Santa Barbara is known for its sandy beaches, gorgeous views, and year-round Mediterranean climate. The city has charming boutiques, cafes, and numerous outdoor activities to enjoy the city’s breathtaking natural beauty. If you’re looking for homes for sale in Santa Barbara, there are many reasons why you will love living in this coastal town.
Perfect weather all year
If you are looking to enjoy great weather all year, there’s no better place than Santa Barbara. Santa Barbara enjoys mild temperatures and sunny skies almost daily. Summers have average temperatures in the mid-70s, and winters rarely dip below 50 degrees. The city also enjoys refreshing ocean breezes, which make the summer months even more enjoyable. Due to the great weather, it’s a fantastic city to bike around to enjoy the sunshine and the glittering coastal and mountain rays.
Beaches
The beaches in Santa Barbara are picture-perfect, with sparkling blue water, soft golden sand, and stunning views. Whether you are looking to spend time on the water surfing, swimming, or paddleboarding or looking for a peaceful spot to relax and soak up the sun, there’s a spot on the beach for everyone.
Outdoor recreation
Situated between the coast and the Santa Ynez Mountains, there are numerous outdoor activities for residents and visitors to enjoy. The mountains are located primarily in the Los Padres National Forest and have excellent hiking trails that result in spectacular views of the city and the Pacific Ocean. The city is very bike-friendly, with numerous bike trails through the city, hills, and countryside. There are also several incredible golf courses, some of which were designed by legendary golfers like Arnold Palmer and Jack Nicklaus.
World-class wine
Santa Barbara is known for producing some of the world’s finest wines. The Santa Ynez Valley is only a short drive from the city and home to over two hundred wineries and tasting rooms. Each offers a unique experience to sample some of the region’s best wines, as over 75 grape varieties are grown in the region, including pinot noir, chardonnay, and Syrah.
Small-town charm
With its many attractions, it’s hard to imagine that Santa Barbara could feel like a small town, but it does. The city has a warm, welcoming atmosphere that makes you feel at home, as its picturesque streets are filled with vibrant flowers, palm trees, and historic buildings that reflect the city’s history. Residents and visitors often walk around to enjoy the weather, the architecture, and the city’s natural beauty. The area’s Spanish colonial architecture creates a charming and romantic atmosphere. In the evening, residents enjoy the vibrant colors of the sunsets, which are to be considered among the most beautiful sunsets in the world.
Eco-friendly living
Santa Barbara residents are committed to sustainability and environmental stewardship. Several initiatives and programs are designed to promote sustainable living and reduce the city’s environmental impact. The local government has implemented several green building codes and regulations to promote energy efficiency and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. In addition to being a very walkable city, there is also a bike-sharing program and wonderful public transport that utilizes electric buses, which reduces traffic congestion and air pollution.
Dining and shopping
Downtown Santa Barbara is home to eclectic boutiques, art galleries, luxury department stores, and classic surf shops. From family-owned and operated restaurants and cafes to world-renowned resort restaurants, the cuisine in Santa Barbara is unbeatable in its variety of international delicacies. If you are looking for fresh seafood, global cuisine, or farm-to-table fare, there’s delicious food for everyone here in the city.
Zaytoon is a local favorite with a beautiful outdoor patio for Lebanese and Middle Eastern fare. Known for its high-quality ingredients and spices, Zaytoon is known for its exceptional Greek salad, mixed kebab plate, and homemade, perfectly fluffy pita. Shopping on State Street is a great way to spend an afternoon exploring the boutiques, such as the Artisan and Company, which is a sustainable lifestyle brand that sells handcrafted handbags, jackets, jewelry, and homeware using only ethically sourced materials. You never know what you’ll find here, as many of the items sold are not ones you’ll find elsewhere. You can also stop by the farmers’ market held six days a week in Santa Barbara and neighboring cities. Here, vendors sell fresh produce, including peaches, strawberries, blackberries, and blueberries.
The festivals
There are many ways to get involved in the community. The Old Spanish Days Fiesta is an annual celebration with parades, traditional music and dance performances, and historical reenactments to celebrate the city’s rich cultural heritage. The celebration for the summer solstice is a can’t-miss event to ring in the summer. The annual event is hosted by local artists that are filled with musical performances and a vibrant parade. Santa Barbara is also home to the Santa Barbara International Film Festival, where you can get a first look at hundreds of movies from across the world. The festival lasts eleven days and includes conversations with actors, directors, and filmmakers.
Museums and the arts
In addition to the film festival, there are also numerous lectures, museums, and galleries to visit. The Santa Barbara Maritime Museum is a wonderful way to experience 13,000 years of maritime history and human interaction with the sea, and it has exhibits ranging from the history of settlements along the Santa Barbara coast to environmental preservation. The Santa Barbara Museum of Art is home to a 25,000-piece permanent collection from around the globe, with works ranging from classical antiquities to modern installations. The museum houses paintings, sculptures, photography, and works on paper and offers a wide variety of tours to encourage visitors to connect with the artwork.
There are so many reasons why people love living in Santa Barbara, including its Mediterranean climate, beautiful beaches, outdoor recreational opportunities, and small-town charm. If you are looking at real estate in Santa Barbara, it’s crucial to work with an experienced realtor who knows the ins and outs of the city. When looking at houses for sale in Santa Barbara, it’s time to turn to the area’s go-to realtor in the area, Chris Palme. If you want to call Santa Barbara home, contact Chris Palme today.
*Header photo courtesy of Shutterstock