Santa Barbara, CA is one of the most popular coastal cities in the United States and it is known for its Mediterranean climate, beautiful beaches, and stunning architecture. It is also a hub of activity with plenty of things to do ranging from art galleries to outdoor activities to fine dining experiences. Santa Barbara has been ranked as a top destination for tourists year after year, and reviews of the city often reflect its reputation as one of California's best destinations. People visiting Santa Barbara can expect to find a vibrant downtown area full of shopping and entertainment options, plus plenty of opportunities to take advantage of the nearby Pacific Ocean with surfing and kayaking at some of the world’s best beaches. Outdoor enthusiasts will also appreciate miles of hiking trails that provide ample opportunity for exploration around Santa Barbara’s stunning landscapes. All in all, visitors will find that there is something for everyone when they come to Santa Barbara – whether they are looking for a relaxing getaway or an action-packed vacation.
based on 51 ReviewsGet to know Santa Barbara with the latest comments and reviews from people who live in or have visited Santa Barbara
Its beautiful here! - 1/17/2007
But you pay the price for the beauty. We have mountains and beaches and great weather. Its a good thing the beach walks and mountian hikes are free (except for parking fees, and adventure passes) because we wouldn't be able to afford to enjoy them otherwise. Housing cost is extremely high and salaries are not. Good luck if you plan to move
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Looks like paradise, feels like a small town - 1/3/2007
I've been living here for over 5 years now, and I both love it and hate it. You're truly fortunate if you live here, and also trapped economically and geographically.
Santa Barbara is extremely expensive, but a middle-class person can live here if you make rent your first priority above, say, any leisure spending. If your combined household income is above $100K, buying a condo might be do-able. If you're a working class kinda person, you may find yourself living with 2 roommates in a quirky house just to afford it, or you and your partner living in a 1-bedroom apartment. It's a great place to live or retire if you're well off. This town is actually quite small, so anonymity is impossible, but big enough that you have several choices of entertainment, from a mid-size downtown area (complete with nightlife), to lots of access to hiking, surfing, kayaking, etc.
The attitude in Santa Barbara is all of these things: conceited and conservative, liberal and
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Santa Barbara is wonderful! - 12/26/2006
Overall a wonderful place to live! Low crime, perfect weather, plenty of educational, recreational and cultural opportunities as well as fantastic restaurants! The ocean, mountains and vineyards--you can't beat it! The only drawback is the ridiculously expensive real estate. The price of paradise I
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Decided to move - 12/19/2006
We also decided to move away from Santa Barbara last year. I grew up in the small coastal city, but it has now changed dramatically. First of all, it has a huge gang problem so it is not safe to be out at the beach or downtown at dark. The schools are 90% and getting worse. The housing is too expensive and the traffic a nightmare. The scenery is gorgeous and the climate good,except for foggy June. We now live in a place with good schools, affortable houses and little gangs if any. Sorry Santa Barbara you are not the place you used to
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So long Santa Barbara - 11/19/2006
After debating for years, my husband and I have decided to leave Santa Barbara and Southern California.
The two best things going for Santa Barbara is the climate and the scenery. However, everything else doesn't make it worth it anymore.
First there's the ridiculous housing prices. The public schools are pathetic unless you live in the really expensive area. What good is the amenities of a town when you're always working to afford them? The traffic is horrible and the drivers are worse. The city is just crowded and I honestly believe it's making everybody crazy. Life is just getting more and more hectic and chaotic here.
If you're young and single or old and rich, then maybe it's the place for you. But it's no place to raise a family with morals and proper
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beautiful and pricey - 10/4/2006
Santa Barbara is perfect if you are looking for a wonderful year-round mild climate, lots of sunny days, outdoor activities, and some cultural outlets. The downside is the cost of living. It is difficult to enjoy the cultural events and top restaurants on $20K a year wages. It is very hard to find professional level jobs, although there are a few tech companies in Goleta. The cost of housing is out of this world. Many college grads stick around and work retail jobs or at restaurants. It is nearly impossible to break into the housing market, with shacks going for $900,000. But if you want to live the laid-back CA lifestyle, there are plenty of students and happy go lucky slackers to hang out with in
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resort climate - 9/24/2006
Is it possible to love every day in this city? ANSWER: Yes. After living here for 3 years, and having traveling & worked in every state & most major cities, and several countries - this area has the best year-round weather! Not boring like some temperate climates; something new & beautiful every week. The mountains meet the sea - and across the 18 mile Santa Barbara channel is the Channel Islands! - usually in
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Not for 20somethings--nice vacation getaway. - 7/13/2006
Jeez, what to say about Santa Barbara...
On the one hand, it is one of the most beautiful places you'll ever likely see. On the other, I think it's best left as a vacation getaway rather than the headquarters. I loved it the first few months I lived there, and perhaps if I were a millionaire I would have loved it more, but I quickly became fed up with how impractical it was to live there and went south to Ventura.
State Street is a cool place that's always bustling and has a pretty good night life scene. However, since virtually everything is downtown, every time you want to run an errand you'll have to deal with State Street traffic and parking.
The cost of living is absurd. Put it this way: after I lived in Santa Barbara, Los Angeles suddenly seemed cheap. Santa Barbara has really strict building codes, which helps maintain its asthetic appeal, but also makes it impossible to find an apartment unless you want to live on Isla Vista with
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living in paradise - 6/22/2006
Beautiful for the senses but hard on friendships and relationships as economics swell. We are loosing many of our great teachers and artists. We are unable to atract fresh out of school doctors and young adults. They smartly refuse to take on the high cost of living here while trying to pay back school loans. Our infrastructure is crumbling as the McMansions keep getting built and folks that want to retire take their money and run. What was once a small feeling town with many friendly faces both young and old has grown into a town of flipped houses that now sit empty and working folks looking tired and
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Santa Barbara Ca. - 6/19/2006
Santa Barbara is really quite beautiful. It is located on the coast between Los Angeles and San Luis Obispo.
It is a very wealthy community mixed with a large mexican immigrant population that for the most part live harmoniously here. We are definitely getting too crowded which is ruining it for me. Real estate is sky high and holding although prices are softening, no one thinks we are ever going to tank
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