For Buyers - Area Information
Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara is situated on an east-west trending section of coastline, the only such section on the west coast, between the steeply-rising Santa Ynez Mountains and the sea. With a Mediterranean climate, it is called California's "South Coast," and referred to casually as the "American Riviera."
As of the census of 2000, the city had a population of 92,325 while the contiguous urban area, which includes the cities of Goleta and Carpinteria, along with the unincorporated regions of Isla Vista, Montecito, Mission Canyon, Hope Ranch, Summerland, and others, had an approximate population of 200,000. In addition to being a popular tourist and resort destination, the city has a robust economy which includes a large service sector, education, technology, health care, finance, agriculture, manufacturing, and local government. In 2004, the service sector accounted for fully 35% of local employment. Education in particular is well-represented, with five institutions of higher education.
Montecito
Though technically East of Santa Barbara, Montecito is located "South" on the 101 Freeway, about four miles from downtown Santa Barbara. It covers an area of approximately eight square miles of hidden neighborhoods and expansive estates, from the coast to the mountains, and from Santa Barbara proper to the town of Summerland. Full of mystique and grandeur, history and beauty, Montecito has been the destination of choice for celebrities and millionaires for over a hundred years.
"Montecito," which is Spanish for "Little Mountain" first received attention from wealthy Easterners and Midwesterners in the late 1800's. These early settlers were taken with the rich soil and rolling hills, and soon started developing large and lavish estates. Today Montecito offers many and varied options for residential living. There are easy-care condominiums just steps from the beach, hidden cottages down tree-shaded lanes, and of course large estates on many acres, both old and new. The pace of life here is unhurried, and it is easy to see why Montecito has become a desirable second home location for big city dwellers. Lifetime residents and curious travelers alike, all find Montecito to be a truly lush paradise. > View A Map Of Montecito |
Goleta
Goleta is a city located in southern Santa Barbara County, California, USA. It was incorporated as a new city in 2002, after for a long time being the largest unincorporated, populated area in the county. As of the 2000 census, the CDP had a total population of 55,204, however, a significant portion of the Census territory of 2000 did not incorporate into the new city. Goleta is about 8 miles west of the city of Santa Barbara, along the coast (the coast is aligned east-west for this portion of southern California). Nearby is the Santa Barbara campus of the University of California and the student community of Isla Vista.
Goleta has many distinct and different areas in which to live, dependent on your needs and wants. > View A Map Of Goleta Carpinteria
Carpinteria is located in the southeast corner of Santa Barbara county, 10 miles from downtown, South on the 101 Freeway. Its a little piece of coastal paradise tucked midway between Ventura and Santa Barbara, seeming to shy away from the glare of tourism's spotlight, but at the same time welcoming all who chance to discover its charms.
Carpinteria's splendid natural setting and small town charm remain relatively undiscovered. Enjoy the small town pleasures where tree-shaded streets, parades and craft shows evoke a gentle way of life. Dozens of antique stores, small shops and restaurants are clustered along the main streets of Carpinteria and nearby Summerland, making the area a browser's paradise. Carpinteria is home to the world-renowned surf spot, Rincon Point, as well as miles of beautiful swimming beaches. Nature smiles kindly on the Carpinteria Valley, its mild weather and rural tradition attested to by its many nurseries. > View A Map Of Carpinteria Summerland
Summerland is located South of Santa Barbara and Montecito on the 101 Freeway. Its a charming coastal community with ocean and island view homes on the hill and an exclusive enclave of beachfront estates. Summerland's small beach town style attracts locals and tourists to visit the oceanfront parks, beaches and the newly redone downtown area. The main street has become an antique browser's paradise, and is home to many new restaurants, boutiques and spas.
> View A Map Of Summerland |
