ONCE BEAUTIFUL, NOW RUINED - 10/19/2021

I moved to Santa Barbara around 23 years ago to study at Brooks, which like most of the Santa Barbara that I knew—has been destroyed. Homelessness, drugs, gangs, high crime, taxes, insane real estate regulation, woke politics, an uber woke marxist Mayor (and several of these in fact), and the usual California deconstruction of all things beautiful...and BOOM—the end of SB. All you need to do is take a drive to the beach and up State Street. It's all the same as it is in every other California town and city. And the whole country is going this way as well. Saving grace used to be the hiking trails, rivers, creeks and parks. Well, they've either had their water diverted and dried up or they're filled with graffiti and gang-members, along with trash. Very very sad. This is NOT liberalism. This is something else. And we've seen it before. It doesn't end well for anyone.

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Beautiful and friendly - 3/24/2021

I fell in love with Santa Barbara about thirty years ago and finally moved here a few years ago. Because of the price of homes, it is an expensive place to live. The real estate market is a game where you need to get your foot in the door. Once you do, it's easier to move up the scale. We now have a great home with beautiful views of the ocean and mountains and I walk to Shoreline Park regularly. The weather is fabulous and there's plenty to do. It is a tourist town so summer's are crowded. There is a homeless problem but I'd live here too if I was homeless. There is petty crime but rarely anything of a serious nature. Finally, it's not as diverse as I would like as I miss my black friends from back east. Given all that I'm so happy to be living here. I come from a modest background and was concerned that all these "rich folks" would be challenging to relate to. I have not found that to be an issue at all. In fact, I find that most people are generally in a great mood given their beautiful surroundings. I really love it!

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A once great town goes downhill - 3/13/2021

If you like high crime, paying a $4,500 a month mortgage and crazy high taxes, this is the place for you. It’s too bad because it wasn’t always like this. When I moved here in 1992 it was quite a bit different. It was possible to purchase a home in the $200-$300K price range and you could leave your car unlocked in your driveway. Not anymore. My car has been broken into twice in the past year, my wife’s car once. One morning someone dumped 2 cardboard boxes stuffed full of opened stolen mail and empty Amazon packages on our street sidewalk. A few months back, a neighbor the next block over was running a airb&b that got busted hustling a Meth/fentanyl to-go business. They were back home the same day. San Roque neighborhood seems to be getting the brunt of this crime wave. Law enforcement is apparently are not prosecuting anyone short of aggravated assault or homicide. Why? Because we don’t want them to catch the Covid in jail- of course! The thieves know this so the Santa Barbara crime wave continues unabated. We are selling while the market is hot and before people start to figure out what’s really going on.

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It's all a myth - 11/26/2020

If you are a multi-millionaire and can afford to live, shop and educate your kids within the bubble of Montecito, you can ignore this review. Moved here in 2001 and back then people were friendly, and for lack of a better word, "normal" and civil. Crime was virtually non-existent, traffic non-existent, no homeless on upper State street or wandering family neighborhoods, police could be seen patrolling the neighborhoods, our local school was top rated, and we got rain in the winter. The area lacked things to do in some ways, still does, and could get a little boring at times, but Santa Barbara was a great place to raise a young middle class family in safety and among friendly neighbors. Fast forward 15 years and a certain type of politics and mentality has taken over in the last 7 or 8 years that is speeding up a state of decline. Taxes and rents go up every year while quality of life declines, whether it's the healthcare system (6 months wait to see a doctor!), schools, care of the park system, or readily visible police. We saw health insurance choice go down to just 1 monopolistic company for over a year, homeless people living in creeks and starting fires near neighborhoods and along the highway, petty and organized crime in once untouchable neighborhoods now occur on a nightly basis, schools and math and reading proficiency are in the toilet, traffic on State Street incredibly frustrating due to high density housing, beaches are dirty and full of homeless remnants, and downtown is a mess, is half empty and has lost a lot of its charm of yesteryear. A huge part of the population who don't want to see their ridiculous property values go down as a result of this decline is in denial about all of this, and the community members like myself who dare to criticize these poor outcomes or the policies that create them are shunned. A lot of people who simply can't afford to live here vote for increased taxes on the upper middle class as the solution to the decline in schools and services, driving them down to a mid to lower middle class lifestyle despite making good money and paying their very high mortgages and property taxes. Yet still, the myth that Santa Barbara is one of the best places on earth to live persists and the housing prices defy logic given that long list I just wrote describing a city in decline. Yes, it's a beautiful place to visit once, or perhaps to spend your college years if you're an above average student, but that's about it. If you're looking to start a business and have it survive here, good luck - the taxes, high rents, and bureaucracy will kill it and you'll never save enough for a down payment on a modest family home. The only thing propping this place up besides the billionaires in Montecito and the persistent myth that this is one of the best places to live, is that if you go 1 hour north or south and it's much worse. The bubble will burst at some point. We're looking to cash out before it does.

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Still nice but was nicer in the past. - 8/26/2019

Moved here in 1988 for college and never left. Highway 101 still had a stop light at State Street and was just 2 lanes both ways with a grassy median. Every year since more people (which includes homeless problem) homeless, more cars, and more high density development. It still a nice place live if you can afford the housing cost. If you’re young and just starting off in life probably not a good place to live if you want a big job market and the ability to buy a home and raise a family. If you got some dough like maybe a million bucks a least than you can get your foot in the door here with a fixer upper cottage maybe. For those of us not rich who live here but fortunate enough to own something and not rent we’re very blessed.

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Except for the price, it's awesome. - 5/20/2019

I've lived in the city since coming her for university in 1980 (and my wife has been here since her early childhood ... 1967). We love it. There has been change, both bad and good like most places. There has been some growth, but compared to sprawl in many other locations (like my hometown Riverside or anywhere in San Diego, county), it is actually fairly minor. It is very expensive ... and for good reason. It is beautiful. Both the natural and built environment. Our weather is always comfortable. I wear shorts and flip-flops 90% of the time (just had some Canadian's who moved to town 4 years ago pointing out happily how the pleasant weather makes you soft). Someone who is from Miami that reviewed this city complained of it always being cold at night. I rarely am, even without a jacket. I suppose if you need a jacket in the 60's that's fair ... but a light jacket as opposed to oppressive humidity I would take any day. I think finding a light hoodie or sweater in the closet isn't that big of a deal. On the other end of the mercury, we start complaining that it is extremely hot when it hits the mid-80s. It's all perspective, but our mild-Mediterranean climate is hard to beat. Due to a bit of orographic precipitation (mountain created ... we sit at the beach and look a few miles inland at a steep mountain front rising to 3000-4000' with nice hiking trails!) the hillsides stay fairly green (evergreen chaparral), but also around town we have beautiful, mature vegetation from all around the world. Lots of flowers year-round in well maintained gardens that if not drought tolerant (all the rage) are possibly fed by water from our revamped desalination plant (it's good water!) While extremely expensive, those of us in the middle class (I am a teacher) who love this town can, with some good fortune and a fair bit of effort ... can you say "fixer upper", manage to live here. You just have to live very simply and treat the Santa Barbara region as your backyard since you probably won't have much of yard where you live. Previous reviews both noted a lack of pretension and the opposite. I think it is the former. I have sat at youth soccer games watching the kids play along side hospital orderlies and famous movie stars. The very rich that have had us over for a meal, don't balk at our humble abode, when it is our turn to host. For a city with many multi-millionaires and billionaires, you'd hardly know it. When our toniest part of town was devastated by a major mudslide, the community, rich and poor worked together to help in the recovery. Turns out in that exclusive part of town, those who lost their lives included people of all economic strata and various ethnicities. Sure, if for you look for it you might find some who flaunt their wealth or as a previous reviewer implied pretend, but most of the folks we have interacted with these past four decades have been down-to-earth. It may not quite by Midwest hospitality (though we do have friends from the the center of the country who live here now ... and they don't seem put off from extending that good neighborly graciousness of their upbringing and find the responses from the longer-term residents also congenial, though more of the "hang loose" style. For those coming to visit, it's not Las Vegas, but does have a wide variety of activities especially of the outdoors variety (bring or rent a bike!), but also art, theater, shopping (not my cup of tea ... less of the mom & pops, but still may unique establishments), and good restaurants/watering holes (the current rage is the revamped Funk Zone down by the wharf with it's brew pubs, wine tasting rooms, and hip restaurants.) Fun for visitors and locals alike. Young and old. While wealthy, fair-weather coastal towns do attract homeless and it will be hard to avoid the issue if you are here for a while, it isn't overwhelming (sort of waxes and wanes ... and there are a number of great social services working with that population). As for crime in a city of our size, it is fairly mild. We live in a downtown neighborhood and often do not lock our doors. Neighbors keep an eye out for each other. May not be everyone's cup of tea, but the cost of housing gives a hint that this is a very nice place (it's not a pretentious zip code that attracts folks, but a way of life).

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A Nice City, But . . . - 5/11/2017

It's a beautiful town with stellar ocean views, a laid-back vibe and a climate that can't beat. Small wonder they call this the "American Riviera." So what's not to like? Plenty, if you're constantly worrying how you're going to make next month's rent. As the numbers show, the cost of living is EXTREMELY high anywhere along this coast, and a rental room could cost you close to a grand a month. Unless you're a movie star, independently wealthy or a trust-fund baby, you're never going to own a home here. And with a limited employment base (tourism is the main industry), you're chances for professional advancement are severely limited. As a result, this is a city with a sharp divide between the "haves" and "have-nots." If you're a "have," dig the coastal lifestyle and small-townish feel this may be paradise for you. If you're a "have-not," probably not, unless you're low on ambition and don't mind living hand-to-mouth for the rest of your days. I spent three years here in the late 1980s and left with no regrets. I went back to visit recently and didn't feel a twinge of nostalgia.

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Expensive - 9/11/2014

Very high cost of living.

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climate great - 7/22/2013

great

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review - 5/14/2013

Wonderful climate, high cost of living

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Great Quality of Life, Prettiest City in US, but T - 11/7/2011

SB is an amazing city to live. Great People, almost without pretension. It is super laid back, billionaires hang out with starving students, surf attitude all day long. If you wear a suit and tie, you are felt sorry for because you must be a lawyer or banker - guys that would be envied in any other town. Sure its expensive, but you trade a standard of living for a lifestyle, and that style is outdoor activities year round, too much to do all the time to do it all, GREAT CHURCHES (who would have guessed?) great people. But it is CA, and there is no summer here, it is always bloomin freezing. Even the people that LOVE the weather (my wife included) actually enjoy the fact that you need a jacket at night. Have they never enjoyed a warm summer evening....anywhere else on Earth? In 2011 there was not one day the whole year that didn't require a light jacket or heavier. After living here 10 years, I'd say that on average there are five evenings a year that don't require a light coat or more. And the water temp - forget about it without a wetsuit, the water rarely is over 60, and only above 55 for two months a year. You also have to look very hard for a decent meal in this town, the Santa Barbara restaurant scene is a city of expensive mediocrity. We nearly always come away from a dinner out wishing we had cooked at home or driven to LA. But there are maybe 5 good places to eat in the area, and tons of average though expensive places. I love the city, love my friends, love the lifestyle, LOVE my church. But I am just soooo over freezing my toes off all year long. Take me home to Miami!

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Used to be home - 10/17/2011

Went to La Colina, San Marcos High. Great schools. But like others have commented, in the 80's, the movie stars took over. The house I grew up in Hope Ranch annex, my parents paid $28,000 for and added the high ceilings and put in pool. A Dr. bought it for one million. Please............... a tract home.... I saw the house when it was on the mmarket, again. Not much has changed with that house on corner lot to boot. Off Puente. Really now.. Used to ride horses on Mora Mesa, motorcycles, climbed up and down the cliffs. Now, it's all homes. All family and friends have relocated to other areas. My family, FL, friends, AZ, etc...some still live in Santa Maria, Grover Beach..not Santa Barbara. Al Reese still plays piano, unreal...he is good! Saw him every weekend, in my younger days.. My boyfriend at the time was singer in the movie Carrie. Where is Glen today? Not SB. Neither is Michael T...I saw it coming....Well, Florida life on the Gulf I have settled for in a house I can afford as Secretary. Ha... Take care and enjoy the scenery. I had my time in SB...never to forget. Cheryl

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What's Not To Like? - 6/27/2011

Housing costs, taxes, growing crime, illegals, state and county fiscal health.

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Economic recovery - 4/6/2011

Santa Barbara has a university (UCSB), agriculture,oil and gas (much of it not yet developed),and tourism. This diversified economy,cultural and arts, and nice weather year round make it a very desirable place to live.

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Santa Barbara and environs - 2/10/2011

A little bit of paradise lies nestled between the blue Pacific and the gorgeous Santa Ynez Mountain Range. Known as the American Riviera, the greater Santa Barbara area (from Carpinteria, Summerland, Montecito to the South; Goleta to the north) stretches 26 miles along the coastline approximately 90 miles north of Los Angeles on Highway 101. Santa Barbara's south facing orientation keeps her blessed with a temperate climate and stunning visual beauty. It has been said that this is why the approximately 120,000 (greater Santa Barbara area)captive residents are so friendly and hospitable. Housing costs are quite high mainly due to a very long time "no-growth" political environment; and thus many people make sacrifices to call Santa Barbara home. However, if you are one of the blessed few who can choose your place to call home; I can't think of a better community to raise a family, get a higher education at one of our many higher educational institutes, enjoy a plethora of recreational and cultural amenities, enjoy active retirement or develop your career. The University of California at Santa Barbara (UCSB)located on the Beach, Santa Barbara Community College, located directly across from the beach and the Harbor, Westmont College, The Pacifica Institute, The Fielding Institute all bring tremendous culture, educational programs, lectures, sports, entertainment, national and international speakers to our community along with their interesting and diverse staff as community citizens. Not to mention the numerous innovative start-up companies which have sprung from these wonderful facilities and come full circle by giving back to the community and their alma matters. Santa Barbara is as diverse in it's choice of restaurants, wineries, and hospitality resources as one can imagine. From the Burger Bus and famous Hot Dog Stand to the Stone House Restaurant at the luxurious San Ysidro Inn (where Jack and Jackie Kennedy honeymooned). From the many lovely Bed & Breakfast Inns and Beach Motels to the stunning Four Season's Biltmore Hotel on Butterfly Beach in upscale Montecito (owned by Beanie Baby Mogul, Ty Warner). All but two of our beaches are open to the public with plenty of parking access. Hope Ranch Beach is a public beach located in the exclusive Hope Ranch enclave, only accessible by boat or private entry access; and Hollister Ranch further north up the coast, which also has private entrance but can be reached by boat. Santa Barbara has over 30 public parks, including the Mission Rose Gardens at Mission Santa Barbara and several botanic parks which charge an entry fee. The Santa Barbara Zoo is an amazingly beautiful botanic and zoological treasure with animals in natural settings and lots of activities for families and children. Art galleries and restaurants are as prolific as the Palm Trees lining Cabrillo Boulevard, where on Sunday's much of the boulevard is lined with artist and artisans offering their creativity for sale. All art is juried and one can find modest and modestly priced art to pricey and major art. Santa Barbara real estate ranges from the low end of approximately $400,000 for a modest 2 bedroom condo to a $29 million amazing beach estate on Padero Lane just south of the city of Santa Barbara. Oprah paid $50million for her stunning estate in Montecito. We Realtors are often surprised at how many people can pay cash for their properties. We are a little cosm of the world as many people from all over the globe choose their only or second home in our community. This makes for a most interesting mix of citizens. While strolling on downtown State Street (the main artery bi-secting Santa Barbara from the Ocean to the Financial District), many languages can be overheard. Santa Barbara has a pretty laid back atmosphere and therefore casual (not sloppy unless you are a college student) dress is very acceptable almost anywhere in town. Always bring a long a sweater as evening cools down and the ocean breezes keeps our temperature pretty steady from 65-75 degrees. Come discover our beautiful community, just like Padre Junipera Serra did in 1786 when he decided that Santa Barbara was the place to build his Queen of the Missions. There is much more to discover than I can possibly tell you about in this review. I have lived in four countries and have traveled some, but have never found a replacement for beautiful Santa Barbara. A terrific resource is "Santa Babara & The Central Coast" written by travel, food and wine writer Michael Cervin, available at www.MichaelCervin.com. For more information visit my webesite: www.SantaBarbaraDreams.com

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Expensive Lifestyle - 7/15/2010

I have visited Santa Barbara and found that it is indeed one of the most beautiful cities in the United States and the weather is almost perfect. Too bad that the only ones who seem to be able to live here are either the very rich or the homeless! You get the feeling that the city fathers like to have you come to visit but would rather not have anybody else come here to live!

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If you're not wealthy, you can't afford to live he - 6/21/2010

No seriously, you really can't. Santa Barbara home values have even outpaced the wealthiest sections of Los Angeles.

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Santa Barbara - 4/23/2010

The climate is wonderful, restaurants are great and the people are friendly

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One reason I love it here. - 4/18/2009

Beautifl and nearly perfect weather.

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Great place, wonderful people, year round vacation - 2/24/2009

13 Years here and loving it! High cost of living, but well worth it!

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