$2,162,024Average Value$421Average Price per Sq Ft1Home For Sale
Seaside community with community-oriented businesses and events
Set 12 miles south of Santa Barbara, Old Town Carpinteria runs between U.S. Route 101 and the Pacific coastline, offering public beaches and locally owned cafes and shops. While this is a popular vacation spot for snowbirds and Los Angeles locals, year-round residents here have a strong sense of community, removed from tourism. Events like the annual California Avocado Festival and organizations like the Carpinteria Arts Center ensure there's never a shortage of things to do — but residents can always head down to the shore, in any season. When Spanish colonizers arrived here in the late 1700s and saw the indigenous Chumash people building canoes, they dubbed the area "La Carpinteria," meaning "the carpentry shop." Today, the neighborhood’s oldest remaining buildings date to the early 1900s, either small homes and bungalows or sun-faded storefronts.
Old Town Carpinteria has some of the most beautiful coastlines in California.
Grab an organic locally sourced meal from The Good Plow in Old Town Carpinteria.
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State and city-owned beaches on the Pacific Coast
Carpinteria City Beach is a favorite spot for Old Town locals to go sunbathing, swimming, kayaking and surfing; snowbirds flock here in the colder months. Though pets aren’t allowed on the beach's main stretch, there's a dog-friendly zone on the north end. The adjacent Carpinteria State Beach has a large interactive play area with wildlife statues inspired by the Chumash tribe, who originally inhabited this area; there are also camping areas for visitors. Northwest of the beaches, the 110-acre Carpinteria Salt Marsh Nature Park is a wetland sanctuary for more than 200 bird species and many rare plants, and a popular place to watch the sunset over the Santa Ynez Mountains. Next to the local Amtrak station, the Carpinteria Garden Park has raised beds that can be leased by locals to grow their own produce and flowers.
Old Town Carpinteria offers the best of the California lifestyle.
Carpinteria State Beach is a family-friendly area with plenty of activities.
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Early 20th-century bungalows and large beachfront estates
Throughout Old Town, eucalyptus, palm trees and native shrubbery add a little greenery to the otherwise open streetscapes. Single-family homes are mostly found on Old Town's north side, walking distance from the shops and restaurants on Linden Avenue. Set close together and built between 1900 and 1930, most of these homes have tiny yards and are either two- to three-bedroom minimal traditional houses that range from $600,000 to $1 million, or well-maintained Craftsman bungalows that range from $1.6 million to $2 million. Northwest of the public beaches, five-bedroom secluded beachfront estates are separated into several small gated communities; these properties vary in style, size and age, though many were built in the 1980s on multi-acre lots with Contemporary architectural elements like floor-to-ceiling windows, flat rooflines and a mixture of wood, stone and other materials. Prices also range widely, mostly dependent on lot size, from $2 million to over $20 million, but most range from $3 million to $5 million.
Low-rise condo complexes and townhouse communities built between 1960 and 1990 are set close to the shoreline; most of these one- and two-bedroom units range from $500,000 to $1 million, but units set right on the beach range up to $2 million. On the neighborhood's west side, a few mobile home communities have two-bedroom manufactured homes that range from $600,000 to $900,000.
A row of single-story homes seen in Old Town Carpinteria.
Take a walk outside and feel the ocean breeze in Old Town Carpinteria.
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Live music and guacamole stands at the California Avocado Festival
Carpinteria residents often gather for events along Linden Street. The 3-day California Avocado Festival is held annually on the first weekend of October, drawing guacamole and music lovers with food vendors, artisanal products, and multiple stages' worth of live reggae, blues, and rock bands. Holiday parades held in December and on the Fourth of July bring out the whole town to see floats sponsored by local organizations. “Whenever there’s a parade, 50 percent of the town is in it, and 50 percent is in the crowd watching,” says Terra Furuta, an employee at the Carpinteria Community Library. The Fourth of July celebration is accompanied by the Rods & Roses Car Show, which features both classic and muscle cars, and donates its proceeds to local charities.
Organizations like the Carpinteria Community Library and Carpinteria Arts Center enhance Old Town's close-knit and neighborly vibe; both put together programming for local kids and families, including summer camps and workshops. Other gathering spots include the Carpinteria Valley Baptist Church, established in 1969 in a small Victorian-inspired cathedral.
Boutiques, cafes and breweries on Linden Avenue
Linden Avenue is Carpinteria's main shopping and dining corridor, lined with palm trees and low, sun-bleached storefronts that house antique stores and local haunts like Murphy’s Vinyl Shack. The casual Esau’s Café serves all-day breakfast and lunch, as well as ethically sourced coffee from El Salvador. Teddy’s by the Sea offers specialty cocktails, fresh seafood lots of outdoor seating, and Island Brewing Company is one of several spots selling craft selections like the Tee Time Pilsner. The Santa Barbara Certified Farmers Market is held here every Thursday afternoon; locals can also get groceries at the nearby Smart & Final Extra.
Heritage Goods and Supply in Old Town Carpinteria features items for the California lifestyle.
Rincon Designs Surf Shop sells a variety of surfboards and wetsuits near Old Town Carpinteria.
Friends relax at the bar at Little Dom's Seafood near Old Town Carpinteria.
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Carpinteria High School Athletic programs
Local students can start school at Aliso Elementary, then advance to Carpinteria Middle, both of which are rated B-minus by Niche. At the B-plus-rated Carpinteria High, there are athletic teams for water polo, tennis and volleyball; the football program, though, holds the Southern California record for most consecutive league wins, and has won six championships in their section (go, Warriors!).
Carpinteria Middle School has excellent teachers and staff.
Aliso Elementary School in Carpinteria provides a safe and nurturing environment for students.
Students are the top priority at Carpinteria Senior High School.
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Traveling the California Coast by train or on the 101
U.S. Route 101 borders Old Town on the north, leading 12 miles north along the coast to Santa Barbara and 85 miles south to Los Angeles; the neighborhood's location makes it popular with commuters from these cities. “Carpinteria tends to be a little more affordable than Santa Barbara and is a great location if you still need to access LAX or other parts of Los Angeles,” says Ruth Ann Bowe, associate broker with Village Properties. Locals can easily get around Carpinteria on foot or by bike using pedestrian-friendly streets and bike lanes.
Old Town Carpinteria is bisected by train tracks, and a small Amtrak station on Linden Avenue serves the Pacific Surfliner, which travels the California Coast from San Diego to San Luis Obispo; trains can be heard in the neighborhood throughout the day. Santa Barbara Metropolitan Transit District’s Route 20 bus line stops on Carpinteria Avenue before circling back to downtown Santa Barbara. Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital is the closest major medical center, about 13 miles away. About 20 miles away, Santa Barbara Airport offers regional flights, while Los Angeles International, 86 miles away, has a broader selection.
Residents can travel the coast on the Pacific Surfliner with stops in Old Town Carpinteria.
Residents have convenient access to bus lines in Old Town Carpinteria.
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Written By
Andi Sink
Photography Contributed By
Kory Ross
Video By
Kristen Wilson
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Agents Specializing in this Area
Lisa Lee
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Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties
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Parks in this Area
Carpinteria State Beach
Picnic Area
Beach
Ocean
Carpinteria Salt Marsh Nature Park
Bike Trails
Trails
Beach
Tar Pits Park
Picnic Area
Trails
Beach
Memorial Park
Grills
Picnic Area
Playground
Tomol Interpretive Play Area
Picnic Area
Trails
Playground
El Carro Park
Old Town Carpinteria Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Old Town Carpinteria, Carpinteria sell after 2 days on the market compared to the national average of 70 days. The median sale price for homes in Old Town Carpinteria, Carpinteria over the last 12 months is $528,900.
Beautifully updated and ideally located, 4617 9th Street offers a rare opportunity to own a well-maintained home in one of Carpinteria's most desirable neighborhoods. With 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, and a flexible den that can function as a fourth bedroom or home office, this 1,280 SF home is move-in ready.Every detail has been elevated. New flooring flows throughout the home, complimented
Whitney ArmentroutBerkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties
Experience a one-of-a-kind luxury wellness retreat meticulously designed for clean living, wellness-focused peace of mind, and timeless California elegance. This eco-conscious, smart home seamlessly blends sophisticated design with an unwavering commitment to health, sustainability, and craftsmanship, all just a few minutes to Carpinteria's stunning beaches.Reimagined as a serene
Welcome to your slice of paradise—where salt meets sea—in the heart of Carpinteria, California. This fully remodeled 7-unit income property offers the perfect blend of coastal charm and modern convenience. Located just half a block from the beach and moments from the newly developed Linden Square, you'll enjoy easy access to Carpinteria's newest restaurants, wine tasting rooms, breweries, and
Experience refined coastal living in this sophisticated two-story Beachgrove condominium, featuring expansive, light-filled interiors. The main level showcases a travertine hearth fireplace, new flooring, and sliding glass doors opening to a private, sunlit brick patio. The stylish kitchen, complete with upgraded appliances and a charming pass-through bar, is complemented by a convenient
Shepard Place Apartments invites you to enjoy the finer things Coastal California living has to offer. We have comfortable one or two-bedroom apartments, with desirable host of amenities to enjoy, along with a wealth of planned activities and events designed to fit your lifestyle.Our Carpinteria apartments provide an unprecedented level of comfort. They welcome you with galley kitchens
This 4-bedroom, 2-bath storybook escape blends old-world charm with modern comfort—just three blocks from the beach and two blocks from Linden Ave's shops, cafes, and restaurants. Designed by architect Tom Meaney, the main home features beamed ceilings, arched doorways, hardwood floors, and curated craftsmanship throughout. The fourth bedroom is a detached artist's studio above the garage—ideal
Danielle DarinBerkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties
Downtown Carpinteria! Charming unfurnished downstairs studio plus full bath available September 1st. In a small mixed use building, steps to downtown restaurants, shops, and incredible beaches! Perfect for one individual. Shared laundry room within building, 1 off-street uncovered parking space. Water, gas, electric paid for by landlord. Call Yolanda to show - 805.570.4965.
Yolanda Van WingerdenBerkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Lisa Lee,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Renters
Demographics
Total Population
5,660
Median Age
43
Population Density
7 ppl/acre
Population under 18
21.4%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
22.5%
On par with the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$84,757
Above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$114,423
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
89.4%
College Graduates
37.3%
Advanced Degrees
9.7%
On par with the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
71.3%
Above the national average
65.1%
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®
49/ 100
Somewhat Walkable
Walk Score®
50/ 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.
