Just north of Santa Barbara, Goleta attracts new residents with sunny California skies and beach access. “You get the Santa Barbara climate and lifestyle, but without as much limelight and tourism,” says Joe Parker, a Santa Barbara local and Realtor with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices. “There’s a larger stock of lower-priced homes because there are more tract-style neighborhoods, and they have a great school system.” In addition to public schools, the University of California Santa Barbara is just west of the city, making it a major employer for the area, along with healthcare and software companies. Though Goleta has a lower median housing price, locals here enjoy the same sandy beaches and extensive bike trail network, making this a popular spot for young families and first-time homebuyers. Residents can easily drive to downtown Santa Barbara on Route 101 to enjoy a wider selection of restaurants and arts institutions. Still, Old Town Goleta and Calle Real Marketplace also house plenty of local and national businesses within the town itself.
Aerial of neighborhood street in Goleta.
Many locals walk their dog on the beach in Goleta.
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Lower housing costs compared to Santa Barbara
As of January 2024, homes in Goleta sell for a median price of about $1.3 million, significantly higher than California’s statewide median of about $853,000 but lower than Santa Barbara’s median price of about $2 million. Development primarily began in the 1960s with midcentury ranch-style and craftsman-inspired homes, slowing down in the late ‘90s. Some multi-million-dollar estate-sized properties are found in the Santa Ynez foothills. Condos, townhouses, and multiplexes are common, especially along highways and near major shopping centers. “There’s been a lot more housing development in Goleta than in Santa Barbara, with new condo and townhome communities,” Parker says. “It’s focused in Goleta because there’s a lot more flat land and old orchards they can redevelop.” A few manufactured home communities are also on the south side of town, including one senior living mobile home park.
Surrounding area of Goleta.
Goleta offers many newer homes for those looking to settle down.
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Waterfront recreation at Goleta Beach Park and Lake Los Carneros
Nearby oceanfront spaces are the highlight of outdoor life, including Haskell’s Beach, Goleta Beach Park and Santa Barbara Shores Park. Steep bluffs along the coast separate the sandy shores and cobalt blue water from hiking trails through dry brush and eucalyptus groves. The Sandpiper Golf Club’s public 18-hole course overlooks the Pacific Ocean, while the Glen Annie Golf Club is another public course set in the foothills of the Santa Ynez Mountains. The Coronado Butterfly Preserve is maintained by the Land Trust for Santa Barbara County and now functions as a habitat for wild plants and animals, known for its large Monarch Butterfly population. Lake Los Carneros is a hot spot for fishing and birdwatching, and it also offers scenic views of the distant mountains.
Goleta Beach Park has a pier.
Lake Los Carneros Park is a beautiful park to get out in nature.
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Longstanding local businesses in Old Town Goleta
Old Town Goleta, often called the Heritage District, is home to some of the longest-running family-owned businesses in the area. Coffee shops and Mexican restaurants are local staples, alongside thrift stores and auto shops. In May 2024, the City of Goleta began construction on Project Connect, which will improve road conditions and reduce flood risk in Old Town. The ongoing construction has driven away some customers due to noise and traffic, negatively impacting many businesses, but city officials are working to mitigate this effect. The project is projected to finish in 2026. Camino Real Marketplace features national retailers and grocery stores on the town's west side. The Marketplace also hosts the Goleta Farmer's Market every Sunday.
The South Coast Railroad Museum at the Historic Goleta Depot teaches visitors about the local history and technology of railroading. The museum hosts weekly and annual events like haunted train rides and trick-or-treating in October and a Christmas party in December. The Goleta Lemon Festival is another annual celebration held in September at Girsch Park; the event features many food vendors, a classic car show and a pie-eating contest.
The best pho in East Goleta Valley is located at Noodle City.
Old Town Coffee is a popular social hub in East Goleta Valley.
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Traveling on U.S. Route 101
U.S. Route 101 bisects Goleta, leading 10 miles to Santa Barbara and 104 miles to Los Angeles. The Santa Barbara Metropolitan Transit District serves the community with local and regional bus routes. There is an extensive network of bike lanes and trails throughout the community, including pedestrian bridges over the 101; locals enjoy biking to the beach and enjoying the sunny weather. Goleta Valley Cottage Hospital is the closest medical center, though Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital is also 9 miles away. The Santa Barbara Airport is just outside the city’s borders, with direct flights to 12 destinations, including Los Angeles, Denver and Seattle.
Top-rated school districts and proximity to University of California Santa Barbara
School districts in Santa Barbara County are often split up by level. Goleta Union Elementary School District earns an A-minus from Niche and features several top-rated elementary schools. Middle and high schools are organized within the Santa Barbara Unified School District, which earns an A from Niche. Dos Pueblos High is a sought-after institution with its own construction and engineering academies.
The University of California Santa Barbara is just south of Goleta on the Pacific Coast and offers over 200 majors. The school is best known for its top-notch research facilities and STEM programs.
Welcome to Ellwood Elementary School.
Kellogg Elementary School.
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Annual crime reports from the Santa Barbara County Sheriff's Office
Goleta is patrolled by the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office. According to an annual report released by the Sheriff’s Office, Goleta specifically saw a roughly 14% decrease in property crimes and a 14% increase in violent crimes from 2022 to 2023. According to FBI data, violent and property crime rates in 2023 were generally well below statewide and national rates.
Sunny California climate and wildfire risk
Goleta experiences warm, sunny weather year-round. Though temperatures can climb over 100 degrees in the summer, areas near the coast have a marginally cooler climate. Low-elevation areas are also at high risk of flooding during severe rainfall, and homeowners in FEMA-designated flood zones are required to purchase flood insurance. Areas north of the highway are also at moderate to high risk of wildfires. The Santa Barbara County Fire Department serves the community in the event of an emergency and helps prevent fires by managing vegetation and educating locals.
On average, homes in Goleta, CA sell after 11 days on the market compared to the national average of 70 days. The median sale price for homes in Goleta, CA over the last 12 months is $580,000, down 55% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
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