Welcome to the American Riviera. Santa Barbara brings you all the romance and grandeur that its old nickname evokes. From breathtaking views of the Pacific to the stucco walls of its Spanish Colonial buildings, this California city is a destination in its own right.
Santa Barbara, CA: Community Highlights
Santa Barbara was founded by Spanish explorers as a presidio in 1782 and served as the Mission of Santa Barbara in 1786. It also enjoyed a stint as a seaside resort following the construction of the Southern Pacific Railroad in 1887. The city also prospered into an economic hub known for citrus fruit, cattle, and petroleum.
The earthquake of 1925 curtailed the city’s phenomenal growth, though residents were quick to rebuild the stunning Spanish Colonial-style buildings after the devastation.
Today, Santa Barbara is known as an affluent coastal community with prime real estate and a coveted lifestyle.
The U.S. Census estimates the population at 91,340 (as of 2020), making it the 86th largest city in California in terms of population size.
Located in Santa Barbara County, the city spans 108.8 km². Nestled between the Santa Ynez Mountains and the Pacific, Santa Barbara occupies an enviable south-facing portion of the California coastline. The city backs into the Los Padres National Forest.
The city is connected to Los Angeles via U.S. Highway 101 to the southeast and to San Francisco to the northwest.
Santa Barbara, CA Real Estate
The housing market has a wide selection of single-family homes. The most coveted properties command views of the Pacific. Many homes have observation decks and outdoor pools to help you enjoy Santa Barbara’s unique seaside setting.
Prevalent architectural styles include Spanish Revival, Mediterranean, Craftsman, Ranch, and Contemporary, just to name a few.
Notable Santa Barbara neighborhoods and suburbs include:
- Downtown
- Mesa
- Riviera
- Westside
- Waterfront
- Hope Ranch
For more information on our neighborhoods and suburbs, get in touch with me, Donna Sallen, today.
Santa Barbara, CA lifestyle
Santa Barbara Unified School District serves student from elementary to high school. It also offers a variety of afterschool programs for students’ personal enrichment.
Schools that fall under SBU include:
Santa Barbara is synonymous with casual elegance, exuding a coastal chic vibe that harks back to its reputation as “America’s Riviera”. Despite its affluence, the city is a warm and welcoming place where people from all walks of life can start anew.
The city’s Mediterranean climate is conducive to a variety of outdoor activities, including:
- Hiking
- Biking
- Swimming
- Boating
Popular attractions in and around Santa Barbara, CA include:
- Stearns Wharf
- Mission Santa Barbara
- Santa Barbara Zoo
- Santa Barbara Botanic Garden
To learn more about Santa Barbara’s real estate offerings, contact us today. You can contact me, Donna Sallen, here. You can also message our team at 805.798.0516 and Donna4Remax(at)aol(dotted)com. I can’t wait to start working with you.