Beachy college town next to University of California, Santa Barbara
Located on the Pacific coast just west of Santa Barbara, Isla Vista is a lively community full of lush green spaces, surrounded by local restaurants and sandy beaches. Since Isla Vista is bordered on the east by the University of California, Santa Barbara's (UCSB) main campus, several administrative buildings trickle into the community. The area also holds some of UCSB's student housing properties, including Greek life. "Certainly, holidays and parts of the school term that involve guests, like graduation, make it pretty crowded." Says Lisa Oglesby, Board President of the Isla Vista Food Cooperative, a communally owned grocery store and nonprofit. "For the most part, we are fortunate to have a walkable/bikeable community that cuts down on noise and pollution. Aside from some parties on the weekends, Isla Vista has a laid-back beach vibe."
Both students and long-term residents come together to support community organizations like the Isla Vista Food Cooperation and events like the Pardall Carnival that bring everyone together to foster neighborly connections. The area's natural beauty is accompanied by a growing gallery of murals painted on everything from apartment buildings and street corners to local institutions like the University United Methodist Church.
Aerial of neighborhood streets in Isla Vista, Santa Barbara, CA.
Aerial of coastal homes in Isla Vista, Santa Barbara, CA.
1/2
Communal markets and local shopping on the Loop
Locally owned shops and restaurants are focused on El Embarcadero Road, an area known as “the Loop.” Here, residents can get groceries at Isla Vista Food Cooperative, also known as the co-op, a community-owned market that invests their profits back into local initiatives. “The co-op has taken an active part in Isla Vista since our start five decades ago,” says Sadie McDade, Marketing Manager for the co-op. “Through the cyclical changes and challenges of each decade, the co-op has been a resource for affordable, healthy food and a community hub and partner for our neighbors.” Nearby dining options include Freebirds, which serves made-to-order burritos and nachos, and Lao Wang, known for their Mala Tang Noodles and rice bowls. After having a meal, locals can peruse the Antique Center Mall or get their wheels repaired at Varsity Bike Shop, a community staple since 1964. On the west side of Isla Vista, the Camino Real Marketplace houses national chains like Costco, Ross and Target.
Inside Isla Vista Food Cooperative in Isla Vista, Santa Barbara, CA.
Poke Ceviche is a popular lunch spot in Isla Vista, Santa Barbara, CA.
Dune coffee is a popular cafe in Isla Vista.
1/3
Fostering neighborly bonds at Pandall Carnival
In the spring, the Isla Vista Community Relations Committee organizes the Pardall Carnival, a free day-long event with games, raffles, music and rides. The carnival is designed to bring together university students and long-term Isla Vista residents and foster community. On the east side, Isla Vista Theater hosts classes for UC Santa Barbara during the day and concerts and discounted movie nights in the evenings.
Vista offers budget-friendly fashion choices to residents through clothing events.
Aerial of coastal homes in Isla Vista, Santa Barbara, CA.
1/2
Midcentury ranch-style and Spanish Revival-style homes
Most nearby available homes sit west of Storke Road, built between the 1960s and ‘90s. On the west side, three-bedroom midcentury ranch-style homes with small covered front porches and two-car garages sell for around $1 million, while four-bedroom multistory Spanish Revival-style homes and renovated ranch-style homes can sell for as much as $2.4 million. On the east side, prices are more inflated due to student demand and an influx of outside investors purchasing properties to rent out. Here, Spanish Revival-style homes from the ‘90s and 2000s sell for between $1.3 and $2.1 million. Along the community's northern edge, mid- to late-20th-century condo complexes offer one- and two-bedroom units for between $500,000 and $800,000, while three-bedroom units can sell for more than $1 million.
Row of rancher style homes in Ellwood, Santa Barbara, CA.
Condos in Isla Vista provide a convenient and compact housing option for residents.
1/2
Public beaches along the Pacific Coast
The sandy shores that stretch along Isla Vista's southern edge provide plenty of space for swimming, surfing, and relaxing, and there are several public access points like the one at the south end of Camino Del Sur. Centrally located by the shops and restaurants of El Embarcadero Road, Anisq'Oyo' Park was constructed by volunteers and features a historic windmill, amphitheater, and playground. Its freshwater pond is home to native wildlife, including egrets, herons and turtles. Girsch Park, found further west, offers several athletic fields, basketball courts, picnic areas, and open grassy meadows irrigated with reclaimed water. In addition to the dozens of small parks scattered across the community, large stretches of nature preserve like the Ellwood Mesa Open Space provide unpaved hiking trails through dry brush and eucalyptus trees with stunning coastal views. Locals can also visit the Sandpiper Golf Club to spend a day on their 18-hole course.
Aerial of coast in Isla Vista, Santa Barbara, CA.
Catch some waves with friends in Isla Vista.
1/2
Walking and biking around the Isla Vista
With plenty of paved and unpaved trails through the palm trees, Isla Vista can easily be explored on foot or by bike, and scooters are available to rent and cruise around. El Colegio Road is the main throughway, running along the community's northern border and connecting locals to U.S. Route 101, which stretches along the Pacific Coast, taking residents 13 miles east to Downtown Santa Barbara. Santa Barbara Metropolitan Transit District operates the local bus system, including Route 27, which runs from UC Santa Barbara to the Camino Real Marketplace, and Route 25, which circles the western half of the area. Santa Barbara Airport sits just east of Isla Vista, while Goleta Valley Cottage Hospital is about 5 miles away.
Isla Vista is a very bike-able town.
Ride your bike to the beach in Isla Vista.
1/2
Local A-rated Santa Barbara Unified District schools
Local kids may attend Isla Vista Elementary School, rated A-minus by Niche, or the A-rated Goleta Valley Junior High. The A-rated Dos Pueblos Senior High houses a four-year engineering academy where students take dual enrollment courses at Santa Barbara Community College while creating interactive exhibitions and kinetic sculptures.
Isla Vista Elementary School provides a stellar education to those in Isla Vista.
Goleta Valley Junior High School serves students in Isla Vista.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
