$2,473,609Average Value$518Average Price per Sq Ft4Homes For Sale
Residential neighborhood with mountain and ocean views
A few miles south of downtown Santa Barbara, Alta Mesa is set in the hills overlooking the pristine blue harbor, just north of neighborhoods like West Mesa and East Mesa, which sit directly on the coast. First developed in the mid-20th century as a bedroom community for post-war veterans with the help of G.I. loans, this neighborhood is now prized for its recently renovated homes and views of the Santa Ynez Mountains and the Pacific Ocean. “When Alta Mesa was developed, there was not high value in being near or having views of the ocean because it tends to be much more foggy than other parts of the city,” says Ruth Ann Bowe, an associate broker with Village Properties. “Obviously, in today’s world, beach access and water views are extremely sought after, and being on the hill provides many of the homes with gorgeous views.” Residents can get outside and explore the neighborhood’s 230-acre Elings Park or enjoy one of many locally owned eateries at the Mesa Shopping Center.
Capture the stunning diversity of homes nestled on Alta Mesa's hillside.
Discover a row of charming single-family homes in the picturesque Alta Mesa neighborhood.
you can ride your bike to the beach in Alta Mesa.
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Midcentury ranch-style homes and newly renovated properties
Alta Mesa's steep, winding streets are lined with well-maintained sidewalks, as well as eucalyptus and palm trees. Most of the neighborhood's oldest homes were built in the 1950s and ''60s, including ranch-style homes and cottages with vinyl and stucco exteriors in beachy colors like pale blue and off-white. Many homes have been remodeled or rebuilt in the Mediterranean and Spanish Revival styles the city is known for. Prices for a three-bedroom cottage begin around $1.3 million, while a renovated Spanish-inspired house with three bedrooms can cost about $4 million. "Surprisingly, the market is doing well compared to the last few years, and even better than before Covid. It's a serious sellers' market because the inventory is low, and sales are increasing by the month," Bowe says.
Explore a modern single-family ranch home in Alta Mesa.
Your next home could be in Alta Mesa.
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Santa Barbara schools with specialized magnet programs
Local students may attend Washington Elementary, which receives an A rating from Niche and offers a Gifted and Talented Education (GATE) magnet program; GATE students may choose between a cluster model or individualized study, both focusing on social-emotional development and academic growth. The B-plus-rated La Cumbre Junior High offers after-school cooking classes, a weight training room and a skate park, while students at the A-rated Santa Barbara High can enroll in the Multimedia Design, Culinary Arts or Computer Science programs. Santa Barbara City College is just east of Alta Mesa. “There are students that live near there in the apartments or out by Isla Vista,” Bowe says. “But it doesn’t impact the neighborhood much at all.”
Education comes first at Washington Elementary School Santa Barbara.
Students love to learn at La Cumbre Junior High School in Santa Barbara.
Santa Barbara Senior High School features many athletic opportunities.
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Wide range of outdoor activities at the 230-acre Elings Park
Elings Park, the largest community-supported nonprofit public park in the country, makes up the western edge of Alta Mesa. Spanning 230 acres, the park features a disc golf course and a remote-controlled auto racetrack and is home to several senior and adult athletic teams, from softball to lacrosse; the 9 miles of biking and hiking trails here offer stunning ocean views. Pocket parks around Alta Mesa include the 1-acre Hilda McIntyre Ray Park, which offers a bright red playground for little kids. On the community’s southern edge, the Mesa Harmony Garden is a community garden attached to the Holy Cross Church and tended to by local volunteers who provide fresh produce to locals in need.
Elings Park offers a charming and tranquil area where visitors can enjoy a peaceful atmosphere.
There are some great Dog Parks in Alta Mesa.
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Local eateries at the Mesa Shopping Center
On Alta Mesa's southern border, the Mesa Shopping Center has a variety of local fast-casual eateries, grocery stores like Vons, and small shops like the Mesa Bookstore, which sells used tomes and hosts readings by local authors. Owned and operated since 1984, Mesa Café serves breakfast and lunch with an outdoor patio and renovated dining room. Across the street from the main shopping center, Mesa Verde offers a flavorful vegan Mediterranean food made from local organic produce, while Mesa Produce specializes in regional organic fruits and vegetables. The neighborhood's just over a mile from State Street, Santa Barbara's culinary, shopping and social hub, which has recently been converted to a pedestrian promenade between Sola and Haley streets.
Alta Mesa is home to the Mesa Shopping Center.
Alta Mesa has a wide selection of food spots.
Alta Mesa is home to many boutique shops.
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Taking the bus downtown
U.S. Route 101 lines the Pacific coastline, running just north of Alta Mesa and connecting residents to Los Angeles, 96 miles east. The Santa Barbara Metropolitan Transit District’s bus system includes Route 4, which takes local passengers 2 miles north to downtown along Carillo Street, and Route 5, which travels Cliff Drive the 3 miles west to La Cumbre Shopping Plaza. Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital is 3 miles away, while Santa Barbara Airport (SBA) is 10 miles away, with direct flights to major hubs like Los Angeles (LAX) and San Francisco (SFO).
Get around town on the bus line in Alta Mesa.
Alta Mesa is close to the 101 freeway.
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Annual outdoor concerts showcasing local artists
Held each September at Elings Park, Local Vibes is a small outdoor concert festival featuring local rock and Americana bands and musicians. During the day-long event, folks can spread out on the grass and discover new artists while enjoying bites from on-site food trucks.
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
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Jena Harris,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
Honda Valley Park
Trails
Bohnett Park
Basketball
Picnic Area
Soccer
Douglas Family Preserve
Escondido Park
Basketball
Trails
Playground
Elings Park
La Mesa Park
Pershing Park
Parque De Lis Niños
Transit
Airport
Santa Barbara Municipal
29 min drive
Bus
Cliff & Mira Mesa
Bus
Carrillo & Vista Del Pueblo
Bus
Carrillo & Miramonte
Bus
Meigs & Red Rose
Bus
Cliff & Terrace
Bus
Meigs & Dolores
Bus
Cliff & Meigs
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Alta Mesa
US
Homicide
2
4
Sexual Assault
3
4
Assault with Weapon
3
4
Robbery
3
4
Burglary
4
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
4
4
Larceny
4
4
Crime Score
3
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Alta Mesa Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Alta Mesa, Santa Barbara sell after 29 days on the market compared to the national average of 70 days. The median sale price for homes in Alta Mesa, Santa Barbara over the last 12 months is $402,500, up 96% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Welcome to 704 Island View Drive, a beloved home in Santa Barbara's sought-after Mesa neighborhood. Owned by the same family for over 60 years, this 3-bed, 3-bath property blends coastal charm with artistic character and stunning ocean views. Built in 1958 and expanded to 2,689 sq ft, it features a great room with open-beam ceilings, fireplace, wet bar, and walls of windows showcasing the Santa
Prime Mesa Location | Ocean Views | Move-In Ready with Expansion PotentialIdeally located in Santa Barbara's highly sought-after Mesa neighborhood, this light-filled 3BD/2.5BA 1602 sq ft home offers serene ocean views, fresh updates, and exciting potential for future expansion. Just minutes from the beach, award-winning schools, Shoreline Park, and Lazy Acres Market, this is coastal
Deborah SamuelBerkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties
Charming Mesa Cottage w/ Ocean Views! Welcome to this well maintained single-level Mesa home, ideally located just moments from the beach, shopping, parks, & the highly sought-after Washington Elementary School. Enjoy ocean views from the front & back yards, plus lovely ocean & coastline views from the elevated deck — perfect for relaxing or entertaining. Inside, you'll find hardwood floors,
Welcome to 1353 Skyline Way, a thoughtfully updated 2-bedroom, 1-bathroom single-level cottage nestled within Santa Barbara's coveted Mesa neighborhood. Located just moments from the beach, neighborhood parks, and the Mesa shopping center, this coastal retreat offers convenient access to it all—while tucked away in a peaceful, quiet setting. The main living area features an open floor plan
Mike RichardsonRichardson Real Estate Services, Inc.
First time on the market in 23 years! This charming stand alone California Cottage blends old world charm with a modern flare. The home features two spacious bedrooms and 1 bathroom, formal dining room, cozy living room with fireplace, laundry room with new washer and dryer, beautiful wood floors, and a newly remodeled vibrant kitchen with quartz countertops, custom cabinetry, high end
Cole RobbinsBerkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties
Discover a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to create a masterpiece above the American Riviera, where sweeping views stretch in every direction. Set on 2.67 private acres, this rare legacy property reveals breathtaking panoramas from the Santa Barbara Harbor and Stearns Wharf to East Beach, Montecito, and beyond. Gaze inland to Santa Barbara's iconic, red-tiled roofs, the Riviera, the Queen of the
Newly Renovated Santa Barbara Rental Gem! Stylish and spacious single-level home on a rare 3⁄4-acre gated, wooded lot. This 3-bed + den, 2-bath beauty features an open-concept floorplan with soaring cathedral ceilings and a cozy fireplace. The gourmet kitchen includes brand-new ZLINE appliances and a flip-out window for seamless indoor-outdoor entertaining. The primary en-suite offers a walk-in
Available Jun-Oct, 2025 (3-6 months preferred). Furnished Alta Mesa Furnished Rental - Located near downtown Santa Barbara and the Mesa, this remodeled 3BR + TV room, 2BA home features an open floor plan, walls of glass, and ocean peeks from the living and dining areas. Enjoy seamless indoor-outdoor living with a private fenced yard and patio. Just minutes from shops, dining, and the beach. No
This 2- bedroom, 1- bathroom property is located on the second floor of 2306 Cliff Drive and offers approximately 900 square feet of living space along with good size gated yard. The property includes all utilities, and has an in-unit washer/dryer. Close to several beaches, Douglas Preserve, and restaurants. Just 0.5 miles away from surf and sand at Mesa Lane Beach. A 5 minute walk will take
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Jena Harris,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Owners
Demographics
Total Population
5,139
Median Age
43
Population Density
7 ppl/acre
Population under 18
17.8%
Below the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
24.7%
Above the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$117,004
Significantly above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$143,886
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
96.4%
College Graduates
55.9%
Above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
22.3%
% Population in Labor Force
53.5%
Below 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®
32/ 100
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®
32/ 100
Some Transit
Transit Score®
36/ 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.
