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Santa Maria, CA is known for its beautiful beaches, charming downtown area, and excellent wine tasting opportunities. Many visitors are drawn to the picturesque Pacific coastline that runs up the coast from Santa Barbara to San Luis Obispo County, while others come for the renowned wineries and plenty of outdoor activities. The city itself is often described as a haven for outdoorsy types who are looking to explore the many hiking trails, lakes, and oaks in the region. Visitors also appreciate the variety of restaurants and shopping options available near downtown.
The reviews of Santa Maria, CA generally reflect its diverse offerings. Most visitors enjoy its relaxing atmosphere, natural scenery, and friendly residents. Many also appreciate its proximity to some of California’s most iconic cities such as Los Angeles and San Francisco. Additionally, travelers note that there are plenty of activities for all ages and interests including sporting events at the local stadium or theme parks nearby. While prices can be a bit on the high side in this city overall reviews are positive with locals noting that it is an excellent place to visit or call home depending on your preference.
based on 12 ReviewsGet to know Santa Maria with the latest comments and reviews from people who live in or have visited Santa Maria
Orcutt Instead - 1/13/2019
I live in Orcutt which is a town of around 35,000 on the south side of Santa Maria.
Santa Maria has, as everyone has noted, the best climate in the world. It never snows. It only rains in the late fall through early spring. It isn't even that hot in the summer, and sticky summer humidity simply doesn't happen.
It doesn't have much personality, but it has all the other conveniences you could want--shopping (for example: Walmart, Trader Joe's, Costco, Home Depot, Target, Kohls, Macys, Penneys), restaurants (all the major chains and many small independents), a large brand new library, two multi-movie theaters, mall, pool, etc. Recently, several new shopping centers with chain restaurants have sprung up. The large fair park has events year round. There is a wonderful California Community College (Allan Hancock) with a first year of free tuition. The college has an amazing performing arts center with incredible plays. There is a large Catholic hospital. And you are less than
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Santa Maria Can't Be Defined - 11/27/2009
I have lived in Santa Maria / Orcutt for several years, but it is time to leave. I have no issues with the weather. Our climate is mild and comfortable with no extremes. Heck, we get excited if the weather forecast has a more than 3-degree temperature change! My two major deal-breaker concerns are these: First, the cost of living is much higher than it should be for what you get. Housing, food, utilities and transportation costs are higher than places that are more desirable. If wages were aligned it would not be a problem, but the cost of labor here is very low. Second, Santa Maria does not realize it is bigger than most California cities (including nearby Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo) with 100 years of history, and it has yet to define its culture/ community/ character or anything recognizable that might say who we are as a community. In other words, it has no personality. It’s tofu - not much until you add some flavor. OK, this may be a non-issue for some; and maybe those in
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Unpredictable weather with no extremes. - 5/23/2009
The weather is very mild without a huge temperature change with the seasons.
The winters are chilly but not cold and the summers are warm but not hot. Of course there are some downfalls. It can be very windy for days on end and we have some weeks when the fog doesn't clear until noon. However we also have days in the winter that the temperature climbs to 70 or 80 for a week and most people keep there shorts and sandals handy all year long. We sometimes have chilly days and evenings in the summer so you have to keep your sweatshirts handy too! You never get tired of the weather here because its always changing----except for the
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The weather - 2/4/2009
I have traveled all over the world. I have not seen anywhere else that has the type of climate that the central coast has. It is really great. I feel that it is the best place to
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Orcutt, next to Santa Maria has an awsome soccer g - 2/18/2008
When we lived in Orcutt, the soccer was fantastic. It was run very well. Santa Maria has know, I believe, a great club team. I would not want to live in Santa Maria because of crime, but Orcutt was a very cute, nice little town that is know
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Nice place on California's secret coast - 1/7/2008
Santa Maria, California, together with its immediately adjacent county-run suburb of Orcutt, gives approximately 140.000 Californians a nice place to live and work. High-tech is in demand at close-by Vandenberg Air Force Base (once the Western Cape Kennedy) as well as in Santa Maria's light industry, wine making has become a booming business, agricullture and tourism are traditional stand-bys. The exorbitant cost of housing prevalent in California has not passed SM by: median home prices close to half a million Dollars are currently a scourge that drives young residents to neighboring states, but the cost of living minus housing is fairly low. Excellent medical services in town make it an attractive destination for Californians seeking top-tier medica attention, the local theatre company and Santa Maria's Hancock college raise the cultural level above boots and belt buckle Central California (although the annual Rodeo - row-day-oh - puts the pickup crowd front row center), the Pacific
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Clean city, but not much going on. - 10/23/2007
A lot of agriculture. Very old city with little shopping, and not much too do...actually very boring. There is no night/family life would have to drive at least 20 minutes north to find "something" to do. A very torristy area, and a lot of retires....Not a place to raise a family, the first languge in almost all schools in santa maria is spanish...english is secondary... I have lived here for 1 year and very unhappy, and ready to make a move. Climate is nice and that's about
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It's Tough Living in Paradise - 7/15/2007
The climate in Santa Maria is wonderful. Flowers bloom year-round and it's very temperate since we're only 9 miles from the coast. However, since this is a highly agricultural area and the wind blows frequently during the summer, it's very hard on people with allergies. In addition, the cost of living is quite high. The price of an average 3-bedroom house begins around $400,000. But, the crime rate is low, we're close to the ocean and mountains and it's gorgeous here. So, that's why we Santa-Marians say, "It's tough living in paradise!" And, who want's to leave
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Santa Maria is a Horrible and Unsafe place to live - 5/9/2007
Ever read the Santa Maria Times, or go to the mall. THere are more illegal aliens here than any city I've ever been to. The crime is high, the jobs are few, and the housing is unaffordable. You have to wear a jacket every night of the year , and its always
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