2023 Best Places to Live in the Santa Barbara Area

• Suburb in California

• •
  Rating 3.82 out of 5  22 reviews

Current Resident: The neighborhood is beautiful and very clean with many townhomes, apartments, condos, and houses. There are many parks and in the center of elementary, middle, and high schools. However, the community is very close-knit and roads are very slim.... Read 22 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Population 8,494

• Suburb in California

• •
  Rating 4 out of 5  1 review

Niche User: The area is beautiful, and the weather is great.... Read 1 review

• grade A

• grade A

• Population 2,353

• Suburb in California

• •
  Rating 4.01 out of 5  150 reviews

Current Resident: I like how clean and safe Goleta is. While Isla Vista is a part of Goleta, it is a separate entity set aside for the students of UCSB. But, Goleta as a whole, contributes to the success of students as well by offering support and allowing for great events or space for students to learn and grow! It's a great community with people who truly care about one another. The town is also right next to the beach and the mountains so there are lots of opportunities for hiking, surfing or other outside activities.... Read 150 reviews

• grade A

• grade A+

• Population 32,677

• Town in California

• •
  Rating 4.16 out of 5  154 reviews

Former Resident: As someone who has lived in Santa Barbara for many years, attended UCSB for college, and lived in Santa Barbara post-graduate, I know the area from many perspectives. While Santa Barbara has excellent weather, family friendly, and safe, it does have some limiting factors. Upon graduating UCSB, many graduates were unable to find jobs in Santa Barbara due to the small size of the city and exclusive job markets. The real estate market is also extremely specific, so it may be difficult to begin/grow a business in real estate in the area. However, while Santa Barbara itself is an exclusive town, its neighboring areas are wonderful, and just a small drive away!... Read 154 reviews

• grade A

• grade A

• Population 89,132

• Suburb in California

• •
  Rating 4.75 out of 5  4 reviews

Niche User: Generally speaking Carpinteria California is an overall safe neighborhood. Crime is extremely low compared to other areas of the country. Police in Carpinteria are usually not extremely visible, however they tend to be more present in Santa Barbara which is approximately ten minutes away.... Read 4 reviews

• grade B+

• grade A minus

• Population 1,714

• Suburb in California

• •
  Rating 4.15 out of 5  20 reviews

Current Resident: Carpinteria is a great city because it is quiet, peaceful and so close to the gorgeous Tar Pits beach. There are not many ways to engage with the community, but you'll always see families walking their dog or neighbors going for a run. I value the shops and resources in this city, everyone is kind and the community is clean.... Read 20 reviews

• grade B

• grade B+

• Population 13,289

• Suburb in California

• grade C+

• grade A minus

• Population 582

• Suburb in California

• •
  Rating 3.79 out of 5  149 reviews

Current Resident: The majority of its residents are students of either Santa Barbara City College or UCSB, but there is little-to-no rivalry. There is a "vibe" cast upon this town, leading to few disputes between residents. People are ready to help, especially if there are parties nearby. In my own experience, I took a drunk friend home one night, and I was lucky to be in IV because multiple people were perceptive and happy to help a fellow Samaritan get home safely. We were given water and even offered a Lift. Additionally, party culture here is not dangerous like it is in the San Fernando Valley. IV residents party to have a good time, not to settle any beef. IV is also sustainable and healthy with its local farmer's market just a bus ride away and pop-up shops where locals sell used clothes. The pricing of the property in IV is problematic, however, because the properties are overpriced for what they are. Most houses are not wellkept and many landlords do not respect the residents' security deposits... Read 149 reviews

• grade unavailable

• grade unavailable

• Population 15,732