A Postcard from Santa Barbara, CA
Gorgeous is the only word to describe our second home here. It doesn't feel like anywhere else we've ever been, with the mountains so still, and the ocean stretching as far as we can see. With so many cultural events, we are ready to settle here for good.

  

About Santa Barbara, California
When you get tired of busy cities, unpredictable weather, and lack of beautiful surroundings, it's time to consider Santa Barbara. She sits like an elegant princess, aloof from the busy neighbors north and south along California's coast, creating a magical world unlike any other. As all princesses have "suitors", Santa Barbara has hers: infinite blue ocean knocks at her front door, and the magical kingdom of mountains is calling at her back door. Whom will she marry? Well, both of course. When you have your second home in Santa Barbara's kingdom, you get everything.

Though not a small town according to the numbers (the city alone has 94,000), it nevertheless feels small, partly because it is so well contained between the ocean and the mountains. It has the perfect blend of cosmopolitan culture and a casual small town feeling. With a perfect climate (300 sunshine days), incredible views, and a strong rental market, you might wonder if there is any catch? That depends on your budget. Santa Barbara is a princess, after all, and princesses don't come cheap! The median home price of $507,000 makes it relatively costly to enter, but definitely worth it. According to one source, housing prices declined over the period 2000- 2002 creating an attractive investment opportunity.

Local History

The first known settlers in the area were the Chumash Indians, and almost 150 other tribes may have lived in the area over the next 10 centuries. The "queen of missions", Santa Barbara was founded in 1782, but not actually begun until 1786. The mission experienced the effects of several earthquakes over the years, only to be improved and beautified each time. It has been continuously occupied by Franciscan monks since its establishment, unlike many of the California missions which were later secularized. After it's Spanish-Mexican period ended in 1848, Santa Barbara became part of the United States. With the discovery of gold, the area grew to 100,000 by 1850, and continued to do so over the next century, especially attracting tourists and wealthy residents.

An Average Lifestyle in Santa Barbara, California

Santa Barbara has a unique blend of lifestyles. The University of California, and other schools, bring the young spirit and the intellectual energy, while the fine climate attracts those looking for perfect retirement. There is also a steady flow of tourists. Residents working in support of the visitors or the schools create the settled population. There is also a strong cultural mix, with the influence of the Spanish missions very much in evidence, especially in the architecture.

Housing

Costs: Even within the same source of information, there are widely different estimates of median housing costs. For example, one figure lists median Costs: $507,209. The chamber also gives breakdowns between East and West of State Street, showing figures of $944,000 and $762,000 respectively. Other figures from the Santa Barbara Chamber of Commerce show the median cost for condos as $400,000 while Single Family Homes currently run at 735,000. Even their figures on housing increases differ. On the one hand a chart shows a two year steady decline. However, on another page, they show a steady increase, projecting a 14% increase for 2003. Bottom line: work with a realtor who knows.

A good rental market, with more than 50% of homes renter-occupied makes property a good investment. Rentals range from $900 - $3500 a month.

Things to Do in Santa Barbara

Shopping along cobble-street arcades in irresistible boutiques

Whale Watching

Charter Boats for Deep Sea fishing

Enjoy 100 miles of Santa Barbara County Coastline

Bicycling

Visit Historical Mission Santa Barbara

Enjoy Carpenteria State Beach Park (12 miles south)

Swim in calm Pacific waters at one of the many beaches

Take the kids to Chase Palm Park for carousel and other fun

Hike or mountain bike in Santa Ynez mountains

Golf at championship golf courses

Explore the nearby towns of Carpinteria, Summerland, Montecito and Goleta

Enjoy the best of California and International Cuisine

Year round tennis, sailing and horseback riding

Cultural Activities in Santa Barbara

Museum of Art

Museum of Natural History

Maritime Museum

Fiesta Festival

Santa Barbara Botanical Garden

Santa Barbara Historical Museum

Symphony

Performing Arts

Opera

Art Galleries galore

International Film Festival

Jazz Festival

Near-By Excursions

Day trip to Channel Islands National Park for hiking and ecological tours

Carpinteria Avocado Festival

Vineyards of  Santa Maria Valley

Los Padres National Forest

Solvang, a Danish Village in Santa Ynez Valley

Location
On the Pacific Coast, 92 miles north of Los Angeles

Elevation: Sea Level

Size: 19 sq. miles

Distance to other major cities
Los Angeles: 94 miles

San Francisco: 281 miles (about 5 hours)

Getting To Santa Barbara, California

By air into Santa Barbara Municipal Airport, or Los Angeles Airport; or by car.

Weather

Annual Average Temperature:  low average of 54; high average of 68

Annual Average Rainfall: very little, about 16-18 inches annually.

Economics and Demographics

Population (2003): 94,824 city, 412,081 County

Growth Rate: 7.3% from 1990-2000

Median Age, 2000:  35.7

Median Household Income: $52,570

Principle Industries: Tourism, Education, Business Services

Higher Education

University of California at Santa Barbara

University of Santa Barbara (private)

Santa Barbara City College

Santa Barbara College of Oriental Medicine

Antioch University, Santa Barbara Branch