$3,513,218Average Value$1,372Average Price per Sq Ft9Homes For Sale
Scenic residential community in the hills of Santa Barbara
Elevated in the hills that separate the Mission and Sycamore Canyons, 3 miles north of downtown Santa Barbara, Riviera is modeled after Mediterranean coastal towns where villas and estates look out on the ocean. “It is one of the most sought-after places in Santa Barbara,” says Ali Evans, a Realtor with Berkshire Hathaway Home Services California. “You can find large estate homes elevated on the Riviera, and properties have stunning views of the city, mountains and ocean.” With a Cap Index crime score of 2 out of 10, compared to a national score of 4, property and violent crime risk is extremely low. Nearby green spaces like Franceschi Park overflow with native plantings, palm trees and flowers while offering the same scenic views. The neighborhood’s natural beauty provides the backdrop for cultural institutions like the Santa Barbara Zen Center, a Buddhist temple, and the Riviera Theatre, which hosts the Santa Barbara International Film Festival every February. Narrow winding roads connect the Riviera to the rest of the city, including the shops and restaurants on Milpas Street and U.S. 101, which runs east-west a few miles south.
Row of homes in Riviera, Santa Barbara, CA.
Aerial of homes in Riviera, Santa Barbara, CA.
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Secluded estate-style homes on wooded lots
Narrow, steep, winding streets cut into the hillside, bordered by stone retaining walls, shrubbery, and tall pine and eucalyptus trees. Large estate homes are hidden behind privacy fences and gates, often featuring Spanish Revival-style elements like terracotta coloring, barrel-tile roofs, or Modernist architecture, including large windows and lateral composition. Having been built primarily between 1950 and 1990, homes offer stunning views of the city and the expansive Pacific Ocean below. Prices for a three-bedroom Modernist-style home range from $1.7 million to $2.5 million, while five-bedroom Spanish Revival-style estates on half-acre to multi-acre lots can sell for between $3.5 million and $5 million. “The market is based on the property. If it is turn-key, ready to go after the sale, it flies off, but sometimes homes that need more work sit a little longer,” Evans says.
Spanish style home in Riviera, Santa Barbara, CA.
Context show of Riviera, Santa Barbara, CA.
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Family Nights and multimedia programs at local schools
At Roosevelt Elementary, rated B-plus by Niche, school officials organize free Family Nights throughout the school year, including movie nights and picnics at the Mission Rose Garden, which aim to foster community. In addition to Family Nights, Roosevelt holds Cultural Arts assemblies where students can learn from musicians, storytellers and dancers of various backgrounds. The B-plus-rated Santa Barbara Junior High offers woodworking and construction technology classes for seventh and eighth graders, while the A-rated Santa Barbara Senior High offers a Multimedia Arts and Design Academy with courses in filmmaking, photography, and graphic design.
Santa Barbara Junior High School.
Roosevelt Elementary School in Santa Barbara challenges and encourages children to learn.
Santa Barbara Senior High School features many athletic opportunities.
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Wooded parks full of native plants with panoramic views
The Mission Steps, a wooded stone-step pathway through eucalyptus trees and other native plants, leads uphill to the 15-acre Franceschi Park, which offers open green space full of mediterranean plantings and panoramic views. Just west of the Riviera, the Mission Historical Park sits just outside Old Mission Santa Barbara, an 18th-century historical site most known for its rose garden. On the neighborhood’s north side, the Santa Barbara Tennis Club offers memberships and adult and junior tennis clinics.
Riviera is home to the Mission steps.
You can have a picnic with friends in Riviera.
Riviera has some great dog friendly parks.
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Nearby shops and Mexican restaurants on Milpas Street
While Riviera is almost entirely residential, several restaurants and chain stores like Trader Joe’s sit about 2 miles away on Milpas Street. The Shop Brunch serves breakfast with a shaded outdoor patio where locals can look out on the hills in the morning sky. For Mexican food, residents can head to Los Agaves Restaurant, a local chain known for bold flavors and high-quality ingredients.
Los Agaves is a staple Mexican restaurant near Riviera.
Indulge in a wet burrito at Los Agaves near Riviera of Milpas.
Head down the hill from the Riviera to do some shopping.
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Driving through the hills and accessing U.S. 101
Riveria streets tend to be narrow and sloping, often without sidewalks, making some areas more challenging to navigate by foot than neighborhoods closer to downtown, about 3 miles away. Los Angeles is about 95 miles away on U.S. 101, which runs parallel to the coast. Nearby Airports include Santa Barbara Airport, 13 miles west, and Los Angeles International Airport, about 100 miles west. Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital is 4 miles southwest.
Santa Barbara International Film Festival at the Riviera Theater
The Riviera Theater, a historic 1920s-era building, screens international and independent films daily and hosts the Santa Barbara International Film Festival every February. In addition to a selection of short films, feature-length pictures and documentaries, the film festival offers industry panels and seminars.
Watch a show at The Riviera Theatre in Riviera, Santa Barbara, CA.
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
Tiffany Dore,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
Sheffield Reservoir
Rocky Nook Park
Trails
Playground
Hiking
Mission Lawn
Orpet Park
Franceschi Park
Trails
Hiking
Mission Historical Park
Transit
Airport
Santa Barbara Municipal
32 min drive
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Riviera
US
Homicide
1
4
Sexual Assault
1
4
Assault with Weapon
1
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 Riviera, Santa Barbara sell after 45 days on the market compared to the national average of 47 days. The average sale price for homes in Riviera, Santa Barbara over the last 12 months is $4,537,863, up 43% from the average home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Stunning Modern Home with Sweeping Santa Barbara Ocean, Island, and City Views. This modern 5-bedroom, 4.5-bathroom home offers an unparalleled living experience with breathtaking views. As you step inside, you're immediately greeted by walls of glass that frame the spectacular vistas of the ocean, islands, and city.The bright and airy living room features a formal fireplace and
Joel ButeraBerkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties
Discover your own slice of paradise in this peaceful, nearly one-acre Santa Barbara retreat, where natural beauty meets modern luxury and coastal convenience. Just minutes from Montecito, downtown Santa Barbara, world-class beaches, and scenic hiking trails, this home offers a serene contemporary sanctuary that feels worlds away from the hustle and bustle.Step inside to sun-drenched
Live the dream at 1235 Mission Ridge — a one-of-a-kind Riviera retreat that's equal parts elegance, comfort, and pure California magic.From the moment you arrive, this home wraps you in warmth, style, and jaw-dropping views. Every inch is designed for living well — whether you're hosting epic dinner parties, savoring quiet mornings on the patio, or watching the sun dip behind the hills from your
Terri DimondBerkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties
Just minutes from downtown, this private Santa Barbara Riviera home offers breathtaking ocean, island, and city views from nearly every room and is move in ready! The living room boasts vaulted ceilings and a feature fireplace, the kitchen also displays unbeatable views. French doors in the dining room open to the outdoors, perfect for indoor-outdoor living. Enjoy 2381 sqft +/- with 4 bedrooms, 3
Dazzling design and sweeping ocean views are on full display at this modern heirloom on Santa Barbara's Riviera. Just moments from the Belmond El Encanto, the residence is infused w a lighthearted & refreshing energy that spills over onto the impeccably landscaped grounds. Designed in 1925 by Winsor Soule & thoughtfully restored, this 4bd/4.5ba romantic estate rests on 1/2 acre & masterfully
Nancy KogevinasBerkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties
New co-ownership opportunity: Own one-eighth of this professionally managed, turnkey home by Pacaso. This contemporary showcase offers superb vistas, spacious rooms, and seamless flow to terraces and gardens. With ocean views below and mountains above, this 4-bedroom, 5-bathroom retreat is unparalleled. The open-concept great room features a sleek kitchen, dining area, and lounge, opening to a
FULLY FURNISHEDNestled in Santa Barbara's coveted Riviera neighborhood, this fully furnished 4,200+ sq. ft. home blends timeless charm with modern upgrades. Just a two-minute walk from the famed El Encanto Resort, it features 4 spacious bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, a light-filled living area, and a gourmet kitchen perfect for hosting. The upstairs primary suite offers sweeping ocean views, while
Experience the beauty of the American Riviera from this stunning home, where sweeping views of the ocean, islands, and downtown Santa Barbara create a picture-perfect setting. Nestled on nearly a third of an acre, this exquisite three-bedroom, three-bathroom residence seamlessly blends timeless Spanish architecture with contemporary elegance. The expansive primary suite, complete with a walk-in
Wonderful ocean and city views from this furnished remodeled townhome in prime Upper Riviera location. Attached one car garage. Community pool. Available 6/1/25-9/30/25.Contact Florence at (646) 784-2585 or florencefalk@gmail.com for more details or to view this home.
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Tiffany Dore,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Owners
Demographics
Total Population
1,985
Median Age
59
Population Density
3 ppl/acre
Population under 18
14.7%
Below the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
41.1%
Above the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$212,955
Significantly above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$206,762
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
97.1%
College Graduates
76.7%
Significantly above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
41.8%
Significantly above the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
65.3%
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®
23/ 100
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®
17/ 100
Some Transit
Transit Score®
28/ 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.
