Situated in Santa Barbara County, the city of Santa Barbara is a renowned cultural hub and home to the illustrious University of California, Santa Barbara. With its stunning beauty and unique atmosphere, Santa Barbara is a truly one-of-a-kind place.

Santa Barbara is a fashionable and up-to-date city, with great surfing just a short distance away. It is popular for its beautiful beaches, luxurious resorts and plentiful tourist attractions, which bring visitors from all over the globe.

However, many people often wonder what Santa Barbara is really like as a place to live. In this article, we will take a closer look at some of the key points that make Santa Barbara an attractive city to call home. We will also explore the aspects of everyday life, including, but not limited to the climate, cost of living, job market, and transportation options.

Population and Demographics

The population of Santa Barbara is 91,357 spread out over 19.5 miles, giving it a population density of around 4,600 people per sq. mi. The median age in this city a is 37.6 years old, which is marginally greater than the state average of 37 years old.

Santa Barbara’s median household income is $73,974. However, 20% of the population earns an income of $200,000 or more annually. This indicates that there is a significant disparity between the wealthiest and the poorest residents in Santa Barbara.

The community of Santa Barbara is largely made up of two different ethnicities. Caucasians make up 56% of the population, while Hispanics account for 37%. This leaves a relatively small percentage of the population made up of other ethnicities.

Nearly one quarter of Santa Barbara’s residents were born outside of the United States, and the majority of those foreign-born residents come from Latin America. Furthermore, the city has a perfectly balanced gender ratio, with an equal number of men and women.

Cost of Living

If you’re moving to Santa Barbara expecting to save money, you may want to think again. The cost of living in Santa Barbara is quite high and you’ll likely find yourself spending a lot of money on things like rent, food, and transportation.

The average cost of living in this area is 123% higher than in other parts of the United States, as per report from Bestplaces. This means that the average person here would have to spend about $23,000 more per year to maintain the same standard of living as they would in another city.

In Santa Barbara, the median price for a home is much higher than average, at $1,572,900. In comparison, the average home price in California is much lower, at only $568,500. This difference of over a million dollars shows just how expensive homes can be in Santa Barbara.

Although utilities in Santa Barbara cost less than the national average, groceries cost considerably more. This may be due to the fact that Santa Barbara is a tourist destination, and many of the items sold are geared towards visitors rather than residents.

Lastly, transportation and utility expenses in Santa Barbara are relatively low compared to other parts of the country. For instance, average transportation costs are about 3% lower than the national average, while the average utility bill will set you back $201.84. Consequently, residents of Santa Barbara generally have more money available to spend on other necessary expenses or leisure activities.

Transportation

In order to get around Santa Barbara, you will need to take Route 101. This road will either lead you north or south, depending on your destination. The Santa Barbara Municipal Airport is located in the Goleta area of Santa Barbara and provides commercial air service to the city. The airport also has a number of train lines running through it, which provide transportation to the city center and other areas.

Santa Barbara residents rely heavily on the Santa Barbara Metropolitan Transit District’s robust bus system for most of their intercity public transportation needs. The Transit District offers many buses that run throughout the city, making it easy for residents to get around.

Since the city is such a popular tourist destination, they have made sure to accommodate all types of travelers. One way Santa Barbara does this is by establishing an extensive network of bike trails. This makes it convenient for visitors to explore the area without having to worry about finding a parking spot or fighting traffic.

Climate and Weather

People are drawn to Santa Barbara for many reasons, one of them being the weather. The California weather that so many people love is present in this city in full force! Santa Barbara’s mild temperatures and lack of extreme weather conditions make it a great place to live.

Santa Barbara has some of the mildest weather in all of California. The low temperatures in the winter hover around 43 degrees Fahrenheit. And in the summer, the highs rarely go above 73 degrees Fahrenheit. This means that the popular beaches are open throughout the year – something that locals and tourists alike take advantage of.

In Santa Barbara, it rains an average of 19 inches per year. This is less than the average rainfall in the US, which is 38 inches per year. Santa Barbara’s weather is, therefore, drier than most of the country.

Although freak weather occurrences are rare, the best times to visit Santa Barbara in terms of comfort are July and August when there is no snow. Santa Barbara is a beautiful city that experience little to no snowfall, making it the perfect destination for a summer getaway.

Jobs

If you’re hoping to move to Santa Barbara and make a living there, it is important to know that wages and the cost of living have stayed the same, as stated by Payscale. The most popular jobs in the area are Operations Manager, and IT roles such as Software Engineer and Senior Software Engineer.

University of California, Santa Barbara, osewood Hotels, and AppFolio, Inc. are the three largest employers in Santa Barbara. The average annual salary for an employee in the city is $78,000, while the hourly rate is $22.10 on average.

Santa Barbara is a tech-savvy city with a diverse range of sectors. However, IT and tech skills would be especially useful in this community. Santa Barbara’s proximity to Silicon Valley means that there is a large tech presence in the area, but it also has a lot to offer in terms of other industries.

Pros and Cons to Consider

Santa Barbara is a beautiful and unique city situated on the West Coast. The city offers a multitude of attractions, including its iconic Spanish mission, pristine beaches, and charming boutique shops. Santa Barbara is also home to several hip communities, making it a desirable place to live for young adults and families.

However, Santa Barbara’s housing costs are among the highest in the nation, which can make it difficult for people to afford a place to live. While the cost of living can be a deterrent for some people considering a move here, others find that it is worth the investment.