8 Reasons to Live in Santa Barbara, California
For many people in Southern California, Santa Barbara is an idyllic and family-friendly city that offers both visitors and locals a “home away from home.” Located just outside of Los Angeles (about 90 miles northwest along the 101 Freeway to be exact), the drive to the scenic city of Santa Barbara is a little over two hours.
The city itself is a popular place to escape for the weekend, perfect for taking a breather while remaining close to home. Whether you’re looking to go surfing, indulge on seafood, visit a dog beach, or go wine tasting, Santa Barbara features some of the best things to do for a relaxing weekend getaway. However, for potential homebuyers who want to live in this beautiful beach town, the vacation never needs to end.
Here are eight reasons why living in Santa Barbara may be the right choice for you.
Beautiful Beaches
With several beaches edging the city, spending the day laying out under the sun on soft white sand is a luxury that’s only minutes away. Santa Barbara is known for its beautiful and pristine beaches, many of which offer barbecue grills, picnic areas, volleyball courts, mountain views, and of course—miles of clear ocean waves.
Must-try beaches in the city include Arroyo Burro Beach (known by locals as Hendry’s Beach), Butterfly Beach, and East Beach.
Nature’s Paradise
While the beach is an integral part of Santa Barbara, so are the mountains and recreation areas. With the Santa Ynez Mountains as the city’s backdrop, it’s no surprise that there are plenty of recreational parks, wildlife areas, and hiking trails to choose from. Whether you’re a casual explorer or an avid outdoor adventurer, Santa Barbara has some of the best places for outdoor activity and recreation.
Popular attractions in the area include Lotusland, Santa Barbara Botanic Garden, Santa Barbara Zoo, and Inspiration Point.
Harbor Life
Santa Barbara is a dream city for those who love to indulge in water activities like fishing, boating, and paddle-boarding, as well as just walking along a pier or eating fresh seafood. Simply head towards the historic Stearns Wharf, the longest deep-water wharf between San Pedro and San Francisco.
The Santa Barbara Waterfront is where you’ll find people exploring the harbor, dining at one of the many seafood restaurants, day fishing, and enjoying other interesting seaport activities.
Dog-Friendly Town
It’s true that people in Southern California love their pets, so when it comes to living in Santa Barbara, your dog can have some fun in the sun too. From dog-friendly beaches and recreation areas to restaurants and breweries, a day out in town can be enjoyed without leaving your pet at home.
Downtown Santa Barbara
There are plenty of things to keep you occupied in Downtown Santa Barbara from unique and diverse shopping to great seafood restaurants and Spanish Colonial architecture. This charming, tree-lined neighborhood is pedestrian-friendly, historic, and filled with hidden gems, from theaters and spas to dessert spots and boutique stores. Whether you’re exploring the area by foot or shuttle, be sure to check out State Street for lively attractions and establishments.
Wineries and Breweries
Napa isn’t the only place Californians can find great wine. With moderate temperatures, ideal for growing high-quality grapes, Santa Barbara offers some of the finest wine selections, and it’s well-known for its wineries, tasting rooms, and vineyards.
In recent years, lovers of craft beer have been gravitating towards the city as well. Popular spots for wine tasting and craft brews can be found throughout Downtown Santa Barbara as well as Santa Barbara’s Funk Zone—a district that spans from the ocean to Highway 101 and features a cluster of tasting rooms, wine shops, breweries, distilleries, artisanal eateries, cafes, and art galleries.
Top Schools
Santa Barbara is also a family-friendly community thanks to its top-notch schools. According to GreatSchools, the Santa Barbara Unified School District is a highly rated public school district with many reputable institutions. The district was also named one of the Best Communities for Music Education from The NAMM Foundation for its outstanding commitment to music education in 2019.
The city is also served by highly rated schools like Cold Spring Elementary, Montecito Union Elementary, and San Marcos Senior High School.
Museums
Interested in history, wildlife, photography, or art? Santa Barbara is home to numerous museums, and many of these facilities feature educational programs for kids, souvenir shops, guided tours, as well as on-site restaurants and food vendors. Santa Barbara’s Museum of Art near State Street recently went through a five-year renovation and expansion, and it now features collections of art from ancient to contemporary works.
Other popular museums include the historic Old Mission Santa Barbara where you can learn about the town’s history and view some of its notable landmarks, and the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History which features a variety of interesting science and nature exhibits.