Best Suburbs Surrounding Santa Barbara, California

Considering California?

Beach life meets mountain views. Santa Barbara’s suburbs deliver a stunning mix of coastal beauty, top schools, and a relaxed, upscale lifestyle. Whether you want oceanfront living, foothill views, or family-friendly neighborhoods, these suburbs offer the best of coastal California charm.

Why it matters: The Santa Barbara area offers more than just postcard views. Its suburbs combine safe streets, great schools, and an unbeatable lifestyle surrounded by mountains and the Pacific.

What’s ahead: Here’s a guide to 5 of the best Santa Barbara suburbs – each with its own vibe, perks, and reasons to love it.

1. Montecito

Elegant, exclusive, and coastal-chic

Population: 8,638 | Median Home: $2.M | School Rating: A+ | Commute: 18 min

• Housing: Luxury estates, beachfront properties, Mediterranean-style homes

• Education: Montecito Union School District, Santa Barbara Unified School District – high school, Santa Barbara City College, University of California, Santa Barbara, Westmont College

• Safety: Among the safest in the count – very low crime rates

• Perks: Lotusland, Butterfly Beach, Miramar Beach, upscale dining, world-class spas

Why it’s #1: Coastal luxury paired with privacy, top schools, and natural beauty

2. Mission Canyon

Serene, scenic, and nature-wrapped

Population: 2,296 | Median Home: $1.9M | School Rating: A- | Commute: 19 min

• Housing: Hillside homes with ocean and mountain views; a mix of ranch-style and custom builds

• Education: Santa Barbara Unified School District, Santa Barbara City College, (UCSB)

• Safety: Extremely low crime – quiet and residential

• Perks: Sweeping ocean views, hiking in Santa Ynez Mountains, Santa Barbara Botanic Garden

Why it shines: Tranquil foothill living with quick city access and endless natural beauty

3. Goleta

Casual, convenient, and family-friendly

Population: 32,611 | Median Home: $1M | School Rating: A+ | Commute: 19 min

• Housing: Suburban neighborhoods, coastal condos, and newer developments

• Education: Goleta Union School District, Santa Barbara Unified School District – high school, (UCSB), Westmont College

• Safety: Very safe – property crime and violent crime both well below state averages

• Perks: Goleta Beach Park, Goleta Monarch Butterfly Grove, Old Town Goleta, Ellwood Mesa

Why it’s special: Laid-back beach town vibes with great schools and easy coastal access

4. Toro Canyon

Secluded, scenic, and mountain-framed

Population: 1,714 | Median Home: $2M | School Rating: B+ | Commute: 30 min

• Housing: Private estates, hillside homes, ocean-view properties

• Education: Carpinteria Unified School, Westmont College, Santa Barbara City College

• Safety: Very low crime – quiet, exclusive, and private

• Perks: Toro Canyon Park, Los Padres National Forest, beaches, hiking trails

The allure: Privacy, nature, and panoramic views with a peaceful coastal backdrop

5. Carpinteria

Quaint, coastal, and outdoorsy

Population: 12,876 | Median Home: $965K | School Rating: B+ | Commute: 24 min

• Housing: Beach cottages, small-town neighborhoods, and suburban developments

• Education: Carpinteria Unified School District, Fielding Graduate University

• Safety: Very safe – low violent crime, tight-knit community

• Perks: Carpinteria Bluffs Nature Preserve, Carpinteria State Beach, surfing, hiking and biking trails

Why it’s noteworthy: Small-town beach charm with affordable coastal living and endless outdoor perks

Bottom Line:

Santa Barbara’s suburbs offer more than just gorgeous views – they deliver top schools, safe neighborhoods, and a laid-back lifestyle between the ocean and the mountains. Whether you want beachfront elegance or mountain seclusion, these suburbs offer a slice of California living at its finest.