Where Should I Live Near Santa Barbara?

by | May 21, 2023 | Living in SB | 0 comments

gray rock on body of water during daytime

When it comes to choosing where to live near Santa Barbara, you might be feeling undecided. Although we initially thought that there were many good places to live in this area, we have come to the conclusion that Montecito is by far the best place to live. This is due to a number of factors, such as its convenient location, great schools, and a safe community.

With its stunning natural beauty and its close proximity to everything that makes Santa Barbara one of the most desirable places to live in California, Montecito is the perfect place to call home. Montecito is a small town located in California with a population of just under 9,000 people. The residents predominantly own their homes as opposed to renting, and the community enjoys a friendly and welcoming ambiance.

The community of Montecito is consistently ranked by Forbes as one of the well-off communities in the US. The average household income in Montecito is over $2 million, and the median home value is over $5 million. There are only a handful of properties available for sale at any given time, and they usually sell for well above asking price. The residents of the exclusive neighbourhood include a number of A-list celebrities such as Rob Lowe, Ellen DeGeneres and Oprah Winfrey among many others.

History of Montecito

Present-day Montecito was once inhabited by the Chumash tribe of Native Americans for more than 10,000 years. The Chumash were a maritime people who flourished in the Santa Barbara Channel Area. They used tomols, or plank canoes, to travel and fish in the waters off the coast of present-day Montecito. The first European settlers to arrive in the area were Spanish missionaries, who built a mission near present-day Santa Barbara in 1786.

The 19th century was a time when Montecito became known as a refuge for highway robbers and bandits. This was because the area was full of hills and mountains, which made it easy for them to hide and escape from the law. Additionally, the population was relatively small, so there were fewer people around to try to stop the bandits. As a result, Montecito became a place where many criminals would go to avoid being caught by the authorities.

Montecito rapidly changed in the 1860s to become more like Italy. This was due to wealthy citizens from that nation buying up property and land in the area. They introduced many new features that made Montecito more similar to their homeland. These changes included adding extensive gardens, constructing fountains, and building walls around properties. The result was a community that by the end of the decade looked and felt much like Italy itself.

Toward the end of the 19th century, Montecito began to develop into the luxurious retreat it is today. Wealthy individuals built vacation as a way to escape the bustling city life. These grand estates provided stunning views of the coastline and ample opportunities for relaxation and recreation. Over time, more and more people discovered the appeal of Montecito, and it became one of the most sought-after destinations in Southern California.

Montecito’s Architecture

George Washington Smith is an American architect who is noted particularly for the residences he designed around Montecito. He was a master of the California mission style of architecture, and his work helped to define the Santa Barbara area’s unique character. His homes are characterized by their use of natural materials, stucco walls, red tile roofs, and arched doorways and windows. They are also notable for their open floor plans, which were ahead of their time and provided residents with a great deal of flexibility in how they used their space.

Montecito is home to some amazing homes. Many of these homes are large and luxurious, and offer stunning views of the surrounding area. Montecito is a great place to live for those who want to enjoy all the best that California has to offer.

Education is a Top Priority

For a large number of homebuyers, schools are the top priority when choosing where to relocate. Moving to an area with good schools can provide peace of mind for parents and help set their children up for success later in life. In this neighborhood, the majority of residents have college degrees. Nearly three-quarters have completed at least an undergraduate program, and more than one-third have advanced degrees. This is a highly educated community where residents value learning and intellectual growth.

There are at least two public and six private post-secondary schools within close proximity. The largest of these is the University of California at Santa Barbara. This variety of educational institutions provides students with plenty of options to choose from when it comes to furthering their education. Santa Barbara City College is a highly rated 2-year college in the United States and a great choice for students who want to get a good education without spending a lot of money.

Weather Made for Enjoying Nature

The small town of Montecito, which means “little mount” in Spanish, is situated in the east of the coastal plain south of the Santa Ynez Mountains. This charming community is a popular tourist destination due to its beautiful setting and mild climate. Montecito has long been a desirable location for horticulturists because of its Mediterranean-like climate. The warm days and cool nights are perfect for growing a variety of flowers, fruits, and vegetables. In addition, the town is home to many nurseries and gardens, making it easy to find the plants you need.

March and April are the ideal months to spot gray whales migrating north from Mexico through the Santa Barbara Channel. During this time of year, these majestic creatures can often be seen breaching and spouting as they travel along the coast. Watching them is a truly magical experience that will stay with you for a lifetime.

Montecito Hot Springs

Montecito’s mineral hot springs have long been cherished by locals and visitors alike. The springs are nestled in a serene and natural setting, and offer a rejuvenating experience. These springs are located in a beautiful, peaceful area and offer a refreshing break from everyday life. The Chumash believed that the waters had curative powers and that they could be used to heal the sick. They would often go to the springs in order to receive its healing benefits.

There are a lot of reasons to live in Montecito. First, there are beautiful homes and communities. Secondly, it is one of the most desirable cities in California, with a rich history and heritage to call its own. Thirdly, Montecito is home to many cultural and historic attractions. If you don’t want to live in the city, but would like a nice scenic place to visit, then Montecito is perfect for you.

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