$2,392,559Average Value$1,147Average Price per Sq Ft1Home For Sale
Convenience to Santa Barbara attractions in this residential community
Located on the southwestern side of Santa Barbara, Bel Air Knolls is a suburban community near outdoor amenities and city attractions. The area is set on grassy knolls, as the name suggests, and a wide variety of trees, flowers and housing styles exist here. Its natural beauty, location and comparatively lower housing prices are what draw people in, says Katie Walsh, Realtor for Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices who’s sold in Santa Barbara for five years. “It is Narnia, I swear. People are in a great mood all the time,” she says. “You’ve got downtown restaurants. You’ve got the water. You’ve got Elings Park. You have anything and everything you want within a short distance.” Hiking on the bluffs in Elings Park and taking dogs to play fetch at Hendry’s Beach are common pastimes, and U.S. Route 101 is nearby to connect to other parts of the city.
Bel Air Knolls is a beautiful neighborhood located not too far from the beach.
Discover new places in Alta Mesa.
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Renovated homes with a view in Bel Air Knolls
The hilly residential streets in Bel Air Knolls are lined with sidewalks, growing palm trees and rock-landscaped yards with budding agave plants. Houses are typically close together, separated by fences or manicured bushes, and many people park their cars in the street. Single-family homes here include midcentury ranch-style houses with stone exteriors and gabled roofs and modern traditionals with some Spanish-style elements. “The architecture is very Brady Bunch era,” Walsh says. “What’s happened over time is a lot of people are coming in and kind of embracing that style when updating homes.” Some properties sit higher up with better views of the Santa Ynez mountain range; many homes have small backyards with brick patios and wooden verandas. Prices usually range between $1.6 million and $2.5 million for smaller homes and $3.1 million to $4.5 million for larger homes with better views.
Homes in Bel Air Knolls have a lot of character.
Bel Air Knolls is full of quiet residential streets.
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Football stars at San Marcos High
The Bel Air Knolls community falls under the Santa Barbara Unified School District. Kids start at Harding University Partnership, which offers kindergarten through sixth grade and is rated B-minus by Niche. For seventh and eighth grade, students move on to La Cumbre Junior High, rated B. The A-rated San Marcos High is known for its popular San Marcos Royals Football Team, which made district playoffs in 2024. The school also has an extensive theater program where students can hone their vocal technique and learn about costuming for school productions.
Educational opportunities abound at Harding University Partnership.
Students love to learn at La Cumbre Junior High School in Santa Barbara.
San Marcos High School is central to the city.
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Dog-walking and paragliding at Elings Park
Residents have plenty of outdoor activities nearby. Completed in 2020, the Las Positas Modoc Road Bicycle and Pedestrian Path is a paved, 3-mile pathway running along the western edge of Bel Air Knolls, passing mature oak trees and mountain views. The 230-acre Elings Park is the largest privately funded public park in America; it has a BMX Track with ramps, softball fields and tennis courts, and miles of hiking trails. At the park’s South Bluffs, people go paragliding and hand gliding over the bright blue Pacific Ocean and rugged cliffs. Elings also offers the Elings Park Dog Owner Group membership, which allows dog owners to walk their furry friends off-leash throughout the park. Just south of the neighborhood, Hendry’s Beach—officially known as Arroyo Burro Beach Park—is another dog-friendly location with towering tan and green bluffs and a pebble-covered shore.
There is a great frisbee golf course at Elings Park in Bel Air Knolls.
Bel Air Knolls is close to Douglas Preserve which is a leash-less park.
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Grabbing a bite at Boathouse at Hendry’s Beach
For shopping needs, residents can head a few miles east to Lazy Acres Market, a California-based grocer selling organic foods. The nearby Mesa Shopping Center has a Vons grocery store and a handful of small eateries, including Mesa Café and Bar and Super Cucas Restaurant, which serves massive burritos for lunch. Another well-known restaurant south of the neighborhood is Boathouse at Hendry’s Beach. Visitors can sip on happy hour martinis and snack on coconut shrimp beside the shore. State Street in downtown Santa Barbara is about 3 miles east of the area; it has tons of local shops and boutiques in Mission-styled buildings. Downtown, Crossroads Trading sells used clothes and Antique Alley showcases jewelry pieces and collectibles.
Bouthouse is an iconic seafood restaurant near Bel Air Knolls.
Tell stories with friends at the beach in Alta Mesa.
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Quick access to the 101 and Santa Barbara MTD bus stops
While there are plenty of sidewalks within the neighborhood, most folks in Bel Air Knolls drive to get around. Walsh says the streets are set up to make it difficult for outside traffic to pass through; this limited access may contribute to the neighborhood’s low CAP Index crime score of 2 out of 10, she says. U.S. Route 101—referred to as “the 101” by locals—is close by, connecting to the rest of the city along with nearby Goleta and Montecito. Locals can also catch rides on Santa Barbara MTD buses, which stop north on Modoc Road and along the western border near Elings Park. Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital is about 2 miles north, and Santa Barbara Airport is an 8-mile drive west via the 101.
Partying at Fields of Funk and looking out for light trolleys
The massive Elings Park is a favorite gathering spot for weddings, corporate parties and yearly events. In October, the park hosts a Halloween-themed concert series called Fields of Funk; visitors come dressed up for DJ performances on two stages, colorful art installations and food and bar vendors. Families come to Elings for Big Bounce America in April, where kids and adults can rush down slides and bounce through obstacles on giant blow-up obstacle courses. Some streets, like Crestline Drive and Portesuello Avenue, are decorated with twinkling lights and glowing snowmen for the Santa Barbara Holiday Light Tour. Folks can drive through the area to view the light displays or book a time on the Santa Barbara Trolley of Lights tour, which passes through the neighborhood and other parts of the city. “And if you’re on certain streets, you’re kind of expected to decorate because you’re a part of the tour,” Walsh says.
Prepping for flooding in parts of Bel Air Knolls
Some areas of Bel Air Knolls may be prone to flooding, especially near Las Positas Road on the western side. The most rainfall typically occurs in the winter months, and Walsh says the soil in some areas may be susceptible to mudslides. But she also adds that because most of the community is set on higher ground, it’s unlikely that people would be evacuated. Regardless, Santa Barbara County recommends homeowners look into their insurance options, have regular roof inspections and use straw or wood chips to harden soil and avoid erosion. To get more involved in reducing environmental erosion and learn about reforestation, folks can also volunteer at the Bucket Brigade Humanitarian Garden in Elings Park.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Kevin Hall,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
Elings Dog Park
Elings Park
Transit
Airport
Santa Barbara Municipal
29 min drive
Bus
Portesuello & Gillespie
Bus
Cliff & Las Positas
Bus
Las Positas & Las Positas Park
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Bel Air Knolls
US
Homicide
1
4
Sexual Assault
1
4
Assault with Weapon
2
4
Robbery
2
4
Burglary
2
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
2
4
Larceny
2
4
Crime Score
2
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Bel Air Knolls, Santa Barbara sell after 18 days on the market compared to the national average of 47 days. The average sale price for homes in Bel Air Knolls, Santa Barbara over the last 12 months is $2,475,843, down 2% from the average home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Tranquil serenity in Bel Air Knolls! Perched above the street and off a private drive, this nearly 1/2 acre property provides an expansive feel while also enjoying immense privacy.Elegantly remodeled over the years, the spacious floor plan boasts an open concept kitchen and living room designed for effortless indoor/outdoor living. High ceilings accentuate the primary suite with a luxurious
Avail June 15th 1 yr unfurn. or possibly furnished this Summer June 15-Sept 15 $75K.Stunning entertainer's dream in Bel Air Knolls with big mountain views and seamless indoor/outdoor living. Features include solar for low electric bills, hot tub, pool (weekly service), 4 fire pits, outdoor shower, Sonos, backup generator, newer washer/dryer, central AC, extra freezer and double side gates.
The Messina Apartment Homes are located in the heart of Santa Barbara.You will experience beautiful beaches and majestic mountain views while living in a luxurious apartment home.The Messina Apartment Homes are conveniently located to shopping and dining.The easy access to interstate 101 makes your new home perfect for work and the enjoyment that Santa Barbara has to offer.
Enjoy easy access to everything from this centrally located home in the premier Bel Air Knolls neighborhood! Only a 5 minute drive to Hendry's beach and 10 minutes to downtown! This remodeled 3-bed 3-bath home includes a spacious floor plan that encompasses a lovely atrium (perfect for dining). The indoor/outdoor flow is perfect for entertaining or just relaxing in the back or side-yards!
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Kevin Hall,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Owners
Demographics
Total Population
1,485
Median Age
45
Population Density
1 person/acre
Population under 18
19.4%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
24.7%
Above the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$98,124
Significantly above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$154,963
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
84.6%
On par with the national average
89.1%
College Graduates
54.7%
Above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
14.7%
% Population in Labor Force
69.6%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
16''
Average Winter Low Temperature
41°F
Average Summer High Temperature
74°F
Annual Snowfall
0''
Area Factors
Somewhat Bikeable
Bike Score®
14/ 100
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®
11/ 100
Some Transit
Transit Score®
30/ 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score
Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
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.
