$2,494,701Average Value$1,489Average Price per Sq Ft12Homes 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
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to let others know what life in this neighborhood is like.
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Alta Mesa
US
Homicide
3
4
Sexual Assault
4
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 35 days on the market compared to the national average of 57 days. The median sale price for homes in Alta Mesa, Santa Barbara over the last 12 months is $2,149,000, up 5% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
This enchanting 1929 Spanish-style residence captures picturesque mountain views and embodies Santa Barbara's signature architectural lineage. Offering three bedrooms, an office, two baths, and 2,018 square feet, this serene and private retreat balances refined living with easy access to beaches and Santa Barbara's many restaurants, theaters and shops.A classic sandstone stairway with wrought
Katherine PetersonBerkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties
Welcome to the best The Highlands have to offer! This highly sought after 2 bed 2 bath, 1120 sq. ft., move in ready condo is looking for its next owner. New luxury vinyl downstairs and new carpet upstairs. Freshly painted and a newer stove has been installed. Close to the community pool, hot tub, clubhouse and sauna. Enjoy the Mesa lifestyle for under 1 million.
William C. Turner IIIDouglas Elliman of California, Inc.
Enjoy a large parcel of peaceful nature on the Mesa-a true retreat where you can take in ocean peeks from the charming cottage & explore your own park-like backyard that winds down to a creek. This recently renovated home sits on almost 1/3 of an acre - just minutes to the beach, restaurants & shopping. The open floor plan flows to an inviting deck with peeks of the ocean & treetop views, along
Kathy SpielerBerkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties
FULLY LEASED for 26/27 AY, with over 60k in capital improvements since July 2025. View Matterport 3D tour here: Currently operating as premium student housing, Arroyo House serves students from SBCC, UCSB, and Westmont College. This exceptional property features 10 fully furnished rooms with 26 total beds, currently configured as (3) Doubles, (5) Triples, (1) Quad, and (1) Single. Each unit has
Positioned on one of the Mesa's most coveted streets, this exceptional residence offers breathtaking, unobstructed ocean, coastline & island views with no wires to interrupt the horizon. The dramatic living room is framed by floor-to-ceiling windows that capture the sweeping panoramic vistas; a fireplace & wet bar enhance the room's warm, with French doors opening to an expansive view deck. The
This enchanting 1929 Spanish-style residence captures picturesque mountain views and embodies Santa Barbara's signature architectural lineage. Offering three bedrooms, an office, two baths, and 2,018 square feet, this serene and private retreat balances refined living with easy access to beaches and Santa Barbara's many restaurants, theaters and shops. A classic sandstone stairway with wrought
Beautifully remodeled ocean view three bedroom two bath home, set in a private location yet close to everything Santa Barbara has to offer. Nothing left undone in this meticulously built home, with designer finishes and top of the line appliances. The home includes a Nest thermostat and smoke detectors, a Navien tankless water heater, and water softener/purification systems. Abundant natural
Nestled in Santa Barbara's sought-after Alta Mesa neighborhood, this classic 1926 Spanish-inspired residence blends timeless character, ocean views, and exceptional future potential. Set above the street on a corner parcel, the home enjoys privacy, abundant natural light, and beautiful ocean vistas from the living room, front bedroom, and outdoor entertaining spaces. Thoughtfully enhanced by its
Felipe CastañedaBerkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties
Welcome to 1035 Miramonte Drive, Unit 8 This spacious 2-bedroom, 1.5-bath condo offers 1,120 square feet of comfortable living, plus a private outdoor patio -- perfect for morning coffee or evening relaxation. Ideal for a first-time buyer or savvy investor, this desirable end unit borders lovely green space, offering a peaceful, quiet setting in one of Santa Barbara's most central locations.
Sheila DoneganKeller Williams Realty Santa Barbara
Hidden between Downtown Santa Barbara and the ocean, on almost 3/4 acre at the end of a cul de sac, sits something genuinely rare. The moment you walk through the home and see the backyard, it stops you in your tracks. A sprawling oasis anchored by mature oak trees and wrapped in the kind of privacy that takes decades to grow into. The single-level home was remodeled in 2023, and the care taken
Rare corner end-unit condo with beautiful mountain views in the highly sought-after Santa Barbara Highlands. Filled with natural light, this 1-bedroom, 1-bathroom home features hardwood floors, cathedral ceilings, a mini-split HVAC system, spacious living room with cozy fireplace, and a spiral staircase leading to a loft that provides valuable extra living space. Enjoy the Santa Barbara weather
Cole RobbinsBerkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties
Welcome to this beautifully updated 2-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom condo offering 1,582 square feet of comfortable living in one of Santa Barbara's most sought-after neighborhoods--The Mesa. Featuring a spacious and open floor plan, this home has been thoughtfully updated with a remodeled kitchen, renovated bathrooms, and fresh interior paint, creating a bright, move-in-ready living space. Enjoy
Brett BuschbomBerkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties
Arroyo House – Ocean View Student HousingArroyo House is a clean, quiet student home in the Santa Barbara foothills with ocean views, large shared spaces, and outdoor decks.Designed for students who want a respectful, organized place to live and study — not a party house.Features• Ocean views• Furnished shared rooms• Large kitchen + living room• Outdoor decks &
Update: Open today Monday July 13, between 12:00 and 6:30 PM for tours. And again, on the 14th, 15th and 16th. Contact us by email for further information through this website. Available after July 24, 2036. Rent 4,200.00/month + Utilities 300.00/month - 4,500 total monthly cost - Cox High Speed Internet, SCE power, SB City water-sewer-trash and gardeners. Flagship Water Whole Home Filtration
BEST SUNSET VIEWS IN SANTA BARBARAOnly 6 blocks to the beach with 180 degree ocean views from the kitchen, living room and bedroom, this apartment invites you to watch sailboats coasting by and even watch for whales from every room in your home. :) You can see more than 50 miles away on a clear day....all the Channel Islands are visible from here.QUIET & PEACEFUL BLUFF TOP
FURNISHED RENTAL: AVAILABLE SEPTEMBER AND OCTOBER: 4 bedroom, 3 bath home. Stylish furnishings, two fabulous suites, and a personality fit for entertaining define this newly remodeled jewel on the Mesa. The thoughtful floor plan and design elements are intended for guests to relax and enjoy the indoor-outdoor lifestyle Santa Barbara visitors crave. Reserve now. (rates may vary by season)
Samantha IrelandKeller Williams Realty Santa Barbara
Live the Mesa lifestyle in this fully furnished, ocean-view cottage--available now. Bright, white, and coastal, this recently renovated 2-bedroom retreat features skylights, vaulted ceilings, a brand-new bathroom, and a finished garage with built-in office. Soak in ocean views from the front yard, primary bedroom, and back patio. The private yard offers a hot tub, firepit, and multiple patios for
Lisa McCollumBerkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties
$5,500 per month
2 Beds
2 Baths
2,236 Sq Ft
Only available Jan - May. Rising Sun is a Furnished Vacation Rental, STARTING at 5,500 and varying per month; NO LONG TERM TENANTS. Located on the Mesa, the location offers elevated views of Santa Barbara, quiet and peaceful surroundings yet still maintains close proximity to the beaches and shopping, restaurants and bars. The living room has a large sectional sofa facing the windows so you can
Where magic, awe, and location come together to set the stage for a truly transformational Mesa living experience! This architecturally stunning 3 bdrm, 2.5 bath house lives large with wonderful scale, featuring soaring high ceilings, large great room, spacious formal living/dining room, along with an open and airy spectacular primary suite with private balcony and partial ocean views!The
Mitch StarkBerkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties
Serenity Meets Style Spacious FURNISHED 2 Bed, 2 Bath End-Unit Condo with Wildlife Preserve Views Welcome to your private retreat this beautifully furnished Spacious 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom end-unit condo offers a rare blend of comfort, convenience, and natural beauty. Enjoy breathtaking views of a tranquil wildlife preserve with a peaceful walking trail just steps from your door. It's the perfect
Holly HonarvarH&H Real Estate Services, Inc.
$7,500 per month
2 Beds
3 Baths
NOT A YEARLY RENTAL. ''Ocean View Villa'' Fully furnished ocean view villa available ONLY as a 30 day min. CHECK OUR WEBSITE for which months are still AVAILABLE. Rates vary based on season. Perfectly situated on the Mesa to enjoy the most spectacular, unobstructed ocean and island views. With 2 bedrooms plus bonus media room with sleeper sofa, 3 full bathrooms, this Spanish-style townhome is
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