$1,782,569Average Value$1,800Average Price per Sq Ft37Homes For Sale
Coastal town with scenic beachfront landscapes
Set right off U.S. Route 101 between Santa Barbara and Los Angeles, Carpinteria offers ocean views, lower home prices than larger coastal cities, and lots of small businesses in the center of town. “Carpinteria is one of the few very small ‘beach towns’ that still has its beach charm,” says Ruth Ann Bowe, an associate broker with Village Properties. Folks here can enjoy biking to the beach, hiking through nature preserves and gathering for community events. "It's also a great location if you still need access to LAX or other parts of Los Angeles.” Many locals commute to neighboring cities on the 101, though Carpinteria’s small tourism industry and the area's flower and cannabis farms are also sources of local employment.
A hazy aerial view looking up the coast from Carpinteria.
Linden Ave is the main corridor to the Carpinteria area.
1/2
Cottages and Ranch-style homes at a lower price point than Santa Barbara
Carpinteria has a median home price of about $1.3 million as of early 2025; this is more than triple the national median but still substantially lower than Santa Barbara’s median home price of $2 million. The city is bisected by Route 101 (also known as Highway 101, or simply the 101), and each side has markedly different real estate. The south side, sometimes called Old Town Carpinteria , mainly consists of early 20th-century cottages with overhanging roofs and covered front porches, including many within walking distance of the beach. Santa Monica-El Carro and Canalino Village , both north of 101, have late 20th-century ranch-style and new traditional homes at a higher elevation, affording ocean views. Home prices here can soar into the tens of millions. Along the highway, there are lots of townhomes, mobile home parks and condos; the most expensive condo units are found in beachfront complexes. New construction in Carpinteria is rare.
Your dream home may be in Carpinteria.
Carpinteria can be your new community.
1/2
Carpinteria City Beach and other waterfront parks
Carpinteria City Beach sits at the end of Linden Avenue, and several other parks and nature preserves line the coast. Carpinteria State Beach is a popular camping site, and the Carpinteria Bluffs Nature Preserve offers hiking trails with ocean views and scenic overlooks. At the edge of the bluffs, locals can watch harbor seals and their pups on the protected beach below, which serves as a breeding sanctuary. Tar Pits Park features natural asphalt lakes, while farther south, Rincon Point has beaches for surfing and sunbathing. North of the highway, there are smaller city parks and hiking trails that wind up into the Santa Ynez Mountains. City officials are in the process of designing a new urban park where Linden Avenue meets Carpinteria City Beach. Dubbed "Linden Plaza," this project will include picnic tables and lounge chairs surrounded by native flora; construction is expected to begin in 2026.
Tar Pits Park is a magnificent beach in Carpinteria.
Enjoy the sunset at Carpinteria Bluffs Nature Preserve in Carpinteria.
1/2
Local restaurants and community events on Linden Avenue
Linden Avenue can attract large crowds — especially during the cool summer evenings —with its locally owned restaurants, colorful cafes and a weekly farmers market. These crowds can sometimes double during well-attended annual events like the California Avocado Festival in early October. “Carpinteria definitely has a huge, close-knit community,” Bowe says. Many artists also have galleries in the area, which are popular with summer tourists, and the nearby Alcazar Theatre hosts small concerts.
Residents enjoy an early evening dinner at Guichos Eatery in Carpinteria.
Zookers in Carpinteria, has a farm shop around the back.
1/2
Traveling up and down the coast on U.S. 101
U.S. Route/Highway 101 connects Carpinteria to other coastal towns, including Ventura, 17 miles south, and Santa Barbara, 11 miles north. Los Angeles is about 84 miles away. While Carpinteria doesn’t have its own public transit system, the Santa Barbara Metropolitan Transit District and the Ventura County Transportation Commission each have intercity bus lines that stop in Carpinteria. Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital is about 14 miles away. Nearby airports include the Santa Barbara Airport (SBA), about 20 miles away, and Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), about 90 miles away.
Hop on the 101 to get up the coast in Carpinteria.
The 101 helps locals get around in Carpinteria.
1/2
Carpinteria Unified School District and nearby private options
Carpinteria Unified School District earns an overall A-minus from Niche and serves over 2,000 students. Carpinteria Senior High hosts the Annual Russell Cup, a large invitational track & field meet, every spring in the Carpinteria Valley Memorial Stadium. Just outside Carpinteria is the A-plus-rated Cate School, a private boarding academy that offers college-level biology courses, including marine ecology and molecular genetics.
Carpinteria Middle School has excellent teachers and staff.
Students are the top priority at Carpinteria Senior High School.
1/2
Annual crime reports from the Chief of Police Services for the City of Carpinteria
The City of Carpinteria doesn’t have its own police department, and instead contracts law enforcement from the Santa Barbara Sheriff’s Office. The Carpinteria police station has its own team of deputies and detectives, led by a dedicated Chief of Police Services for the City of Carpinteria. According to the most recent annual Sheriff’s report, serious violent and property crimes—also categorized as Part One crimes—increased by roughly 9% in Carpinteria between 2022 and 2023.
Sunny weather and winter fog on the Pacific Coast
Carpinteria residents enjoy mild, sunny weather year-round, sometimes with heavy fog in the fall and winter. There is low risk of wildfire here, though wildfires in surrounding regions can negatively impact air quality. Some low-elevation areas in Carpinteria are at high risk of flooding during heavy storms. Homes within FEMA-designated Special Flood Hazard Areas are required to purchase flood insurance.
Take up a new hobby at Carpinteria.
Meeting up for coffee is a staple in Carpinteria.
1/2
Written By
Andi Sink
Photography Contributed By
Joseph Palacios
Video By
Drew Webster
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Lisa Lee,
an experienced agent in this area.
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
On average, homes in Carpinteria, CA sell after 44 days on the market compared to the national average of 50 days. The median sale price for homes in Carpinteria, CA over the last 12 months is $1,475,000, up 21% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Completely renovated Casitas Village loft condominium with 945 sq ft.The renovated kitchen has all new appliances, subway tile backsplash.The open bar to the living area has quartz countertops.The completely remodeled/replastered bathroom has a tiled walk-in shower and new vanity with Carrara marble top. Professional refinishing eliminated the acoustic ceilings throughout the home. New laminate
HISTORY, HEART & ENDLESS POSSIBILITIES - On a cul-de-sac, this rare offering (approx .5 acre, usable lot) sits on the highest point in the Concha Loma neighborhood w/expansive ocean views. This ''once-in-a-generation'' opportunity awaits next owner to restore/reimagine the relevance of its mid-century roots. Formal LR w/floor-to-ceiling windows & a large terrace showcase coastal, pool, and garden
Step into this elegant and thoughtfully remodeled home in the highly sought-after Sandpiper Village—an all-age community known for its beautifully maintained grounds and welcoming atmosphere. Completely redesigned by the owner-builder, no detail was overlooked. Quality craftsmanship is evident throughout, from the custom finishes to the open, flowing layout. Lush, mature
Located at 6180 Via Real, #118 in Carpinteria, this charming two-bedroom, two-bathroom manufactured home is in the desirable Vista de Santa Barbara community, a 55+ neighborhood. As an end unit, it offers the tranquility of having only one neighbor and mountain and ocean views.The home features bamboo flooring, an open living and dining area, a laundry room, a den, and a breakfast area.
Exquisitely redesigned and perfectly balanced for relaxation and entertaining, this easy-flow 3-bedroom, 2-bath ''Cape Cod Garden Jewel'' offers a multitude of high-end appointments, custom cabinetry, and meticulously sourced finishes, with every element thoughtfully chosen to elevate your living experience. The single-level 1,576 square foot home, featuring a remodeled kitchen, bathrooms,
Completely renovated Casitas Village loft condominium with 945 sq ft.The renovated kitchen has all new appliances, subway tile backsplash.The open bar to the living area has quartz countertops.The completely remodeled/replastered bathroom has a tiled walk-in shower and new vanity with Carrara marble top. Professional refinishing eliminated the acoustic ceilings throughout the home. New laminate
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
Rarely Available: Exclusive Polo Field Condo: 1-Year Lease! Nestled between the mountains & sea, this 2 Bedroom / 2 Bathroom, remodeled, ground-floor, end-unit, condo is perfectly situated. Views of the ocean, islands, Polo Fields, and mountains are available from the oversized private patio. Carport, vehicle charging station, & pool are all nearby. Public dining available at The Polo Fields
Lisa FoleyBerkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties
Wonderful Casitas Village townhouse! Large open living room, 2 updated bedrooms, large master bedroom oversized closet, kitchen pantry, updated recessed lighting throughout. One detached garage spot with storage. In a community with a pool. Short distance to Carpinteria Bluffs and beach!The home is available now and can be shown by appointment.
Walk Score® measures the walkability of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.
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.
