Santa Barbara County, CA


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Santa Barbara County, CA

About Santa Barbara County, CA

Santa Barbara County is located on the Central Coast of California and has a population of 456,243. It is home to world-renowned wineries and beautiful coastlines. Major cities in Santa Barbara County include Santa Maria, Lompoc, and Santa Barbara. The county offers a variety of opportunities for outdoor recreation including hiking, camping, kayaking, fishing, and wildlife viewing. Medium-large metro area set in the valleys and coastal plains of Callifornia. Primary industries include tourism and agriculture. Noteworthy features include shoreline and retirement destination. - Situated on the central coast of California, 30 miles southeast of San Luis Obispo and 60 miles northwest of Santa Barbara..

Location Details

State: California
County: Santa Barbara County
Metro Area: Santa_Maria-Santa_Barbara
City: Santa Maria, Santa Barbara, 28 total
Zip Codes: 93117, 93458, 93436, 93455, 93454, 93101, 93105, 93103, 93111, 93110, 24 total
Cost of Living: 54.7% higher
Time zone: Pacific Standard Time (PST)
Elevation: 217 ft above sea level
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Dig Deeper on santa barbara

The Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA metro area is a lovely region on the central coast of California. It has an interesting history, beautiful landscapes, and a mix of industries that keep the economy going strong. The area is known for its mild climate and scenic views, making it a great place to live and explore.

Historically, this area was first inhabited by the Chumash Native American tribe. Spanish explorers arrived in the 18th century and established missions, leaving a lasting impact on the region's culture and architecture. Over time, it became part of Mexico before joining the United States. Today, you can still see many historic buildings and sites that tell the story of its past.

Geographically, the Santa Maria-Santa Barbara metro area features stunning coastal views, the Santa Ynez Mountains, and fertile valleys. This creates a Mediterranean climate with mild, wet winters and warm, dry summers. Residents and visitors enjoy beaches, hiking trails, and wine tasting in the picturesque valleys.

The economy here is fueled by several key industries. Agriculture is big, with the area known for its vineyards, wineries, and production of crops like strawberries and lettuce. Tourism also plays a significant role, drawing people with its natural beauty, outdoor activities, and cultural events. Additionally, education, healthcare, and technology contribute to the local economy, providing jobs and opportunities for growth.

When it comes to politics, the Santa Maria-Santa Barbara metro area leans towards the Democratic Party. The community supports progressive policies and is environmentally conscious, reflecting a commitment to sustainability and social issues.

Living in the Santa Maria-Santa Barbara area offers a high quality of life with access to outdoor recreation, arts, and culture. Residents can surf, hike, explore art galleries, or attend live performances. The region's laid-back atmosphere and strong sense of community make it welcoming to newcomers.

New residents should be aware that the cost of living, especially housing, is high compared to other regions. The beautiful setting and desirable amenities drive up prices. Traffic can get busy, particularly during tourist season, so planning commute times is helpful. Being mindful of occasional wildfires and drought conditions is also important for those new to the area.

In summary, the Santa Maria-Santa Barbara metro area combines historical charm with natural beauty and a robust economy. While the cost of living is high, the quality of life and range of activities available make it a sought-after place to live. Newcomers will find a welcoming community ready to share all that this beautiful coastal region has to offer.

santa barbara Cost of Living
$$$$

Shoreline, very low humidity, and natural beauty make santa barbara a great place to live.

$863,600
+60.8% higher than avg
$84,356
+18.2% higher than avg
$2,670 /mo
Monthly rent (2br)
+46.4% higher than avg
santa barbara Crime
33.6 / 100
Crime is ranked on a scale of 1 (low) to 100 (high). US average: 35.4
Minimum annual income
To live comfortably in santa barbara, California
$165,600
for a family
$94,000
for a single person
Pros & Cons of santa barbara
   Shoreline
High home prices
   Very low humidity
High taxes
   Natural beauty
Quakes, wildfires, drought
Reviews for Santa Barbara
    See all (1)

I've lived here 2014-now (2022). I obviously like it, and so do many other people. It's a "destination wedding" location, draws tourists from around the world as well as  More

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