Small Santa Maria community close to city attractions
With U.S. Route 101 only a few blocks east, Rancho Estates is a conveniently placed small suburb in northern Santa Maria. Folks are within walking distance of the well-known Rice Elementary and adjacent tree-covered Rice Park. Santa Maria native and Realtor for United Agents, Randy Smith says families are especially drawn to the community. “Affordability would be the main reason someone would move here,” he says. Homes here are considerably lower in price than neighborhoods further south like Entrada Este and Sunrise Hills Estates. Mom-and-pop shops and Mexican markets are less than a mile away, and for any big city events, folks can catch a bus to East Main Street south of the area.
Older and remodeled homes in Rancho Estates
Rancho Estates is completely made up of single-family residential properties. The asphalt streets here are wide and lined with sidewalks dotted with tall streetlamps. Most homes have short, paved driveways, and many front yards are shaded by palm or mature bishop pine trees. Those sitting closer to U.S. Route 101 on the eastern side or the four-lane Alvin Avenue in the south may experience more traffic noise. Midcentury ranch-style homes with shingle roofs and a mix of stucco and vinyl exteriors. Some of these homes have been remodeled and have enclosed backyards with veranda-covered patios. One to two-story Spanish-inspired properties built between the 1950s and ‘80s are spread throughout the neighborhood. These feature arched entryways, terracotta roofs and well-kept gardens, and some sit along large cul-de-sacs. Home prices here roughly range between $550,000 and $830,000, and those with more square footage typically cost more.
Variety of clubs at Pioneer Valley High
Rancho Estates is zoned for the Santa Maria-Bonita School District for elementary and middle school. Children start at Rice Elementary, which earns a C-minus from Niche and continue on to Tommie Kunst Junior High, which gets a C. For high school, the area is zoned for the Santa Maria Joint Union High School District. Pioneer Valley High scores a B grade and has many student organizations, like a Military Career Club and a Club Salsa Caliente.
A few blocks from the 101 and Downtown Santa Maria
U.S. Route 101 runs near the eastern edge of the neighborhood, connecting folks to nearby cities like Orcutt and Nipomo. California State Route 135—also referred to as North Broadway—is also a few blocks west of the community and connects to Downtown Santa Maria a mile southwest. Many people drive to get around, but folks can access bike lanes on East Donovan Road. Santa Maria Regional Transit (SMART) buses make routine stops near the north and south borders of Rancho Estates. Dignity Health-Marian Regional Medical Center is about 2 miles southeast, and Santa Maria Airport is 8 miles south via the 101.
Strolling through Jim May Park
Rancho Estates residents are within walking distance to the 3-acre Rice Park, featuring a playground, softball field and picnic tables right next to Rice Elementary. Jim May Park is a mile north and sits next to a scenic lake with a San Rafael Mountain view backdrop. Visitors can check out the playground or stroll on paved and unpaved walking paths that encircle the lake. For indoor alternatives, the Santa Barbara Public Library presents free craft workshops and book clubs. The nearby Rancho Bowl is a go-to spot for bowling league games and pizza parties.
Picking up meat at the local carniceria and shopping near Main Street
Folks in Rancho Estates are close to small, local Mexican grocery stores along North Broadway. Mercado Y Carniceria La Mia is about a mile northwest and sells fresh-sliced meats, homemade salsas and spices. Residents can also head to the nearby North Broadway Plaza Shopping Center for groceries at Foodmaxx. Several locally owned restaurants also line Broadway; La Picosita Restaurant serves authentic huaraches and tacos, and Shaw’s Steakhouse is known for its huge portions of BBQ platters. A mile south of the neighborhood, Main Street is peppered with small businesses like Main Thrift selling discounted clothes and collectibles and Main Street Cycles which has bike apparel and parts. Santa Maria Town Center also has plenty of retail chains, restaurants and the Regal Edwards Santa Maria and RPX movie theater.
Celebrating with the Parade of Lights on Broadway
Locals head to Downtown Fridays every week from March through September. Main Street and Broadway are blocked off with food trucks, vendors and a stage where local bands perform. The Santa Maria Parade of Lights is another popular downtown event. Every December, residents gather near Broadway to watch dozens of twinkling floats, classic cars and cheerleaders march in the street. Onlookers can watch the parade then grab a bite and shop near Cook Street.
Addressing theft near Rancho Estates
Rancho Estates has a CAP Index crime score of 9 out of 10 for motor vehicle theft as opposed to the national average of 4. The area scores high for other crimes like robbery as well. However, overall crime in Santa Maria has decreased by 46% since 2022 according to a Santa Maria Police Department statistical analysis detailed in a local news story. To combat motor vehicle thefts and keep an organized database, the city introduced automatic license plate readers in January of 2022. The police department also offers several programs like the Community Policing Advisory Council, a group of community leaders that meets with the Chief of Police every other month to discuss any issues or concerns.
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
Ashlea Boyer,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Transit
Airport
San Luis County Regional
36 min drive
Bus
Alvin Ave & Miller St (Westbound)
Bus
Alvin & College (Inbound)
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Rancho Estates
US
Homicide
5
4
Sexual Assault
5
4
Assault with Weapon
7
4
Robbery
7
4
Burglary
5
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
9
4
Larceny
4
4
Crime Score
6
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Rancho Estates, Santa Maria sell after 38 days on the market compared to the national average of 47 days. The average sale price for homes in Rancho Estates, Santa Maria over the last 12 months is $636,579, up 5% from the average home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Property Id: 1684456Come check this beautiful one bed one bath with kitchen. Brand new refrigerator, electric stove, cabinets and countertop. Privet fenced yard and off street parking. Water, electricity and waste included.
Property Id: 1824905Welcome to your new home in Santa Maria, CA! This charming 2-bed, 1-bath newly built ADU unit on N College Dr offers modern amenities including a refrigerator, oven, laminate flooring, and washer/dryer hookups. With off-street parking and all utilities included, this smoke-free property is perfect for a cozy and convenient lifestyle. All utilities (water, trash,
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Ashlea Boyer,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Owners
Demographics
Total Population
1,683
Median Age
32
Population Density
1 person/acre
Population under 18
31%
Above the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
13.7%
Below the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$72,115
On par with the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$90,940
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
69.7%
Below the national average
89.1%
College Graduates
18.2%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
3.6%
% Population in Labor Force
60.1%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
13''
Average Winter Low Temperature
41°F
Average Summer High Temperature
74°F
Annual Snowfall
0''
Area Factors
Somewhat Bikeable
Bike Score®
48/ 100
Somewhat Walkable
Walk Score®
53/ 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.
