Why Live in West Beach
West Beach in Santa Barbara is a vibrant neighborhood characterized by its grid-patterned, tree-lined streets and proximity to the beach. The area features a mix of single and multifamily homes, including late 20th-century condos with Spanish-tiled stairs and stucco exteriors, and early 20th-century cottages and bungalows with terracotta roofs. Many properties serve as short-term vacation rentals, adding to the neighborhood's dynamic atmosphere. Residents enjoy a variety of things to do, such as surfing, paddleboarding, and yoga at Leadbetter Beach, or exploring the Santa Barbara Harbor for boating and fishing. The nearby Channel Islands National Park offers opportunities for kayaking and wildlife viewing. Parks like Pershing Park and Shoreline Park provide ample recreational facilities, including tennis courts, softball fields, and playgrounds. Dining options abound with local favorites like Chad’s Café, Breakwater Restaurant, and Brophy’s Bros, while grocery needs can be met at Harbor Market and Santa Cruz Market. The Funk Zone is a popular spot for social events and shopping, and the annual Fourth of July celebration draws crowds to the waterfront. The neighborhood is highly walkable and bike-friendly, with easy access to U.S. Route 101, public transit, and a Downtown-Waterfront Shuttle Service. The area is zoned for the Santa Barbara Unified School District, with San Marcos Senior High being a highly rated school known for its Health Careers Academy. Santa Barbara City College offers additional educational opportunities within the community.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is West Beach a good place to live?
West Beach is a good place to live. West Beach is considered fairly walkable and very bikeable with some transit options. West Beach has 6 parks for recreational activities. It is fairly sparse in population with 3.1 people per acre and a median age of 37. The average household income is $114,865 which is above the national average. College graduates make up 56.7% of residents. A majority of residents in West Beach are renters, with 78.2% of residents renting and 21.8% of residents owning their home. A
local real estate agent serving West Beach can help you decide if this neighborhood is the right one for you. Learn more on our
West Beach neighborhood guide.
How much do you need to make to afford a house in West Beach?
The median home price in West Beach is $3,495,000. If you put a 20% down payment of $699,000 and had a 30-year fixed mortgage with an interest rate of 6.58%, your estimated principal and interest payment would be $17,820 a month plus property taxes, HOA fees, home insurance, PMI, and utilities. Using the 28% rule, you would need to make at least $764K a year to afford the median home price in West Beach. The average household income in West Beach is $115K.
What are the best public schools in West Beach?
The best public schools that serve West Beach are:
What are the best private schools in West Beach?
The best private schools that serve West Beach are:
- Anacapa School has an A Niche grade, a student teacher ratio of 6:1 and an average review score of 4.6.
- Providence School has an A- Niche grade, a student teacher ratio of 7:1 and an average review score of 4.7.
- Notre Dame School has a student teacher ratio of 14:1.
What are the most popular zip codes in West Beach, Santa Barbara, CA?
What are the most popular neighborhoods near West Beach, Santa Barbara, CA?
Home Trends in West Beach, CA
On average, homes in West Beach, Santa Barbara sell after 55 days on the market compared to the national average of 52 days. The median sale price for homes in West Beach, Santa Barbara over the last 12 months is $3,250,000, up 104% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Median Sale Price
$3,250,000
Median Single Family Sale Price
$2,750,000
Median 1 Bedroom Sale Price
$1,190,000
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$1,533
Number of Homes for Sale
3
Last 12 months Home Sales
5
Median List Price
$3,495,000
Median Change From 1st List Price
4%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
104%