Nestled between the Santa Ynez Mountains and the Pacific
Ocean, Santa Barbara has long been acknowledged to be none of California's most
beautiful communities. While others have paved and built beyond recognition,
this special city, 90 miles north of Los Angeles, has fought successfully to
protect its many assets, including a stunning Riviera-like setting.
Santa
Barbara is a "get-out-in-the-sunshine" and "fresh air place" with all the
activities that implies. We have sunshine 84% of the year and a year around
average temperature of 62 degrees. The average maximum is 72 degrees with an
average minimum of 52 degrees. We usually escape nature's nastiness since for
roughly 40 miles on either side of Santa Barbara, the Pacific coastline runs
almost due East/West. This alignment helps to moderate the ocean currents that
flow past our front door. The Santa Ynez Mountains, which are so incredibly
close, shelter us from the inland heat and cold.
Festivals - Old Spanish Days (August), Summer
Solstice (June), Writer's Conference, Sunday Art and Crafts Festival (Palm Park)
and numerous ethnic festivals (Greek, French, German, Thai, Chinese,
Jewish)
Sports - Golf, tennis, hiking, biking, horseback riding, fishing,
etc., plus a summer sports festival (Semana Nautica)
Culture
- Incredible variety and too
numerous to list, but we do have our own symphony, chamber orchestra, several
professional theater groups, an outstanding art museum and the resources of
UCSB, SB City College, Music Academy of the West and Westmont College as well.
Because of the support of patrons, ticket prices are low and many events are
free. "You don't have to be rich to have a rich cultural life in Santa
Barbara."
Museums- SB Museum
of Art, Contemporary Arts Forum, Museum of Natural History, SB Zoological
Gardens, Historical Society and the Carriage Museum.
Shopping
- Paseo Nuevo and La Cumbre
shopping centers, numerous boutiques, five farmer's markets for year-around
fresh produce and flowers.
Restaurants - Some 400 ranging from the
gourmet and exotic to fast food. The variety and quality are
exceptional.
NEIGHBORHOODS
Waterfront
The harbor sits right outside your door. Experience both the action and the serenity of living near the water.
Upper State
Old Santa Barbara mansions and charming cottages frame the World Famous Santa Barbara Mission.
Riviera
The views are awesome. The weather and architecture are reminiscent of its namesake, The French Riviera.
Hope Ranch
This community is built around the La Cumbre Country Club. It boasts some of the areas most elegant homes, miles of riding trails and private beach access.
Mesa
This community starts at Shoreline Park with its ocean views and includes the Douglas Family Preserve, EhlingsPark, Arroyo Burro Beach then extends further up the hill for more expansive views. Marvelous for walking.
Westside
Gentrifying area attracting first time buyers.
Eastside
Older homes border the downtown corridor that keeps you close to shopping, the water and a thriving restaurant area.
Downtown
The world-renowned restaurants, theaters, museums and shopping are a few blocks from your door.
Las Positas
Earl Warren Showgrounds and the Sammarkand Retirement Home are good neighbors to this well-maintained community.
