Commute
The high commute score in this area could imply easy access to public transportation, as well as shorter-than-average commute times to your workplace.
Employment
With higher than average median household income, income per capita and lower unemployment rates, this area scores extremely well in the employment category.
Health & Safety
Accessible health facilities like hospitals, doctors offices, clinics and nursing homes as well as good air quality are all factors that have led to a high score in this category.
Cost Of Living
This area is known for its high cost of living, which means you should anticipate higher costs for everyday goods and services, housing, groceries, and health care.
Crime
Reporting high crime rates per 100,000 people, this area may be perceived as an unsafe place to reside. These statistics encompass both violent and property crime rates.
Santa Barbara, California is a medium-sized city with a population of 94,185 residents. In Santa Barbara, there are 4,833 people per square mile, which is well above the national population density average. According to the most recent Census, 76% of Santa Barbara residents are White, 4% Asian and 2% Black. Additionally, more than a quarter of the population of Santa Barbara are of Hispanic or Latino origin, and 28% of the population also speak Spanish. In Santa Barbara, only 48% of people over the age of fifteen are married. This city could be a good option for singles ready to mingle. If you're not a fan of traffic congestion and long commute times to work, Santa Barbara is the place to be. Commutes to work here are shorter, with an average one-way commute time taking only 17 minutes, significantly lower than the national average of 26 minutes.
Living in Santa Barbara can be a positive experience for anyone moving to the area. Having said that, in the state of California, there are many amazing places to live, so choose wisely! When searching for a new neighborhood, several factors play a vital role in determining its suitability. Safety should be a top priority, ensuring a secure environment with low crime rates. Proximity to your workplace or school helps minimize commuting time and allows for a better work-life balance. Availability of essential amenities such as parks, coffee shops, restaurants, grocery stores, and healthcare facilities contributes to convenience and well-being. Access to reliable public transportation options facilitates easy commuting and connectivity. Additionally, considering the sense of community and the overall atmosphere that resonates with your lifestyle and preferences fosters a harmonious living experience. With useful information like commute, health & safety, employment, housing and other key data points, finding the best places to live in Santa Barbara and in the areas around Santa Barbara is a much easier task.
Using data and statistics Santa Barbara has received a livability score of 73/100. This score is ranked in the 82nd percentile when compared to all other cities. If we examine each of the categories individually, we see that Santa Barbara ranks well for amenities (B) and employment (A+). Santa Barbara does not score well for the following: crime (D) and cost of living (F). It might be a smart idea to take a closer look at each category to find out why.
The mantra of real estate, "location, location, location," underscores the importance of where a property is situated, making it a pivotal factor in your quest for a new home. Fortunately, when you're living in Santa Barbara, you'll discover an abundance of exceptional local amenities and lots of things to do. Among these are conveniently located grocery stores, charming coffee shops, diverse dining options and plenty of spacious parks. These local amenities contribute significantly to its overall appeal, ensuring that your daily needs are met and offering ample opportunities for leisure and recreation. When considering your next move, the thriving local scene in Santa Barbara undoubtedly enhances its desirability, affirming the significance of its prime location. Among the enticing options for fun and exploration in Santa Barbara are: State Street, Santa Barbara County Courthouse, and Santa Barbara Adventure Company.
The Santa Barbara unemployment rate of 2.5% has continued to decrease over the years and is now well below the national average. The result could lead to reduced poverty and inequality in the area, higher wages and increased economic growth. This is a positive sign in the overall health of the local economy.
There are many factors that go into deciding if an area is the right fit for your lifestyle. Certain “must haves” like low crime, great schools and nearby amenities are all at the top of most people's lists. But before even considering if those options are attainable, we'll need to know if the real estate in Santa Barbara is actually affordable. Median real estate prices in Santa Barbara come in at $1,920,877, which is 162.5% higher than the California average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Santa Barbara, the home price to income ratio is 16.1, which is 109.1% higher than the California average.
Why stop at city-to-city? With Local Insights, you can compare neighborhoods, zip codes, or even exact addresses. Access 300+ hyperlocal data points—from schools and crime to housing and amenities—to see which area is the better fit.
| Statistic | Santa Barbara | California | National |
| Average one way commute | 17min | 28min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 67.2% | 73.5% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 9.7% | 10.6% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 3.6% | 5.2% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 3.6% | 1.1% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 5.3% | 2.7% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 9.5% | 5.4% | 4.6% |
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