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.
Located in the state of California, Santa Barbara is a medium-sized city with a population of 90,911 inhabitants. With a population density of 4,660 people per square mile, Santa Barbara is well above the nation's average density level. At 76%, the majority of the Santa Barbara population is White; this is followed by 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 are not a fan of long commutes, you will enjoy living in Santa Barbara. With an average one way commute time of only 17 minutes, getting to and from work is a breeze compared to the national average of 26 minutes.
If you’re considering relocating to any new city, it could be a very daunting task. However, it could also be a great experience if you are willing to get to know the city before actually living in Santa Barbara, California. When searching for a new neighborhood, several key items should be considered. Safety is of utmost importance, ensuring a secure environment with low crime. Proximity to your workplace or school helps reduce commuting time and offers convenience. Access to amenities such as parks, grocery stores, and healthcare facilities enhances your daily life. Public transportation options contribute to easy mobility. A sense of community fosters a supportive and engaging environment. Lastly, the overall atmosphere should align with your desired lifestyle, ensuring a fulfilling living experience. Considering these items will guide you towards finding the perfect neighborhood that fits all your needs. Using the livability score which includes data from categories like amenities, cost of living, housing, you can easily compare the best places to live in Santa Barbara and also determine if there are any nearby cities that might be a better match for your lifestyle. You can also compare Santa Barbara to California and the national average.
Using data and statistics Santa Barbara has received a livability score of 72 out of 100. This score is ranked in the 82nd percentile when compared to all other cities. There are nine total categories that form the livability score. Santa Barbara scores well for amenities (B) and employment (A+) Santa Barbara does not do 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.
Santa Barbara has many conveniently situated amenities and captivating attractions that adds to the continuous enjoyment of your everyday life. Having the assurance of abundant conveniences and a wide array of activities ensures your easy access to nearby grocery stores, restaurants, bars, fitness facilities, coffee shops and exciting entertainment options. This not only simplifies daily routines but also fosters a vibrant and dynamic lifestyle within the community. With a wealth of resources at your fingertips, you can savor the convenience and variety that Santa Barbara has to offer, making it a desirable destination for those seeking both accessibility and enjoyment in their daily lives. Here are some of the more popular things to do in Santa Barbara: State Street, Santa Barbara County Courthouse, and Santa Barbara Adventure Company.
The unemployment rate in Santa Barbara has consistently declined over the years and currently stands well below the national average at 2.39%. This downward trend holds the potential to reduce poverty and inequality within the region, promote higher wage levels and stimulate greater economic growth. Such positive indicators signal the overall robust health of the local economy, offering a promising outlook for its residents and fostering an environment of financial well-being and prosperity.
Santa Barbara real estate prices and overall affordability will play a huge role in determining if the area is the right fit for you. Of course there are probably some other items on your “wish list”, but even before they are considered, let’s take a look at the home prices and affordability in Santa Barbara. The median home price for Santa Barbara homes is $1,082,300, which is 164.4% higher than the California average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in Santa Barbara, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 13.3, which is 107.8% higher than the California average.
| 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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