Andrew Rose of Rose Coast Realty bringing you another Top 10 list for Santa Barbara. This week's list showcases Santa Barbara's wonderful array of hiking trails and locations.
1. Inspiration Point: This 3.5 mile hike with an elevation gain of 800 feet is one of the most well known and loved by locals. The wildlife is beautiful and the view at the top is breathtaking.
2. 7 Falls: As the name suggests, the trail leads up to waterfalls and 3 pools. A similar start as Inspiration Point, turn off the paved road and up the creek to get to the crest.
3. San Ysidro Trail: With a start just off the San Ysidro Ranch's property, this ~2 mile trail leads up to a waterfall usually running in the spring. Seasoned hikers can continue onward for another 9 miles roundtrip past the fall.
4. Red Rock: Not so much of a trail as much as a deep, natural swimming pool where teenagers and college students can be found on the weekends. Only about 1 mile out from the parking lot.
5. Cathedral Peak: The peak at the top is worth the 8000 feet elevation climb, with views stretching as far as Oxnard on the right days. Definitely bring water along as the trail becomes exposed and on a hot summer day can turn from tough to strenuous.
6. McMenemy Loop: Starting alongside the San Ysidro Trail, this loop branches off into preserved parts of Montecito. Suitable for horses as well, it is maintained and there are hitching posts along the way.
7. Ellwood Butterfly Grove: Known to locals for years, the butterfly grove is quickly becoming a tourist stop as well. Best to visit in the mid-morning when the butterflies are just waking up.
8. Lizard's Mouth: Most come to picnic, but the real adventurous rock climb at this family favorite. The trail is short but the hike is what you make of it.
9. Gibraltar Dam: Hiking past Red Rock the extra miles will take you to the dam, and even further to an old abandoned mine. Perfect for a pleasant lunch. Can also be biked.
10. Montecito Peak: Very steep parts but the peak is well worth the climb. Find the hidden box at the top to log your successful journey like the others.
Friday, December 27, 2013
Wednesday, December 4, 2013
Monday, October 14, 2013
Hostel Bought by SB Real Estate Firm
"An area real estate investment and development company, Capitoline Properties, LLC, recently took ownership of the Santa Barbara Tourist Hostel to capitalize on its prime location.
Santa Barbara’s first and only hostel is located at 134 Chapala Street, by the train station and the city’s blossoming Funk Zone. “We believe the Funk Zone’s proximity to the beach as well as the types of businesses that have opened up will make the area a very long term destination for locals and tourists,” said Jared Filippone, Vice President of Capitoline Properties.
Filippone said the company plans to purchase new furniture for the kitchen, lobby, dorm rooms, and private rooms, as well as take care of some deferred maintenance. “We will also be looking to form relationships with local bars, restaurants, bike and surf rentals and other activity vendors to provide our guests with all that Santa Barbara has to offer,” Filippone said.
The purchase was a slight stray from Capitoline’s usual investments in multi-family apartment complexes on California’s Central Coast as well as in Bozeman, Montana. This is the second local acquisition Capitoline has made this year, the first being The Tahitian apartments in Isla Vista.
That purchase was the largest sale of a multi-family property in the South Coast in 2013. Capitoline currently manages about 180 units, including The Tahitian apartments and a building in Orange, CA."
Source: http://www.independent.com/news/2013/oct/14/hostel-bought-sb-real-estate-firm/
Santa Barbara’s first and only hostel is located at 134 Chapala Street, by the train station and the city’s blossoming Funk Zone. “We believe the Funk Zone’s proximity to the beach as well as the types of businesses that have opened up will make the area a very long term destination for locals and tourists,” said Jared Filippone, Vice President of Capitoline Properties.
Filippone said the company plans to purchase new furniture for the kitchen, lobby, dorm rooms, and private rooms, as well as take care of some deferred maintenance. “We will also be looking to form relationships with local bars, restaurants, bike and surf rentals and other activity vendors to provide our guests with all that Santa Barbara has to offer,” Filippone said.
The purchase was a slight stray from Capitoline’s usual investments in multi-family apartment complexes on California’s Central Coast as well as in Bozeman, Montana. This is the second local acquisition Capitoline has made this year, the first being The Tahitian apartments in Isla Vista.
That purchase was the largest sale of a multi-family property in the South Coast in 2013. Capitoline currently manages about 180 units, including The Tahitian apartments and a building in Orange, CA."
Source: http://www.independent.com/news/2013/oct/14/hostel-bought-sb-real-estate-firm/
Saturday, October 12, 2013
Facebook Billionaire Zuckerberg Quietly Expands Real Estate Collection
"Ironically, when it comes to the personal life of Facebook chief Mark Zuckerberg, you won’t find much online — especially when it comes to his real estate.
But the cofounder of the world’s largest social media site, worth $22.9 billion by FORBES’ Thursday count, has been on quite a home buying spree.
Most recently, Zuckerberg snapped up four Palo Alto, Calif. homes that neighbor his main 5,617-square foot residence, according to the San Jose Mercury News, spending just over $30 million in total.
Don’t expect to find his name on any of the property records, however. The four Silicon Valley homes, located next door to and behind his Edgewood Drive digs, were technically purchased by legal entities associated with Iconiq Capital, a San Francisco-based money manager said to represent Zuckerberg and other uber-wealthy techies. A direct link between the LLCs used to make the purchases and Zuckerberg cannot be made, as the on-record paperwork trail ends with Iconiq."
But the cofounder of the world’s largest social media site, worth $22.9 billion by FORBES’ Thursday count, has been on quite a home buying spree.
Most recently, Zuckerberg snapped up four Palo Alto, Calif. homes that neighbor his main 5,617-square foot residence, according to the San Jose Mercury News, spending just over $30 million in total.
Don’t expect to find his name on any of the property records, however. The four Silicon Valley homes, located next door to and behind his Edgewood Drive digs, were technically purchased by legal entities associated with Iconiq Capital, a San Francisco-based money manager said to represent Zuckerberg and other uber-wealthy techies. A direct link between the LLCs used to make the purchases and Zuckerberg cannot be made, as the on-record paperwork trail ends with Iconiq."
Wednesday, October 2, 2013
FHA Will Continue to Lend During Government Shutdown
Great news: The FHA has announced that for the benefit of the housing mortgage market, the FHA will continue to process loans during the government shutdown.
Read the rest of the article here at Money CNN
Read the rest of the article here at Money CNN
Friday, September 27, 2013
Modern Twists on Santa Barbara’s Classical Architectural Style
"Predictably beloved by dreamy-eyed tourists but frequently mocked by innovation-minded modernists, Santa Barbara’s official architecture of red-tiled roofs and white-washed walls still rules the day, as any architect who tries to sneak a too-contemporary building past the city’s design review process will tell you. But as the upcoming annual tour through the city hosted by the American Institute of Architects will reveal, there’s increasing room for creative flexibility within the parameters of Spanish colonial revivalism — and, in some cases, bold examples of how modern design does indeed fit nicely, if at times almost secretly, into a somewhat homogenous cityscape."
Read the rest of the article at the Santa Barbara Independent.
Read the rest of the article at the Santa Barbara Independent.
Wednesday, September 25, 2013
Why You Should Be Investing Your Money in Real Estate
1. Gain more leverage. Real estate is one of the few investment vehicles where using the bank's money couldn't be easier. The ability to make a down payment, leverage your capital, and thus increase your overall return on investment is incredible.
2. Grow, tax-free. Buying rental property based on speculation of its value is a dangerous tactic since cash flow is the key. However, appreciation over the long-run is certainly realistic and at the least you should be considering a tax-deferred strategy. In the future, you may even consider a 1031 exchange, charitable trust, or an installment sale to lesson your tax liability further.
3. Tax free cash flow. It's no secret that because of depreciation and mortgage interest deductions (if you leverage your capital), your cash flow should be tax-free. That's right! The far majority of the time an investor will never pay taxes on their cash flow and can wait for capital gains on the sale of the property in the future.
4. The tax write-offs against your other income. Depending on your classification as an Active Investor or Real Estate Professional and your income level, there is a good chance your rental property will not only give you tax-free cash flow, but an overage of tax deductions you can use against your other income. With that said, this is something you want to discuss with your tax professional before investing so your expectations are realistic.
5. Increased tax deduction strategies. Rental property affords investors with another incredible opportunity to convert personal expenses to potentially valid business deductions. Don't forget that rental real estate is a business. This means that travel expenses to check on your properties and payments to family members who manage your properties (such as students away at college) can be deductible and increase the tax benefits when it comes to cash flow and the future sale of the property.
6. Rental real estate is a forced retirement plan. Americans are terrible savers. We lack the self-discipline to put a monthly deposit into our IRA, SEP or 401k as small-business owners. However, buying a rental property is a significant commitment that you are required to commit to and maintain. You will always be grateful in the long-run when you don't give up on it and build future cash flow and wealth.
Read more: http://www.entrepreneur.com/article/228506#ixzz2fwHXcBRN
Tuesday, September 17, 2013
How to Hire the Perfect Realtor
Great article by Fox News detailing the perfect way to hire a Realtor.
- Find Someone Local
- Ask for References
- Check Their Workload
- Make Sure They Sell Houses Like Yours
- What's the Timeline?
- Ask About Fees
- Are They Part of MLS
Friday, September 13, 2013
Drew Barrymore Drops Asking Price on Montecito, CA Mansion
The celebrity's sprawling estate was listed onto the market in May, and her real estate team have now dropped $600k off the asking price down to $6.9 million.
Megawatt stars like Oprah Winfrey, George Lucas and Ellen DeGeneres and Portia de Rossi all maintain properties in the easygoing Santa Barbara area. While it's just 90 minutes or so away from Los Angeles (on a good traffic day), there aren't any paparazzi -- and the locals aren't fazed by celebrity, notes the Hollywood Reporter.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/09/10/drew-barrymore-santa-barbara-mansion_n_3901692.html
Megawatt stars like Oprah Winfrey, George Lucas and Ellen DeGeneres and Portia de Rossi all maintain properties in the easygoing Santa Barbara area. While it's just 90 minutes or so away from Los Angeles (on a good traffic day), there aren't any paparazzi -- and the locals aren't fazed by celebrity, notes the Hollywood Reporter.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/09/10/drew-barrymore-santa-barbara-mansion_n_3901692.html
Tuesday, September 10, 2013
How To Find A Real Estate Agent Who Has Your Best Interests At Heart
Finding a Realtor who has your interests at heart is one of the most important tasks anyone looking to buy or sell can tackle.
Check out this article which gives some perspective on how to get there.
http://www.businessinsider.com/how-to-find-a-real-estate-agent-2013-9
Check out this article which gives some perspective on how to get there.
http://www.businessinsider.com/how-to-find-a-real-estate-agent-2013-9
Wednesday, August 28, 2013
Now is the Time to Sell in Santa Barbara
"For potential sellers who have been contemplating selling their properties, the recent bounce in local prices may represent the best chance for selling that we will see in the coming few years. Rates remain relatively low, prices have risen from the lows, and inventories are very low. These conditions may not remain for long and properties — even in Santa Barbara — can take time to sell."
http://www.noozhawk.com/article/craig_allen_rising_rates_selling_real_estate_20130825
http://www.noozhawk.com/article/craig_allen_rising_rates_selling_real_estate_20130825
Wednesday, August 21, 2013
Santa Barbara on the rise
As analyzed by NerdWallet, Santa Barbara is the #13 city on the rise in the United States... and it shows!
Full article: http://www.nerdwallet.com/blog/2013/top-10-cities-on-the-rise/
Full article: http://www.nerdwallet.com/blog/2013/top-10-cities-on-the-rise/
Top 10 Famous People Connected to Santa Barbara
1. Oprah (TV personality) : owns a home in Montecito
2. Ty Warner (Businessman) : owns San Ysidro Ranch, Four Seasons Biltmore, Montecito Country Club, Rancho San Marcos Golf Club, Ty Warner Sea Center among others
3. Charlie Chaplin (Actor) : frequent visitor, started the Montecito Inn in the 1920s
4. Katy Perry (Singer) : born in Santa Barbara
5. Chuck Liddell (MMA Fighter) : born in Santa Barbara
6. Charles R. Schwab (Businessman) : grew up in Santa Barbara, owns a local home
7. Jack Johnson (Singer) : attended UCSB, owns a local home
8. Charles Manson (Criminal) : lived in Santa Barbara with other members of his cult
9. Elizabeth Short (Victim) : posthumously known as the Black Dahlia
10. Jennifer Aniston, Ed Asner, Jeff Bridges, Kevin Costner, Tom Cruise, Kirk Douglas, Robert Duvall, Jane Fonda, Brad Pitt, Ryan Reynolds, other (Actor/Actress) : all own homes in the area
2. Ty Warner (Businessman) : owns San Ysidro Ranch, Four Seasons Biltmore, Montecito Country Club, Rancho San Marcos Golf Club, Ty Warner Sea Center among others
3. Charlie Chaplin (Actor) : frequent visitor, started the Montecito Inn in the 1920s
4. Katy Perry (Singer) : born in Santa Barbara
5. Chuck Liddell (MMA Fighter) : born in Santa Barbara
6. Charles R. Schwab (Businessman) : grew up in Santa Barbara, owns a local home
7. Jack Johnson (Singer) : attended UCSB, owns a local home
8. Charles Manson (Criminal) : lived in Santa Barbara with other members of his cult
9. Elizabeth Short (Victim) : posthumously known as the Black Dahlia
10. Jennifer Aniston, Ed Asner, Jeff Bridges, Kevin Costner, Tom Cruise, Kirk Douglas, Robert Duvall, Jane Fonda, Brad Pitt, Ryan Reynolds, other (Actor/Actress) : all own homes in the area
Huguette Clark's $307 million Santa Barbara estate may be sold
The late Huguette Clark's $307 million hilltop Santa Barbara estate, which she left in her will to become an arts foundation to house her collection, may be sold. That is the topic of debate in New York as about 60 lawyers and 19 distant relatives are debating over what to do with the estate.
The property itself is estimated to be worth over $100 million; it sits with magnificent views of the ocean, city, and mountains. Ms. Clark passed away in a New York hospital in 2011.
Full article here: http://independent.com/news/2013/aug/16/clark-mansion-may-be-sold/
The property itself is estimated to be worth over $100 million; it sits with magnificent views of the ocean, city, and mountains. Ms. Clark passed away in a New York hospital in 2011.
Full article here: http://independent.com/news/2013/aug/16/clark-mansion-may-be-sold/
Thursday, August 15, 2013
UCSB New 2013-14 Rankings
- #35 World University Rankings, #51-60 World Reputation Rankings, Times Higher Education
- #5 Most Applicants, #8 Highest-ranked Applicants, #7 Best Use of TAs, #3 Hottest Girls, #3 Hottest Guys, #4 Most Scenic Campus, #455 Coldest Winters, College Prowler
- #5 Happiest Students, #9 Best College Newspaper, Princeton Review
- #10 Most Fun Colleges, Business Insider
- #96 Best College, Forbes
- #10 Greenest University, Smart Planet
- #10 "Coolest Schools", Sierra Magazine
Each August, scholarly pundits from around the country and world rank individual colleges based on any number of things, from how green a campus is to how well prepared its students are upon graduation, all the way to how pretty the student body is.
Our local university, UC Santa Barbara, has placed high once again on a number of ranking lists. Here is just a sneak peak of the many lists that our esteemed school places on. Great job!
Wednesday, August 7, 2013
Santa Barbara: One of the Happiest Places in the US
"Results from a study of geotagged tweets have determined that Santa Barbara, California is one of the happiest places to be in the United States. According to a recent report, “researchers scored more than 10,000 words on a positive-negative scale and measured their frequency in millions of tweets across the country, deliberately ignoring context to eliminate experimental bias. What emerged was significant regional variation in happiness by this calculation, which correlates with other lifestyle measures such as gun violence, obesity and Gallup’s traditional well-being survey.” See more at: http://www.santabarbaraview.com/santa-barbara-one-of-the-happiest-places-in-us42525/
Tuesday, August 6, 2013
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Historical Parade Showcases Santa Barbara's Fiesta Spirit
Fiesta Days at Santa Barbara was held over the weekend, where thousands flocked downtown to experience a historical look and admiration for Santa Barbara's Spanish colonial and Mexican ranchero past. Check out this article in Noozhawk to read more about it!
Santa Barbara featured in Where to Retire magazine article: “Chasing Bargains in Dream Locales”
Santa Barbara was one of eight cities featured in this month's Where to Retire magazine as a city where retirees are flocking to because of its warm weather coupled with reduced real estate prices. Check out what the Santa Barbara Independent has to say about it.
Thursday, July 25, 2013
Top 10 Mexican food in Santa Barbara
A little fun list of where I like to get a local burrito when the cravings set in
1. Freeb!rds World Burrito: Located in Isla Vista, this is a MUST eat stop if ever passing through. Mingle with the college students (and the parents paying for it all) as you eat seriously some of the best food in the county, let alone Mexican food. Try the nachos with a friend, it's hard to stomach the whole thing on your own.
2. La Super-Rica Taqueria: I think the only reason I don't eat here as often is because the line is always so long - for good reason too. Really fresh ingredients and located east of State right in the heart of Santa Barbara.
3. Little Alex's: This is more of an unknown to many locals as it's located in Montecito but get the guacamole, it's my favorite spot in the county to eat guacamole. I switch off between the burritos and the chicken quesadilla which comes stock with a side of guac.
4. Super Cucas: Another Isla Vista spot, always crawling with students since it's open 24 hours like Freeb!rds. California burritos and breakfast burritos are the specialties here.
5. Los Arroyos: There's one downtown and in Montecito. The one on Coast Village road is a little more classy and even has valet services from time to time. But the food is all delicious and not terribly priced (at least compared to other restaurants in the area.)
6. Rosarito: Gauchos sure love Mexican food! Restaurants in IV don't stick around too long if they aren't fantastic so the fact that three of them make this list should be a testament to that. Get the carne asada fries (if you've never heard of that before, then google it. And then drool.)
7. Lilly's Tacos: Yes you should definitely get the tacos here, they may be the best in Santa Barbara. Enough said.
8. Santa Barbara Chicken Ranch: Anyone that watches TV in Santa Barbara is familiar with the oh-so obnoxious local commercial this place puts out, but hey it sticks in your mind: "Try this here chicken and tri-tip. It is the best!"
9. Cava Restaurant & Bar: Definitely the most expensive place to make the list, but it is in Montecito so what else would you expect. Worth the money obviously if you're willing to splurge.
10. Wahoo's Fish Tacos: Ok this one is a bit of a joke, but I like this place so it goes on here! At least I didn't put Taco Bell right?
1. Freeb!rds World Burrito: Located in Isla Vista, this is a MUST eat stop if ever passing through. Mingle with the college students (and the parents paying for it all) as you eat seriously some of the best food in the county, let alone Mexican food. Try the nachos with a friend, it's hard to stomach the whole thing on your own.
2. La Super-Rica Taqueria: I think the only reason I don't eat here as often is because the line is always so long - for good reason too. Really fresh ingredients and located east of State right in the heart of Santa Barbara.
3. Little Alex's: This is more of an unknown to many locals as it's located in Montecito but get the guacamole, it's my favorite spot in the county to eat guacamole. I switch off between the burritos and the chicken quesadilla which comes stock with a side of guac.
4. Super Cucas: Another Isla Vista spot, always crawling with students since it's open 24 hours like Freeb!rds. California burritos and breakfast burritos are the specialties here.
5. Los Arroyos: There's one downtown and in Montecito. The one on Coast Village road is a little more classy and even has valet services from time to time. But the food is all delicious and not terribly priced (at least compared to other restaurants in the area.)
6. Rosarito: Gauchos sure love Mexican food! Restaurants in IV don't stick around too long if they aren't fantastic so the fact that three of them make this list should be a testament to that. Get the carne asada fries (if you've never heard of that before, then google it. And then drool.)
7. Lilly's Tacos: Yes you should definitely get the tacos here, they may be the best in Santa Barbara. Enough said.
8. Santa Barbara Chicken Ranch: Anyone that watches TV in Santa Barbara is familiar with the oh-so obnoxious local commercial this place puts out, but hey it sticks in your mind: "Try this here chicken and tri-tip. It is the best!"
9. Cava Restaurant & Bar: Definitely the most expensive place to make the list, but it is in Montecito so what else would you expect. Worth the money obviously if you're willing to splurge.
10. Wahoo's Fish Tacos: Ok this one is a bit of a joke, but I like this place so it goes on here! At least I didn't put Taco Bell right?
July 25: Local News
Another entry of local news that caught my eye
- Potential buyers of 3,200 acre tract of land in Gaviota with plans for 71 home development project back out. Environmental activists/ lawyers have long fought to keep the Naples coast pristine, possibly causing the drop out of capital in this case. Noozhawk Article
- Vote in the Santa Barbara Independent's 2013 "Best of Santa Barbara" poll: "Best of" Readers Poll Link
- Get ready for Fiesta Days! More about this to come as we get closer to one of the most fun few days in Santa Barbara each year. Fiesta Days lasts from July 31-August 4. Check out the action on State St around that time
- Debate over future of Goleta Beach, the most popular beachside park in the county. How to go about this: save the sand or protect the park? Decide for yourself
Tuesday, July 23, 2013
University of California appoints new President
The University of California school system, regarded as one of the top public university systems in the world if not the best, has appointed Janet Napolitano as its new President.
Napolitano famously served as head of the Department of Homeland Security, making her an unconventional choice to head an education system. Her appointment has been praised by local state newspapers and politicians as bold and forward-thinking. She will become the first President of the University of California in its 145 year existence.
We wish the UC system the best of luck as we are fortunate to have one of its most prestigious (and definitely its most gorgeous) campuses right here in our community in UC Santa Barbara.
Link to UCSB's Daily Nexus article
Napolitano famously served as head of the Department of Homeland Security, making her an unconventional choice to head an education system. Her appointment has been praised by local state newspapers and politicians as bold and forward-thinking. She will become the first President of the University of California in its 145 year existence.
We wish the UC system the best of luck as we are fortunate to have one of its most prestigious (and definitely its most gorgeous) campuses right here in our community in UC Santa Barbara.
Link to UCSB's Daily Nexus article
Thursday, July 11, 2013
Exclusive Photos of Santa Barbara
I like to post photos from Santa Barbara, these ones you won't find on Google Images (not yet at least)
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| Isla Vista, CA Taken by my Intern from HIS house! If only we could all live ocean front while attending college |
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| Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Club $10 every Sunday all are welcome at the Polo club, check it out if you have a free Sunday. Games usually start around 1pm |
July 11: News from Around the County
Andrew here bringing you some local stories that caught my eye:
- Hillside House Project hits the Santa Barbara Planning Commission this Thursday with the hopes that, although no formal action will be take, the public and expert's opinions may sway the board to moving forward. Hillside House provides a non-profit residential facility for people with developmental disabilities and has been trying for over a decade to no avail, partly because any widening of US Highway 101 brings with it endless red tape. Hillside House Project Tops Planning Commission Agenda
- Real Estate Law News: California state Senate to create a new tax on real estate recordings. Find out more here State Government Attempts to Tax Real Estate Recordings
- How's our market doing? Check out April 2013 Local Santa Barbara real estate statistics: April 2013 Santa Barbara Real Estate Statistics
Tuesday, July 9, 2013
Top 10 Local Neighborhoods of Santa Barbara
1. Santa Barbara
Ok, no real shocker here. This is the city which forms the basis of our much wider community. Home of one of the Spanish Missions, Mission de Santa Barbara was known as the "Queen of the Alta Missions" and was one of three to host a Presidio. Santa Barbara is the county seat of the greater County of Santa Barbara with a metro population of ~220,000. State Street is the main avenue which cuts through the downtown area; lining it are popular stores, delicious restaurants, and important businesses.
2. Montecito
Home of one of the most expensive area codes in all of the United States, many celebrities and other wealthy business people live tucked into Montecito's hills and valleys. Much of the area appreciates world-class ocean views. Coupled with a small-town population of ~9000,Montecito is truly a gem. Check out the San Ysidro Ranch for a free walk around the beautiful resort where the John and Jackie Kennedy honeymooned amongst some of the most stunning garden scenery in the area.
3. Goleta
A little further north up US Highway 101, Goleta was incorporated in 2002 and instantly became the second largest city after Santa Barbara in the general area. It is known for being near the University of California, Santa Barbara campus although the campus itself remains in unincorporated ground. Goleta is home to many beautiful suburbs and boasts some of the most prominent public high schools around.
4. Hope Ranch
This neighborhood was named after the Irishman Thomas Hope who purchased the land in 1861 for sheep ranching. It was not developed into the residential area it is now until 1921. Besides Montecito, Hope Ranch houses some of the most stunning ocean-view homes. Drive up Cliff Dr and stop where many others do at a turnout to admire the Pacific Ocean firsthand hundreds of feet up; you won't be disappointed.
5. Isla Vista
Oh, College. This is where 20000 some odd UC students live in a ~1 sq mile quintessential southern California college town. Surprisingly, some of the best food at modest prices in the county can be found here (Freeb!rds World Burrito is the typical tourist stop.) Del Playa Dr is home to 12 person houses that are literally dangling over the cliff above the Pacific Ocean at some parts, affording young boys and girls the chance to live oceanfront while still under the age of 25. If only I had been so lucky!
6. Carpenteria
Known as Carp to the locals who live south of Montecito along the 101, this area is home to one of the best beaches in Santa Barbara as well as the prestigious Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Club where Prince William played a charity polo match recently while touring the States after the Royal Wedding. However, the true call-to-fame for Carpinteria is its hosting of the California Avocado Festival each October. Go even further south to check out the world-famous surfspot Rincon, where Kelly Slater owns a home.
7. Mission Canyon
Though small in population this area is named after the famed mission and is located northeast of the city of Santa Barbara. Winding roads that jut out to cliffs with beautiful ocean views gives this neighborhood a different, more apt nickname: "American Riviera."
8. The Waterfront
Mostly home to businesses and hotels, the Waterfront of Santa Barbara is one of the first stops upon passing through. The Zoo calls the area home as does the famed Pier. Ty Warner's Sea Center is a fun learning experience for old and young alike.
9. The Mesa
Stretching from Santa Barbara City College, home of 20000 students, and Arroyo Burro County Beach, the Mesa certainly has a beach town vibe to it. Being close to the college and beach gives this area a younger feeling than much of the rest of the neighborhoods.
10. San Roque
Northwest of the downtown area is San Roque which offers families placement into the Hope School District, one of the most highly desired. To no shock, it is also the best spot for Trick-or-Treating on Halloween.
Ok, no real shocker here. This is the city which forms the basis of our much wider community. Home of one of the Spanish Missions, Mission de Santa Barbara was known as the "Queen of the Alta Missions" and was one of three to host a Presidio. Santa Barbara is the county seat of the greater County of Santa Barbara with a metro population of ~220,000. State Street is the main avenue which cuts through the downtown area; lining it are popular stores, delicious restaurants, and important businesses.
2. Montecito
Home of one of the most expensive area codes in all of the United States, many celebrities and other wealthy business people live tucked into Montecito's hills and valleys. Much of the area appreciates world-class ocean views. Coupled with a small-town population of ~9000,Montecito is truly a gem. Check out the San Ysidro Ranch for a free walk around the beautiful resort where the John and Jackie Kennedy honeymooned amongst some of the most stunning garden scenery in the area.
3. Goleta
A little further north up US Highway 101, Goleta was incorporated in 2002 and instantly became the second largest city after Santa Barbara in the general area. It is known for being near the University of California, Santa Barbara campus although the campus itself remains in unincorporated ground. Goleta is home to many beautiful suburbs and boasts some of the most prominent public high schools around.
4. Hope Ranch
This neighborhood was named after the Irishman Thomas Hope who purchased the land in 1861 for sheep ranching. It was not developed into the residential area it is now until 1921. Besides Montecito, Hope Ranch houses some of the most stunning ocean-view homes. Drive up Cliff Dr and stop where many others do at a turnout to admire the Pacific Ocean firsthand hundreds of feet up; you won't be disappointed.
5. Isla Vista
Oh, College. This is where 20000 some odd UC students live in a ~1 sq mile quintessential southern California college town. Surprisingly, some of the best food at modest prices in the county can be found here (Freeb!rds World Burrito is the typical tourist stop.) Del Playa Dr is home to 12 person houses that are literally dangling over the cliff above the Pacific Ocean at some parts, affording young boys and girls the chance to live oceanfront while still under the age of 25. If only I had been so lucky!
6. Carpenteria
Known as Carp to the locals who live south of Montecito along the 101, this area is home to one of the best beaches in Santa Barbara as well as the prestigious Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Club where Prince William played a charity polo match recently while touring the States after the Royal Wedding. However, the true call-to-fame for Carpinteria is its hosting of the California Avocado Festival each October. Go even further south to check out the world-famous surfspot Rincon, where Kelly Slater owns a home.
7. Mission Canyon
Though small in population this area is named after the famed mission and is located northeast of the city of Santa Barbara. Winding roads that jut out to cliffs with beautiful ocean views gives this neighborhood a different, more apt nickname: "American Riviera."
8. The Waterfront
Mostly home to businesses and hotels, the Waterfront of Santa Barbara is one of the first stops upon passing through. The Zoo calls the area home as does the famed Pier. Ty Warner's Sea Center is a fun learning experience for old and young alike.
9. The Mesa
Stretching from Santa Barbara City College, home of 20000 students, and Arroyo Burro County Beach, the Mesa certainly has a beach town vibe to it. Being close to the college and beach gives this area a younger feeling than much of the rest of the neighborhoods.
10. San Roque
Northwest of the downtown area is San Roque which offers families placement into the Hope School District, one of the most highly desired. To no shock, it is also the best spot for Trick-or-Treating on Halloween.
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