$2,673,505Average Value$2,043Average Price per Sq Ft7Homes For Sale
Walkable community bordered by beaches and green spaces
Right beside the Pacific Ocean, 3 miles south of downtown Santa Barbara, East Mesa features narrow sandy beaches that are walking distance from most residents' homes, and more moderate summer temperatures than the rest of the city. Set two miles off the US-101 freeway, East Mesa is as walkable and bikeable as neighboring West Mesa and Alta Mesa, but it's set apart by its proximity to Shoreline Park and Leadbetter Beach, two of the coast's most popular outdoor spaces. With well-maintained midcentury homes, ocean views and highly rated schools, as well as locally owned eateries and markets, East Mesa is in high demand.
Enjoy nature at Shoreline Park in East Mesa.
There are many well kept gardens in East Mesa.
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Shoreline Park and Leadbetter Beach within walking distance
Shoreline Park is one of the most popular spots in East Mesa, featuring 15 acres of grassy fields set between the coast and Shoreline Drive, which includes a playground for small children. A steep bluff separates Shoreline Park from Ledbetter Beach, a long, thin, white-sand beach popular among catamaran sailors and windsurfers. The rest of the neighborhood is bordered by One Thousand Steps Beach, a narrow shoreline that can be accessed by traversing a tall staircase over the bluff. Further inland from the shore, La Mesa Park offers a large playground with a swing set and grassy fields shaded by tall mature trees.
Shoreline Park is located cliffside in East Mesa.
Have a picnic at Ledbetter Beach in East Mesa.
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Midcentury cottages and Spanish Revival influences
Most homes here were built in the 1950s and ’60s, either Spanish Revival-style properties with white stucco exteriors and terra cotta barrel-tile roofs (similar to those on the nearby Holy Cross Church, a neighborhood landmark since 1958) or California Cottages with low-slung roofs that overhang front porches. A three-bedroom cottage can sell for $1.9 million, while a four-bedroom Spanish Revival-style home near the water can go for upwards of $8 million. Neatly squared front yards feature low-water plantings shaded with tall palm and eucalyptus trees, and neighborhood streets are hilly and tightly packed, with sidewalks that wind around the community, leading to nearby parks and restaurants.
Aerial of homes in East Mesa.
Find your dream home in East Mesa.
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Fourth of July celebrations on the beach
East Mesa is next to the Santa Barbara Harbor and West Beach, where many local events and festivals are held. During the city’s day-long Fourth of July Celebration on West Beach, locals can enjoy a full day of live music by local musicians and DJs before closing out the night with a 20-minute firework display over the water.
Ledbetter Beach in East Mesa.
Get some time alone at Ledbetter Beach in East Mesa.
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Local produce markets and community-oriented eateries
Just west of the neighborhood, a few shopping centers are clustered along Cliff Drive, including small grocery stores like Lazy Acres Market and Mesa Produce, as well as a selection of small, locally owned eateries. Many of these restaurants have close ties to the community; for instance, Mesa Burger began in 2016 as a collaboration between Mesa residents and other Santa Barbara partners. “The idea came up on a surf trip,” says Chiarappa, one of Mesa Burger's original founders. “We wanted a feel-good restaurant, with hamburgers being comfort food, and thought of it as a way to give back to the community.” Lighthouse Coffee, which now has 5 locations across Santa Barbara and nearby Goleta, is owned by the same collective and began serving locally roasted coffee at the original Mesa location in 2018.
Enjoy a lovely plant based meal at Mesa Verde in East Mesa.
Find ingredients for a healthy meat at Lazy Acres Market in East Mesa.
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Highly regarded schools offering multimedia and computer science programs
East Mesa is zoned for the Santa Barbara Unified School District. “The schools here are great,” says Chris Chiarappa, local business owner. “There’s a lot of parent involvement, and everyone is invested in their success.” Local students may attend Washington Elementary, which receives an A rating from Niche and employs a full-time STEM teacher, who works weekly with students in all grade levels to help them develop a strong STEM foundation. The B-plus-rated La Cumbre Junior High offers an Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) elective, which promotes college readiness for kids who could be the first in their families to attend university. The A-rated Santa Barbara High is the district's only high school to offer Computer Science and Multimedia Arts & Design Academies, and its 40-acre campus features tennis courts, a swimming pool, and a large football and track stadium. East Mesa is located next to Santa Barbara City College’s main campus, but few of its students live in East Mesa, and the school's proximity doesn’t affect residents much, if at all.
Education comes first at Washington Elementary School Santa Barbara.
Students love to learn at La Cumbre Junior High School in Santa Barbara.
Santa Barbara High in East Mesa.
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Santa Barbara bus stations along Cliff Drive
U.S. Route 101 runs east-west, 2 miles north of the neighborhood, and downtown Santa Barbara is 3 miles away. The 96-mile commute to Los Angeles can take up to two and a half hours, depending on traffic on the 101. Locals can easily walk or bike around their neighborhood to get to nearby parks and beaches, and several Santa Barbara Metropolitan Transit District bus routes that pass through East Mesa; for example, Route 5 stops along the neighborhood’s northern border and travels to La Cumbre Plaza shopping center and downtown. Nearby hospitals include Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital, about 3 miles north, and Santa Barbara Airport is about 10 miles east. For international travel, Los Angeles Airport is about 100 miles away.
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
Geoff Rue,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
Honda Valley Park
Trails
La Mesa Park
Shoreline Playground
Shoreline Park
Shoreline Park
Parque De Lis Niños
Transit
Airport
Santa Barbara Municipal
30 min drive
Bus
Cliff & Santa Cruz
Bus
Cliff & La Marina
Bus
Cliff & Salida Del Sol
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
East Mesa
US
Homicide
2
4
Sexual Assault
3
4
Assault with Weapon
2
4
Robbery
3
4
Burglary
4
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
3
4
Larceny
3
4
Crime Score
3
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in East Mesa, Santa Barbara sell after 52 days on the market compared to the national average of 47 days. The average sale price for homes in East Mesa, Santa Barbara over the last 12 months is $3,156,518, up 17% from the average home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Magical Mesa location just 9 houses from the incredible Shoreline Park. Enjoy the oceanfront of Santa Barbara featuring Leadbetter Beach, the Harbor and Stearn's Wharf nearby. This 3 bedroom home has a sun-filled family room addition to expand the living area of the home. The vaulted ceilings in the living room and kitchen are inviting elements that add to the beachy feel. Gleaming hardwood
Welcome to a truly special find in the coveted Marine Terrace Mesa neighborhood! Just five houses from Shoreline Park and moments from Leadbetter Beach, this spacious 2-story home is a beach lover's dream. Offered for the first time in almost 70 years, this is an exceptional opportunity in one of Santa Barbara's most sought after coastal neighborhoods. Featuring 4-bedrooms, 3-baths and a flexible
Enjoy the ultimate American Riviera lifestyle in this exquisite oceanfront estate resting on a gracious half-acre of prime California coastline. The inspiring contemporary residence was meticulously designed and crafted by noted architect, Tom Ochsner, four years ago with the goal of creating a sophisticated yet casual resort-style retreat. The interior spaces can best be described as modern
Nestled in one of Santa Barbara's most sought-after neighborhoods, this stunning 2-bedroom, 1-bathroom single-family home offers a rare opportunity to live just minutes from the picturesque Shoreline Park and the pristine beaches of the Pacific Ocean. Thoughtfully designed with an open, light-filled layout, this home exudes both style and comfort. Enjoy a spacious living area that seamlessly
Welcome to a piece of paradise in one of Santa Barbara's most sought-after neighborhoods on the Mesa. This updated tri-level condo offers an open floor plan that perfectly balances privacy and space, with a thoughtful separation between the primary and guest bedrooms.The middle level boasts a stunning living room with a cozy fireplace and a balcony with views. The spacious primary
Avail May 1 - Off Season $12,500/mo. Peak (Jul-Sept): $19,500/mo, June 2025 is booked, discount for multi mo. staysOceanfront Santa Barbara Cottage Perched on a stunning ocean bluff, this enchanting cottage captures the essence of Santa Barbara living. Lush gardens, a charming pergola, fire pit, and breathtaking sunset views set the scene for relaxation. Inside, enjoy custom
Available Furnished with a 1 yr lease. Immerse yourself in the quintessential Santa Barbara beach lifestyle with this 4-bed, 4-bath Mediterranean-style home, just steps from the beach & ShorelinePark on the Mesa. Recently furnished, it features high ceilings, elegant wood floors, and a cozy fireplace in the spacious living and dining area. The gourmet kitchen with bespoke cabinetry, and a
Welcome to Sea Cliff Apartment, Santa Barbara's premier beachfront community- where every day is a vacation! We are truly a hidden gem. Our newly remodeled living spaces have been said to be "quite simply, breathtaking" WE ARE THE CLOSEST PROPERTY TO LEADBETTER BEACH IN ALL OF SANTA BARBARA! YOU MUST SEE TO BELIEVE! This one-of-a-kind 27-unit property is conveniently located just steps from
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Geoff Rue,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Owners
Demographics
Total Population
3,371
Median Age
37
Population Density
12 ppl/acre
Population under 18
21.6%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
19.2%
On par with the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$109,622
Significantly above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$145,534
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
95.2%
College Graduates
57.2%
Above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
23.6%
Above the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
67.4%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
16''
Average Winter Low Temperature
41°F
Average Summer High Temperature
74°F
Annual Snowfall
0''
Area Factors
Bikeable
Bike Score®
62/ 100
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®
39/ 100
Some Transit
Transit Score®
29/ 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.
