Santa Barbara, California, is the county seat of Santa Barbara County. Often referred to as the "American Riviera", Santa Barbara boasts a mild, Mediterranean climate and is a popular tourist and resort destination. Santa Barbara has a population of about 88,000, making it the second largest city in the county.
Santa Barbara is situated on the Pacific coast, on a section of coastline that trends east-west. The city is bordered by the Santa Ynez Mountains and the Pacific Ocean. The city covers 42 square miles, 22.5 of which is water. It is located about 90 miles northwest of Los Angeles.
Santa Barbara Homes for Sale and Real Estate
Santa Barbara has a strong architectural style, with much of the city designed in the Spanish Colonial Revival style. Most of the homes in Santa Barbara are California bungalows, built primarily in the early 20th century. Many Victorian homes can be found in the Upper East section of town. There are city ordinances prohibiting billboards and regulating other outdoor advertising, so the city remains virtually free of that visual clutter. Santa Barbara home prices are not only among the most expensive in California, they also rank high on a national scale.
Santa Barbara is a college town, and as such there are a large number of students living in the area as well as the cultural amenities that a university brings to a community. In addition Santa Barbara has a large population of residents who work in art and media, which adds to the city's general character and charm.
Santa Barbara Neighborhoods
Santa Barbara is divided into many neighborhoods, each with its own history, architecture and culture. The neighborhoods can be defined as:
The Mesa
Mission Canyon
The Riviera
The Westside
The Eastside
The Waterfront
Lower State Street
Upper State Street
San Roque
Samarkand
Hope Ranch
Noleta
Goleta
Downtown Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara Economy and Employment Opportunities
Being a tourist destination, Santa Barbara's local economy is greatly influenced by the hospitality industry. In addition, there are several aerospace and defense companies located here that make up a large portion of the city's employment. The top employers in Santa Barbara are:
With its year round temperate climate, beach location and rich history, there is no shortage of recreational activities in Santa Barbara. Some of the things locals and visitors can enjoy include: