Beachy college town next to University of California, Santa Barbara
Located on the Pacific coast just west of Santa Barbara, Isla Vista is a lively community full of lush green spaces, surrounded by local restaurants and sandy beaches. Since Isla Vista is bordered on the east by the University of California, Santa Barbara's (UCSB) main campus, several administrative buildings trickle into the community. The area also holds some of UCSB's student housing properties, including Greek life. "Certainly, holidays and parts of the school term that involve guests, like graduation, make it pretty crowded." Says Lisa Oglesby, Board President of the Isla Vista Food Cooperative, a communally owned grocery store and nonprofit. "For the most part, we are fortunate to have a walkable/bikeable community that cuts down on noise and pollution. Aside from some parties on the weekends, Isla Vista has a laid-back beach vibe." Both students and long-term residents come together to support community organizations like the Isla Vista Food Cooperation and events like the Pardall Carnival that bring everyone together to foster neighborly connections. The area's natural beauty is accompanied by a growing gallery of murals painted on everything from apartment buildings and street corners to local institutions like the University United Methodist Church.
Aerial of neighborhood streets in Isla Vista, Santa Barbara, CA.
Aerial of coastal homes in Isla Vista, Santa Barbara, CA.
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Communal markets and local shopping on the Loop
Locally owned shops and restaurants are focused on El Embarcadero Road, an area known as “the Loop.” Here, residents can get groceries at Isla Vista Food Cooperative, also known as the co-op, a community-owned market that invests their profits back into local initiatives. “The co-op has taken an active part in Isla Vista since our start five decades ago,” says Sadie McDade, Marketing Manager for the co-op. “Through the cyclical changes and challenges of each decade, the co-op has been a resource for affordable, healthy food and a community hub and partner for our neighbors.” Nearby dining options include Freebirds, which serves made-to-order burritos and nachos, and Lao Wang, known for their Mala Tang Noodles and rice bowls. After having a meal, locals can peruse the Antique Center Mall or get their wheels repaired at Varsity Bike Shop, a community staple since 1964. On the west side of Isla Vista, the Camino Real Marketplace houses national chains like Costco, Ross and Target.
Inside Isla Vista Food Cooperative in Isla Vista, Santa Barbara, CA.
Poke Ceviche is a popular lunch spot in Isla Vista, Santa Barbara, CA.
Dune coffee is a popular cafe in Isla Vista.
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Fostering neighborly bonds at Pandall Carnival
In the spring, the Isla Vista Community Relations Committee organizes the Pardall Carnival, a free day-long event with games, raffles, music and rides. The carnival is designed to bring together university students and long-term Isla Vista residents and foster community. On the east side, Isla Vista Theater hosts classes for UC Santa Barbara during the day and concerts and discounted movie nights in the evenings.
Vista offers budget-friendly fashion choices to residents through clothing events.
Aerial of coastal homes in Isla Vista, Santa Barbara, CA.
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Midcentury ranch-style and Spanish Revival-style homes
Most nearby available homes sit west of Storke Road, built between the 1960s and ‘90s. On the west side, three-bedroom midcentury ranch-style homes with small covered front porches and two-car garages sell for around $1 million, while four-bedroom multistory Spanish Revival-style homes and renovated ranch-style homes can sell for as much as $2.4 million. On the east side, prices are more inflated due to student demand and an influx of outside investors purchasing properties to rent out. Here, Spanish Revival-style homes from the ‘90s and 2000s sell for between $1.3 and $2.1 million. Along the community's northern edge, mid- to late-20th-century condo complexes offer one- and two-bedroom units for between $500,000 and $800,000, while three-bedroom units can sell for more than $1 million.
Row of rancher style homes in Ellwood, Santa Barbara, CA.
Condos in Isla Vista provide a convenient and compact housing option for residents.
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Public beaches along the Pacific Coast
The sandy shores that stretch along Isla Vista's southern edge provide plenty of space for swimming, surfing, and relaxing, and there are several public access points like the one at the south end of Camino Del Sur. Centrally located by the shops and restaurants of El Embarcadero Road, Anisq'Oyo' Park was constructed by volunteers and features a historic windmill, amphitheater, and playground. Its freshwater pond is home to native wildlife, including egrets, herons and turtles. Girsch Park, found further west, offers several athletic fields, basketball courts, picnic areas, and open grassy meadows irrigated with reclaimed water. In addition to the dozens of small parks scattered across the community, large stretches of nature preserve like the Ellwood Mesa Open Space provide unpaved hiking trails through dry brush and eucalyptus trees with stunning coastal views. Locals can also visit the Sandpiper Golf Club to spend a day on their 18-hole course.
Aerial of coast in Isla Vista, Santa Barbara, CA.
Catch some waves with friends in Isla Vista.
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Walking and biking around the Isla Vista
With plenty of paved and unpaved trails through the palm trees, Isla Vista can easily be explored on foot or by bike, and scooters are available to rent and cruise around. El Colegio Road is the main throughway, running along the community's northern border and connecting locals to U.S. Route 101, which stretches along the Pacific Coast, taking residents 13 miles east to Downtown Santa Barbara. Santa Barbara Metropolitan Transit District operates the local bus system, including Route 27, which runs from UC Santa Barbara to the Camino Real Marketplace, and Route 25, which circles the western half of the area. Santa Barbara Airport sits just east of Isla Vista, while Goleta Valley Cottage Hospital is about 5 miles away.
Isla Vista is a very bike-able town.
Ride your bike to the beach in Isla Vista.
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Local A-rated Santa Barbara Unified District schools
Local kids may attend Isla Vista Elementary School, rated A-minus by Niche, or the A-rated Goleta Valley Junior High. The A-rated Dos Pueblos Senior High houses a four-year engineering academy where students take dual enrollment courses at Santa Barbara Community College while creating interactive exhibitions and kinetic sculptures.
Isla Vista Elementary School provides a stellar education to those in Isla Vista.
Goleta Valley Junior High School serves students in Isla Vista.
Welcome to Dos Pueblos Senior High School.
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Written By
Hannah Rainey
Photography Contributed By
Joseph Palacios
Video By
Bill Jennings
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
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an experienced agent in this area.
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Nestled within the highly sought-after Storke Ranch community, this expansive and sun-drenched 3-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom residence offers the perfect blend of comfort and sophistication. With its generous open-plan living spaces, soaring ceilings, and abundant natural light, the home effortlessly transitions to a charming outdoor Saltillo-tiled patio, creating a seamless connection between indoor
Reyne StapelmannBerkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties
NEW PRICE- Renovated, ready to move-in, this end-unit 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths townhouse in pristine Storke Ranch complex. Updates include: all bathrooms with new mirrors, large soaking bathtub, glass shower with tiles, medicine cabinets with mirrors, luxury waterproof laminated vinyl floors, recessed lights throughout, new appliances, brushed nickel fixtures & more. New interior paint throughout.
Madhu KhemaniBerkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties
4.53 CAP (26/27 Sch. Yr.) Spacious 5-bedroom, 3-bathroom single-family residence located on Sabado Tarde in Isla Vista, just minutes from the University of California, Santa Barbara and one street from the ocean. The home features a large kitchen with updated appliances and a well-thought-out floor plan offering generously sized bedrooms throughout. A second-floor landing provides a versatile
Welcome to 6591 Cordoba Rd, a well-positioned 5-unit multifamily property in the center of Isla Vista-just minutes to the beach. On a 7,840 SF lot, this asset offers strong rental demand, consistent income, and long-term upside in one of Santa Barbara County's most sought-after rental markets. Each unit is designed for comfort and efficiency, with features like private balconies and ample
Mike LopusColliers International Greater Los Angeles, Inc.
Fully leased with a 5.45% CAP for the 26/27 Sch. Yr! Charming cottage-style duplex ideally located in the heart of Isla Vista on Sueno Road. Just moments from Estero Park, UCSB, and the area's shops and restaurants, this property offers both convenience and character. The front home (Unit A) features 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms, highlighted by original flooring and a brick fireplace that adds
OCEANFRONT DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITY! Most desirable street in Isla Vista. Deep lot with plenty of room for bluff cutback and new build. Demo permit in hand. Geo-engineering report available. Do not go on property.
Fully leased for 26/27 school year with 5.82 CAP Rate! Quintessential Isla Vista oceanfront home located on the highly desirable Del Playa Drive. This well-maintained property features 4 bedrooms / 2.5 baths, plus a loft ideal for an additional sleeping area. The exterior showcases charming nautical vibes and offers four parking spaces. The largest upstairs bedroom includes a private balcony with
Nestled within the highly sought-after Storke Ranch community, this expansive and sun-drenched 3-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom residence offers the perfect blend of comfort and sophistication. With its generous open-plan living spaces, soaring ceilings, and abundant natural light, the home effortlessly transitions to a charming outdoor Saltillo-tiled patio, creating a seamless connection between indoor
Reyne StapelmannBerkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties
NEW PRICE- Renovated, ready to move-in, this end-unit 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths townhouse in pristine Storke Ranch complex. Updates include: all bathrooms with new mirrors, large soaking bathtub, glass shower with tiles, medicine cabinets with mirrors, luxury waterproof laminated vinyl floors, recessed lights throughout, new appliances, brushed nickel fixtures & more. New interior paint throughout.
Madhu KhemaniBerkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties
Conveniently located duplex living with access to downtown IV, UCSB, beaches, parks, public transport and views of the coastal mountains from the backyard. 3 beds, 1 bath with vinyl plank flooring throughout, provided stove and refrigerator, off street parking. Applications required
Welcome to Breakpointe & Coronado! We are located just blocks from UCSB and walking distance to the ocean! Units are fully furnished and we are undergoing a full property renovation in 2021! Renovated apartment homes, updated amenity spaces and more. We're redefining Breakpointe and Coronado and it's going to be better than ever! We offer floorplans ranging from studio to 4 bedroom units. All
Come live at Tropicana Villas Upperclassmen Apartments close to the UCSB campus and the beach.It’s easy to move in. You don’t have to buy, move or store furniture. Our 2-bedroom/2-bath apartments come fully furnished. Lease by the bed OR rent a whole apartment. Move in with friends or we’ll help you find roommates. Choose a 10-month lease so you don’t have to pay rent over the summer. And
As a home base, One Mosaic is a launching point for a full life at UCSB and experiencing Santa Barbara. The campus is a 10-minute walk or 5-minute bike ride away. Iconic Isla Vista beaches, social life and restaurants are steps outside our modern apartments.
Now Leasing! Short term and long term options available!Contact the Property Manager for more details:The Tahitian is a gated community which has been beautifully renovated. Enjoy a refreshing swim in the pool, relax in the shade underneath our poolside cabanas, BBQ outside while enjoying the scenery, or grab a friend and sit back on our second story lounge area. Need some private
Property Id: 1140671Welcome to your dream home on Pasado Road just a few steps from Deveraux surf beach in the sought after west end of Isla Vista!! This stunning single-family property offers 6 spacious bedrooms and 4 modern bathrooms, in total. Newly renovated with new flooring throughout, remodeled bathrooms and kitchen. Amenities include new gas stove, dishwasher, microwave, two
6705 Trigo Rd., Unit A - 3 Bedroom, 1.5 BathHello, we have the downstairs unit available in our Oceanside Trigo Duplex. We are looking for a respectful group to rent unit A and happily share the property. We have recently completed major upgrades to the property including new hardwood laminate flooring, new windows and sliding patio door, quartz kitchen counters, and a new roof.
Beach Town Rentals - Isla Vista Student Rentals***** See more property details, photos, virtual tour, and apply to rent: BeachTownRentals(dot)com *****---------------------Unit A:---------------------This spacious front-unit features large sunny rooms, Spanish tile flooring, and an attached garage. The living room, dining room, and kitchen are great open spaces to share.
***** See more property details, photos, a virtual tour, and our contact details: BeachTownRentals(dot)com *****---------------------Unit A:---------------------Only four houses to the beach steps, close to campus and downtown I.V, this spacious downstairs unit has large sunny rooms, beautiful tile flooring throughout, and designer wood laminate in all bedrooms (no carpeting). The
STUDENT HOUSING 3-4 room Places in I.V, minutes from UCSB ! Leasing 7/1/26 or soonerto 6/2027! LARGE Rooms in Isla Vista ! HUGE YARD / HUGE CUSTOM RESORT RED PATIO! .There's Granite Kitchens and Granite counter baths! LOTS of possible PARKING! LARGE ROOM! Some LARGE Rooms has PRIVATE SEPARATE EXIT DOORS to the HUGE PATIO! NEXT to a BUS STOP! 3-4 room places as low as $8,900/month .Fits up to 7
(STUDENT HOUSING F0R LEASE NOW to 6/2026) I.V. OCEANFRONT Shared 2 person Roomby UCSB w/180 Degree OCEAN VIEW from GREAT OCEAN PATIO! Next to BEACH ACCESS!As low as $995/month for each Student. Please text for more info and to make an appointment to check it out. Also included in your text your inquiring about the oceanfront Room #A-2. Also if you have more friends ask about the other
STUDENT HOUSING Leasing for 7/1/26-6/2027 in a OCEANFRONT 3 Bedroom & 2 bath unit with the Best 180 Degree OCEAN VIEWS ,by UCSB in Isla Vista with Approx 50 feet of OCEAN VIEW with blue tinted wrap around windows! Next door to BEACH ACCESS! GRANITE kitchen counter! WOOD floors! Has storage loft. As low as $8,900/month for 5 students. (The place could possibly fit 6-7 Students-neg)Also ask about
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