara City College (SBCC)
Santa Barbara City College is a public community college in Santa Barbara, California.
University of California Santa Barbara (UCSB)
The University of California, Santa Barbara is a public land-grant research university in Santa Barbara County, California. The UCSB campus is situated along the Santa Barbara and Goleta coastline.
Antioch University
Antioch University Santa Barbara is a private liberal arts university in downtown Santa Barbara, California.
Music School
Music Academy of the West
Discover Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara offers a unique blend of coastal charm, historical richness, and vibrant community life. Whether you're drawn to its picturesque neighborhoods, world-class dining, or year-round events, this city is a place where the relaxed beach vibe meets sophisticated living. As a destination and a home, Santa Barbara provides an exceptional quality of life, making it a truly special place to explore or settle down. For anyone considering making Santa Barbara their home or simply wanting to experience its unique charm, this city promises to exceed expectations.
If you’re considering making Santa Barbara your home or want to explore more about this wonderful city, reach me HERE.
Best regards,
Lindsay Woolf | CA DRE #02236711
DOMO Real Estate | CA DRE #01290500
Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog post is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Real estate transactions can be complex and subject to local regulations.
