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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Agents Specializing in this Area
Lisa Lee
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties
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.
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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.
Located in the heart of Isla Vista's vibrant rental market, 6880 Pasado Road offers investors a well-positioned duplex with strong income stability, consistent tenant demand, and outstanding long-term potential. Just blocks from UCSB and the beaches of Isla Vista, this property presents an appealing blend of lifestyle desirability and reliable returns. Main house is 4BD/2BA plus a 3BD/3BA ADU.
6565 Sabado Tarde is a two-building, 19-unit student housing asset just over a block away from the UC Santa Barbara campus and one block from the beach, the two factors that drive leasing velocity and rent premiums in Isla Vista. The property offers 55 beds across 30 bedrooms in a mix of thirteen 1BD/1BA units and six townhomes (one 2BD and five 3BD), and is rented by the unit, giving a new owner
6531 Del Playa Drive offers an investor generous cash-flow on the oceanfront of Isla Vista, in an A+ location nearly adjacent to the campus of the University of California at Santa Barbara, and benefiting from the more favorable blufftop geology in this part of Del Playa. Consider for a pure investor or for a UC Santa Barbara parent looking for a favorable cap rate for balance in a diversified
Ken SwitzerBerkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties
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
Beautiful 1bd/1ba units in the heart of Isla Vista. Includes access to an on-site laundry room and a courtyard! Assigned parking available for an additional fee. Renters’ Insurance Required. Rates are shown for a period that is shy of a full year to accommodate the scholastic schedule. Pursuant to Santa Barbara County regulations, a minimum one-year term lease will be offered to qualified
Beautiful modern units with granite counter tops, stone tile floors, stainless-steel appliances and a 50” flat screen TV. There’s even an on-site laundry room. Off-street parking available for an additional fee. Renters’ Insurance Required. Rates are shown for a period that is shy of a full year to accommodate the scholastic schedule. Pursuant to Santa Barbara County regulations, a minimum
Beautiful remodeled units right next to campus with granite counter tops, stone tile floors, modern cabinetry, stainless-steel appliances, 50” flat screen TVs and an onsite laundry room. Parking available for an additional fee. Renters’ Insurance Required. Rates are shown for a period that is shy of a full year to accommodate the scholastic schedule. Pursuant to Santa Barbara County regulations,
Beautiful modern units with granite counter tops, stone tile floors, stainless-steel appliances and a 50” flat screen TV. There’s even an on-site laundry room. Off-street parking available for an additional fee. Renters’ Insurance Required. Rates are shown for a period that is shy of a full year to accommodate the scholastic schedule. Pursuant to Santa Barbara County regulations, a minimum
WELCOME TO THE FUTURE OF OFF-CAMPUS LIVING! OUR BRAND-NEW COMMUNITY NEAR UCSB OFFERS MODERN AESTHETICS AND ORGANIC SIMPLICITY. ENJOY SPACIOUS, WELL-APPOINTED HOUSES WITH PRIVATE BACKYARDS AND PATIOS.
Tropicana Student Housing offers a vibrant student living experience just minutes from University of California, Santa Barbara and close to Santa Barbara City College. Our communities combine the convenience of residence hall living with the comfort of a fully supported student lifestyle, creating an ideal environment for academic success, personal growth, and connection.Choose from three
Capri Apartments offers premium student housing in Isla Vista, CA, just minutes from the University of California Santa Barbara and SBCC campuses. Our community is designed specifically for students looking for off-campus housing near UCSB, combining affordability, convenience, and modern amenities. Our fully furnished apartments include high-speed internet, full kitchens with
Roomy studios located right by The Loop in the heart of IV by the beach! Off-street parking available. Renters’ Insurance Required. Rates are shown for a period that is shy of a full year to accommodate the scholastic schedule. Pursuant to Santa Barbara County regulations, a minimum one-year term lease will be offered to qualified applicant(s) at a different rate than advertised here.
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
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.
The Wave is offering 1 bedroom / 1bathroom apartments in a centrally located Isla Vista community.The apartments feature vinyl plank flooring throughout, updated counter-tops, and full size appliances. There is the option to include a dedicated parking space. Park your car here and walk to the beach- it's only five blocks from Del Playa access.These are fully furnished apartments
Local Logic measures the walkability, access to public transit and bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.
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