$2,436,808Average Value$2,108Average Price per Sq Ft1Home For Sale
Coastal community close to beaches and restaurants
Located 3 miles south of downtown Santa Barbara, West Mesa is connected to nearby parks and restaurants by a network of well-maintained sidewalks and bike lanes. “You can walk to Lazy Acres, one of the best organic grocery stores in the area,” says Gregg Leach, a local real estate agent with over 30 years of experience in Santa Barbara. “There are restaurants, bars, coffee shops and a vegetable market all within walking distance and mostly local.” Along the neighborhood’s southern edge, residential streets are separated from the narrow, quiet beachfront by steep bluffs, while on the west side, Douglas Family Preserve features walking trails through natural landscapes with coastal views. With a Cap Index crime score of 3, compared to a national score of 4, the quiet community benefits from low crime rates. Thanks to its proximity to these outdoor spaces and local businesses, West Mesa homes are in high demand compared to available inventory and tend to sell quickly.
Large custom homes with ocean views are common in West Mesa Santa Barbara.
Heading to Lighthouse coffee to get some work done is a common practice in West Mesa.
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Ocean views from the coastal bluffs
West Mesa residents can walk to one of several public beaches, including Arroyo Burro—also known as Hendry’s—and Mesa Lane beaches, which are separated from the neighboring homes by steep bluffs. After descending the stairs over the cliffs, locals can enjoy the peaceful sandy stretches and crystal blue waters. On the neighborhood’s west end, the 60-acre Douglas Family Preserve offers walking trails along the bluff with expansive ocean views. On the other side of the neighborhood, La Mesa Park has a large playground with slides and swing sets surrounded by tall pine trees.
Large custom homes with in West Mesa Santa Barbara.
Luxury living private estates with ocean views is the neighborhood of West Mesa Santa Barbara.
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Midcentury homes adorned with greenery and palm trees
West Mesa streets feature mostly mid-20th-century homes lined by well-maintained sidewalks that connect locals to nearby parks and beaches. Like the rest of Santa Barbara, residents here enjoy walking, biking or skating across the neighborhood while enjoying the sunny weather. Some of the most common homes here include California Cottages featuring roof overhangs, low-slung gabled roofs and covered front porches in pale, as well as ranch-style homes with cross-gabled shingle roods and pale painted exteriors. Four-bedroom midcentury cottages located further inland can sell for as little as $1.7 million, while recently built Modernist homes near the bluff can sell for more than $4 million. Homes are set close together along steep sloping streets, though tall palm and eucalyptus trees encompass most properties and provide a sense of separation. While some properties have grassy lawns, most are adorned with low-water plantings and dense shrubbery.
Homes can be single level but of the highest quality in West Mesa Santa Barbara.
There are large homes from the mid century with large garages in West Mesa Santa Barbara.
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Community events held by local volunteers
Mesa Harmony Garden, located just north of West Mesa on the grounds of Holy Cross Church, is operated by local volunteers who harvest food to donate to local organizations. In addition to donating vegetation and conducting Spring Plant Sale fundraisers, the organization hosts monthly public education events where locals can learn about different planting techniques.
Locals can grab some fresh flowers at Mesa Produce in West Mesa Santa Barbara.
This sing is to honor the first responder heroes West Mesa Santa Barbara.
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American and Mediterranean eateries serving locally sourced cuisine
Along Cliff Drive, local eateries and shops are gathered into small shopping plazas featuring Mediterranean Revival-style architecture with pale stucco walls and barrel-tile roofs. Here, Mesa Burger serves comfort food made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Founded in 2016 as a collaboration between a group of Santa Barbara residents, many of whom live in the Mesa, the restaurant is one of several local staples within walking distance. “It’s definitely close-knit. Multiple people will come in together, and we’re always happy to have them,” says Chris Chiarappa, owner of Mesa Burger. “Above all, we appreciate all the support we’ve received in the Santa Barbara area.” Mesa Verde, another local eatery, is well known for serving vegan Mediterranean cuisine with an extensive wine and beer selection. When it's time to restock the pantry, residents can head to Mesa Produce, which sells local organic fruits and vegetables, or the Vons grocery store.
For some top notch vegan food head to Mesa Verde Restaurant in West Mesa Santa Barbara.
Mesa Burger is a staple in West Mesa.
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Santa Barbara schools offering dual enrollment programs
Local kids will attend the Santa Barbara Unified School District, which scores an A on Niche. Students may start at the B-rated Monroe Elementary, which has a gardening education program that includes weekly hands-on activities in the school’s garden for all grade levels. The B-plus-rated La Cumbre Junior High offers cooking classes, a weight training room and a skate park as a part of their After School Education and Safety Program. Students at the A-rated San Marcos High can enroll in the San Marcos Health Careers Academy, which allows students to participate in hands-on instructional activities with dual enrollment in Santa Barbara City College.
Monroe Elementary is an excellent school for students in West Mesa Santa Barbara.
Students love to learn at La Cumbre Junior High School in Santa Barbara.
San Marcos Senior High School in Santa Barbara has dozens of effective teachers.
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Walking, biking and taking the bus
Downtown Santa Barbara sits 3 miles away on the other side of U.S. Route 101, which runs parallel to the coast. Residents can easily walk or bike to nearby parks, beaches and restaurants or hop on a bus operated by the Santa Barbara Metropolitan Transit District. The Route 5 bus stops along West Mesa’s northern border and stretches from La Cumbre Plaza on the west to downtown Santa Barabara on the east. Santa Barbara Airport is about 10 miles away to the east, and Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital is about 3 miles north.
West Mesa is a very bike-able neighborhood.
You can walk the pup at one of the many parks in West Mesa.
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
Arroyo Burro Beach
Douglas Family Preserve
Escondido Park
Basketball
Trails
Playground
Elings Park
La Mesa Park
Shoreline Playground
Transit
Airport
Santa Barbara Municipal
30 min drive
Bus
Cliff & Alan
Bus
Arroyo Burro Beach Park
Bus
Cliff & Mesa
Bus
Cliff & Oliver
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
West Mesa
US
Homicide
2
4
Sexual Assault
2
4
Assault with Weapon
1
4
Robbery
2
4
Burglary
3
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
3
4
Larceny
3
4
Crime Score
2
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in West Mesa, Santa Barbara sell after 37 days on the market compared to the national average of 47 days. The average sale price for homes in West Mesa, Santa Barbara over the last 12 months is $3,593,652, up 41% from the average home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Move-in ready and ideally located on the Mesa just blocks from the ocean, this light-filled home blends timeless design with thoughtful upgrades. An open-concept layout connects the chef's kitchen—featuring granite counters, breakfast bar, custom cabinetry, and stainless appliances—to the dramatic great room with vaulted ceilings, exposed beams, fireplace and French doors. Step outside to a
Kelly KnightBerkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties
Welcome to your coastal retreat on the Mesa, where relaxation meets sophistication! This spacious 4-bedroom, 2-bath haven spans over 1,400 S.F, offering a perfect blend of comfort and style in one of Santa Barbara's most sought-after neighborhoods. Step inside to discover a beautifully updated interior boasting newer flooring throughout and newly painted walls creating a bright & inviting
Holly HonarvarKeller Williams Realty Santa Barbara
Mid-Century 3BR/2BA Furnished Home - Near Beach, Hot Tub, Solar, Stylish Remodel. Fully furnished, design-forward 3/2 in the sought-after West Mesa neighborhood. 3 blocks from the beach & Douglas Preserve, this light-filled, approx. 1,200 sq ft home features vaulted wood-beamed ceilings, wide-plank floors, floor-to-ceiling windows & open-concept living. Enjoy a modern kitchen with Caesarstone
Available 8/1/25, furnished, long-term.Live the quintessential Santa Barbara coastal lifestyle in this beautifully remodeled single-story California Cottage, just one block from Mesa Lane Beach. Fully furnished and brimming with charm, this 3-bedroom, 2-bath home offers 1,616 square feet of thoughtfully curated living space, updated by local VE Builders in March 2022. The extensive renovation
Mary WhitneyBerkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties
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
2,153
Median Age
43
Population Density
8 ppl/acre
Population under 18
20.6%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
24.1%
On par with the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$140,624
Significantly above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$158,149
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
93.6%
College Graduates
69.4%
Significantly above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
29.6%
Above the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
57.3%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
16''
Average Winter Low Temperature
41°F
Average Summer High Temperature
74°F
Annual Snowfall
0''
Area Factors
Bikeable
Bike Score®
61/ 100
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®
46/ 100
Some Transit
Transit Score®
25/ 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.
