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Donovan Park

Donovan Park

Neighborhood in Santa Maria, California

Santa Barbara County 93454, 93458

$545,333 Average Value
$385 Average Price per Sq Ft

Proximity to downtown Santa Maria at a lower price

Located just a couple of miles from the heart of Santa Maria in central California, the community of Donovan Park offers all the perks of downtown living at a significantly lower price. Residents here enjoy their community’s many outdoor spaces, like walking the beautiful lakeside trail at nearby Jim May Park or celebrating with friends at the annual Santa Maria Elks Rodeo and Parade. For those with children, the Santa Maria-Bonita School District is another major draw. “A lot of people move here because of the school system,” Glenda Muto, a Realtor at Big Block Realty says. “The schools offer multilingual programs along with great programming for children with disabilities.”

Ranch-style homes with a sprinkle of Spanish influences

Most homes in Donovan Park are ranch-style homes on small lots of land with some featuring Spanish architectural influences, like red-tile roofs and stucco walls. Homes here are clustered and close together and sell for between $360,000 and $600,000, and although most feature driveways and two-car garages, street parking is also utilized. Most of the streets in Donovan Park are lined with sidewalks, giving locals a place to go for a run.

Most homes are Ranchers with two car garages in Donovan Park Santa Maria.
Most homes are Ranchers with two car garages in Donovan Park Santa Maria.
Ranch home yards come open or fenced in Donovan Park Santa Maria.
Ranch home yards come open or fenced in Donovan Park Santa Maria.
Homes tend to have smaller lots in Donovan Park Santa Maria.
Homes tend to have smaller lots in Donovan Park Santa Maria.
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Pioneer Valley High School ranked among Santa Barbara County’s best

Students in Donovan Park attend schools within the Santa Maria-Bonita School District. Younger children in Donovan Park may attend William Rice Elementary before moving to El Camino Junior High, both of which received a C grade from the educational review site Niche. For high school, students may attend Pioneer Valley High, which earned a B rating and was also recognized as the eleventh-best public high school in Santa Barbara County, according to Niche. Pioneer Valley High is also known for its promising CTE pathways for students in business, science, agriculture and industrial technology.

Santa Maria Joint Union School District buses are on time.
Santa Maria Joint Union School District buses are on time.
Pioneer Valley High School is a public comprehensive high school in Santa Maria.
Pioneer Valley High School is a public comprehensive high school in Santa Maria.
Tommie Kunst Junior High School of Santa Maria serves students in grades seven and eight.
Tommie Kunst Junior High School of Santa Maria serves students in grades seven and eight.
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From Santa Maria-style BBQ to authentic Mexican food

“Santa Maria is known for its barbecue,” Muto says. “People also love the Mexican and Chinese restaurants in the area, along with some really good burger joints.” The Swiss Restaurant and Bar is a favorite with Donovan Park residents. Located just a mile south of the neighborhood, The Swiss offers Santa Maria-style oak barbecue, known for its classic smoky and hearty flavor. There are also many Mexican restaurants near Donovan Park, highlighted by La Picosita, popular for its affordable, authentic burritos. For a weekend shopping outing, locals head to Santa Maria Town Center, which includes retailers like Macy’s and Foot Locker, along with chain restaurants like Red Robin. The town center is just a mile from the neighborhood. For groceries, residents tend to restock their pantries at Vons supermarket; while for everyday essentials, locals head to Wal-Mart’s Neighborhood Market.

Vallarta Supermarket in North Santa Maria as everything your kitchen needs.
Vallarta Supermarket in North Santa Maria as everything your kitchen needs.
Find a great lunch at Charlie's Burger and King Falafel in Donovan Park Santa Maria.
Find a great lunch at Charlie's Burger and King Falafel in Donovan Park Santa Maria.
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Frisbee Golfers love Preisker Park of Northern Santa Maria.
Frisbee Golfers love Preisker Park of Northern Santa Maria.

A beautiful lake at Jim May Park

Residents looking to spend time outdoors can head to Jim May Park, highlighted by its beautiful lake complete with a loop trail featuring views of the arid mountains in the distance. The park, a mile from the neighborhood, also includes a barbecue pit for family cookouts and a playground for children. A mile north residents will find Preisker Park, known for its disc golf course and its pair of playgrounds. Or two miles east there’s Tunnell Park, which sports baseball and softball fields along with courts for games of pick-up basketball. Residents are also just 17 miles from Pismo Beach, known for its long white sand beaches and spectacular sunsets. Wine enthusiasts love their proximity to the Foxen Canyon Wine Trail, a 20-mile drive southeast of Donovan Park. This scenic wine trail is home to many of California’s finest wineries and vineyards.

From rodeos to Christmas celebrations

Every year, in late May or early June, Santa Maria hosts the Santa Maria Elks Rodeo and Parade, which includes four days of rodeo action and entertainment. This same organization, Elks Recreation, also hosts an annual “Christmas in the Country” lights experience, which visitors can drive-thru during the holiday season. For fans of all things spooky there’s also an autumn Haunted Hills on Fridays and Saturdays in October. For a fun outing for all ages, local spot Rancho Bowl offers bowling, dining and a bar. Rancho Bowl also puts on events throughout the year, including family deal nights.

Convenient location near U.S. Highway 101

Highway 101 bisects Donovan Park and provides access to surrounding neighborhoods, like Rancho Estates, Broadway and Mid City Acres. For public transportation, locals use the Santa Maria Regional Transit, or SMRT, bus system to get around. Dignity Health's Marian Regional Medical Center is 2 miles away for residents seeking medical attention. The Santa Maria Public Airport is 6 miles south of Donovan Park and offers regional flights.

Donovan Park residents are served by the Santa Maria Area Transit buses.
Donovan Park residents are served by the Santa Maria Area Transit buses.
Donovan Park is a neighborhood within the city of Santa Maria.
Donovan Park is a neighborhood within the city of Santa Maria.
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Kevin Haswell
Written By
Kevin Haswell
Christiaan Cruz
Photography Contributed By
Christiaan Cruz
Aiyshanti Green
Video By
Aiyshanti Green

Agents Specializing in this Area

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Schools

Source:
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 neighborhood? Reach out to Kathleen Scruton, an experienced agent in this area.

Parks in this Area

Transit

Airport

San Luis County Regional

35 min drive

Bus

Broadway & Sunset

Bus

Donovan & Pine (Outbound)

Bus

Railroad & Lee

Bus

Donovan & Miller

Bus

Broadway & Orchard (Outbound)

Bus

Broadway & Williams (Westside)

Crime and Safety

1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime Donovan Park US
Homicide 5 4
Sexual Assault 5 4
Assault with Weapon 7 4
Robbery 7 4
Burglary 5 4
Motor Vehicle Theft 10 4
Larceny 4 4
Crime Score 6 4

Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com

Demographics and Home Trends

Home Trends

Median Price (12 Mo)
$407,000
Median Single Family Price
$590,000
Median 2 Bedroom Price
$289,000
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$385
Last 12 months Home Sales
8
Median List Price
$417,000
Median Discount From 1st List Price
4%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
-20%

Home Facts

Number of Homes in Neighborhood
214
Median Year Built
1962
Avg. Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,405
Significantly below the national average
1,935
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
879
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
6,534

Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Interested in learning more about homes in this neighborhood? Reach out to Kathleen Scruton, an experienced agent in this area.

Average Home Value




Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

This Neighborhood Has More Renters

Demographics

Total Population
2,762
Median Age
28
Population Density
23 ppl/acre
Population under 18
35.5%
Above the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
8.4%
Below the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$56,922
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$75,802

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
44.9%
Significantly below the national average
89.1%
College Graduates
5.5%
Significantly below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
2.7%
% Population in Labor Force
70.9%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
13''
Average Winter Low Temperature
41°F
Average Summer High Temperature
74°F
Annual Snowfall
0''

Area Factors

Bikeable

Bike Score®

56 / 100

Very Walkable

Walk Score®

72 / 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.

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Reviews

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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.
NEIGHBORHOOD
Donovan Park
Kathleen Scruton
Real Estate eBroker Inc.
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