For many Angelenos, Santa Barbara is considered a weekend getaway from the noise and the crowds of Los Angeles. However, for many people, Santa Barbara is their year-round home—and you can hardly blame them for living in such a highly desirable beach town.

Located approximately 100 miles west of LA, Santa Barbara has everything a homeowner could ask for with beach amenities, quality dining options, pet-friendly establishments, recreational parks, and a family-friendly community. Whether you're craving privacy in the canyons, looking for your next party out on the town, or seeking some relaxation by the wharf, there's a neighborhood in Santa Barbara that can meet your needs. 

Check out which Santa Barbara neighborhood is right for you.

Downtown Santa Barbara photo by Shutterstock

Downtown Santa Barbara

For potential homebuyers who prefer a fast-paced, city-like, and pedestrian-friendly environment, head towards Downtown Santa Barbara. This neighborhood features denser residential properties, such as condominium buildings, apartment complexes, and historic single-family homes. 

According to Neighborhoods.com listings, homebuyers can find homes in Downtown Santa Barbara ranging from the high $900s to just over $1.4 million.

New residents are attracted to Downtown Santa Barbara by the abundance of places to explore, especially along the neighborhood’s beloved State Street, which features several theaters, restaurants, shopping centers, beaches, museums, and parks. Like many downtown neighborhoods in Southern California, Downtown Santa Barbara also has a booming nightlife, which might be attributed to Santa Barbara City College right around the corner. During the weekends, this quaint and trendy neighborhood is filled with college students and tourists.

Upper East

If you’re a homebuyer with a large budget, you might want to consider living in the Upper East, which is nestled among the hills and greenery of nearby mountains. Dubbed the crown jewel of Santa Barbara, this upscale neighborhood features glamorous estates with pristine streets, massive manicured lawns, and historical architecture—all packaged nicely against a picture-perfect forest and Santa Ynez mountain backdrop.

Upper East is a tranquil residential community. This neighborhood can’t help but ooze prestige, wealth, and sophistication, but it’s also known for having a laid-back atmosphere. Another quality that homeowners love about Upper East is its prime location—close to the entertainment and dining scene of Downtown Santa Barbara, yet far enough to avoid the noise and crowds.

Mission Canyon

Those who want to live in a more secluded neighborhood can search for their perfect hideaway home in Mission Canyon. This lush, recreation-filled community is located towards Santa Barbara’s north side, higher than most neighborhoods in the city. In fact, this neighborhood has the highest peak in the Santa Ynez Mountains, called La Cumbre Peak. 

Thanks to the community’s hiking trails, the Santa Barbara Botanical Gardens, and Rocky Nook Park, this neighborhood is also ideal for outdoor adventurers who want to be immersed in nature.

Residences in Mission Canyon are located in a canyon, a valley, or elevated in the mountains. Because the town is enmeshed and covered by tall and looming trees, many homes in this area might be difficult to find, but they also enjoy a good amount of privacy and shade from the sun.

Although the homes in this neighborhood are quite elusive, once you find them, you’ll be shocked to discover the variety of beautiful home styles and unique architecture. The median property value for Mission Canyon sits in the high $900s.

Summerland

Although not a neighborhood in Santa Barbara, Summerland is within Santa Barbara County. It’s sandwiched between the celebrity-filled Montecito and the affordable, family-friendly beach city Carpinteria.

With a population of approximately 1,500 people, Summerlanddefinitely provides homeowners with small-town charm, a relaxing sea haven atmosphere, scenic foothills, lush orchards, and several unique local amenities. The town’s main street, Ortega Hill Road, offers residents a variety of shops, restaurants, and entertainment options.

With a median property value of $1 million, Summerland homes exude elegance and sophistication, and they tend to be single-family Victorian-style and Craftsman-style residences. The community is filled with many historical landmarks and quaint bed and breakfast accommodations. Since Summerland is so small, families with children can attend schools within the Carpinteria Unified School District, which include Carpinteria Senior High School and Carpinteria Unified.

Carpinteria

Compared to other communities in Santa Barbara County, Carpinteriais among the more affordable beach towns. With a median property value in the low $600s, Carpinteria offers homebuyers a taste of small-town charm by the sea.

Ideal for surfers, families, retirees, and professionals, this neighborhood has much to offer when it comes to mom-and-pop restaurants, seaside activities, city-wide events, and popular attractions. Families with children are also drawn to area for its schools, which include Carpinteria Senior High School and Carpinteria Unified.

According to KCRW, the neighborhood first adopted their slogan, “The World’s Safest Beach,” back in 1912 in order to bring more car-driving tourists to the beach. With foothills, mountains, the beach, and orchards seen throughout the area’s landscape, this small town is perfect for those who want to live in a family-friendly, tight-knit environment. 

Carpinteria is also known for hosting several popular events, including the annual Avocado Festival and the Carpinteria Triathlon.