$2,405,256Average Value$252Average Price per Sq Ft2Homes For Sale
Convenience to Santa Barbara attractions in this residential community
Located on the southwestern side of Santa Barbara, Bel Air Knolls is a suburban community near outdoor amenities and city attractions. The area is set on grassy knolls, as the name suggests, and a wide variety of trees, flowers and housing styles exist here. Its natural beauty, location and comparatively lower housing prices are what draw people in, says Katie Walsh, Realtor for Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices who’s sold in Santa Barbara for five years. “It is Narnia, I swear. People are in a great mood all the time,” she says. “You’ve got downtown restaurants. You’ve got the water. You’ve got Elings Park. You have anything and everything you want within a short distance.” Hiking on the bluffs in Elings Park and taking dogs to play fetch at Hendry’s Beach are common pastimes, and U.S. Route 101 is nearby to connect to other parts of the city.
Bel Air Knolls is a beautiful neighborhood located not too far from the beach.
Discover new places in Alta Mesa.
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Renovated homes with a view in Bel Air Knolls
The hilly residential streets in Bel Air Knolls are lined with sidewalks, growing palm trees and rock-landscaped yards with budding agave plants. Houses are typically close together, separated by fences or manicured bushes, and many people park their cars in the street. Single-family homes here include midcentury ranch-style houses with stone exteriors and gabled roofs and modern traditionals with some Spanish-style elements. “The architecture is very Brady Bunch era,” Walsh says. “What’s happened over time is a lot of people are coming in and kind of embracing that style when updating homes.” Some properties sit higher up with better views of the Santa Ynez mountain range; many homes have small backyards with brick patios and wooden verandas. Prices usually range between $1.6 million and $2.5 million for smaller homes and $3.1 million to $4.5 million for larger homes with better views.
Homes in Bel Air Knolls have a lot of character.
Bel Air Knolls is full of quiet residential streets.
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Football stars at San Marcos High
The Bel Air Knolls community falls under the Santa Barbara Unified School District. Kids start at Harding University Partnership, which offers kindergarten through sixth grade and is rated B-minus by Niche. For seventh and eighth grade, students move on to La Cumbre Junior High, rated B. The A-rated San Marcos High is known for its popular San Marcos Royals Football Team, which made district playoffs in 2024. The school also has an extensive theater program where students can hone their vocal technique and learn about costuming for school productions.
Educational opportunities abound at Harding University Partnership.
Students love to learn at La Cumbre Junior High School in Santa Barbara.
San Marcos High School is central to the city.
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Dog-walking and paragliding at Elings Park
Residents have plenty of outdoor activities nearby. Completed in 2020, the Las Positas Modoc Road Bicycle and Pedestrian Path is a paved, 3-mile pathway running along the western edge of Bel Air Knolls, passing mature oak trees and mountain views. The 230-acre Elings Park is the largest privately funded public park in America; it has a BMX Track with ramps, softball fields and tennis courts, and miles of hiking trails. At the park’s South Bluffs, people go paragliding and hand gliding over the bright blue Pacific Ocean and rugged cliffs. Elings also offers the Elings Park Dog Owner Group membership, which allows dog owners to walk their furry friends off-leash throughout the park. Just south of the neighborhood, Hendry’s Beach—officially known as Arroyo Burro Beach Park—is another dog-friendly location with towering tan and green bluffs and a pebble-covered shore.
There is a great frisbee golf course at Elings Park in Bel Air Knolls.
Bel Air Knolls is close to Douglas Preserve which is a leash-less park.
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Grabbing a bite at Boathouse at Hendry’s Beach
For shopping needs, residents can head a few miles east to Lazy Acres Market, a California-based grocer selling organic foods. The nearby Mesa Shopping Center has a Vons grocery store and a handful of small eateries, including Mesa Café and Bar and Super Cucas Restaurant, which serves massive burritos for lunch. Another well-known restaurant south of the neighborhood is Boathouse at Hendry’s Beach. Visitors can sip on happy hour martinis and snack on coconut shrimp beside the shore. State Street in downtown Santa Barbara is about 3 miles east of the area; it has tons of local shops and boutiques in Mission-styled buildings. Downtown, Crossroads Trading sells used clothes and Antique Alley showcases jewelry pieces and collectibles.
Bouthouse is an iconic seafood restaurant near Bel Air Knolls.
Tell stories with friends at the beach in Alta Mesa.
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Quick access to the 101 and Santa Barbara MTD bus stops
While there are plenty of sidewalks within the neighborhood, most folks in Bel Air Knolls drive to get around. Walsh says the streets are set up to make it difficult for outside traffic to pass through; this limited access may contribute to the neighborhood’s low CAP Index crime score of 2 out of 10, she says. U.S. Route 101—referred to as “the 101” by locals—is close by, connecting to the rest of the city along with nearby Goleta and Montecito. Locals can also catch rides on Santa Barbara MTD buses, which stop north on Modoc Road and along the western border near Elings Park. Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital is about 2 miles north, and Santa Barbara Airport is an 8-mile drive west via the 101.
Partying at Fields of Funk and looking out for light trolleys
The massive Elings Park is a favorite gathering spot for weddings, corporate parties and yearly events. In October, the park hosts a Halloween-themed concert series called Fields of Funk; visitors come dressed up for DJ performances on two stages, colorful art installations and food and bar vendors. Families come to Elings for Big Bounce America in April, where kids and adults can rush down slides and bounce through obstacles on giant blow-up obstacle courses. Some streets, like Crestline Drive and Portesuello Avenue, are decorated with twinkling lights and glowing snowmen for the Santa Barbara Holiday Light Tour. Folks can drive through the area to view the light displays or book a time on the Santa Barbara Trolley of Lights tour, which passes through the neighborhood and other parts of the city. “And if you’re on certain streets, you’re kind of expected to decorate because you’re a part of the tour,” Walsh says.
Prepping for flooding in parts of Bel Air Knolls
Some areas of Bel Air Knolls may be prone to flooding, especially near Las Positas Road on the western side. The most rainfall typically occurs in the winter months, and Walsh says the soil in some areas may be susceptible to mudslides. But she also adds that because most of the community is set on higher ground, it’s unlikely that people would be evacuated. Regardless, Santa Barbara County recommends homeowners look into their insurance options, have regular roof inspections and use straw or wood chips to harden soil and avoid erosion. To get more involved in reducing environmental erosion and learn about reforestation, folks can also volunteer at the Bucket Brigade Humanitarian Garden in Elings Park.
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
Kevin Hall,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
Elings Dog Park
Elings Park
Transit
Airport
Santa Barbara Municipal
29 min drive
Bus
Portesuello & Gillespie
Bus
Cliff & Las Positas
Bus
Las Positas & Las Positas Park
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Bel Air Knolls
US
Homicide
1
4
Sexual Assault
1
4
Assault with Weapon
2
4
Robbery
2
4
Burglary
2
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
2
4
Larceny
2
4
Crime Score
2
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Bel Air Knolls Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Bel Air Knolls, Santa Barbara sell after 151 days on the market compared to the national average of 70 days. The median sale price for homes in Bel Air Knolls, Santa Barbara over the last 12 months is $395,000, up 22% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Set among mature oak trees in a private enclave of just 13 homes, this serene 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom contemporary offers dramatic, unobstructed mountain views and a true sense of escape just minutes from downtown.The spacious layout features vaulted ceilings, new flooring throughout, and an abundance of natural light. The updated kitchen flows into the dining and living areas, where a cozy
In the heart of Bel Air Knolls, this 3-bedroom 2 -bath home offers privacy, space, and mountain views on over half an acre surrounded by mature oaks. Just minutes from the beach and the scenic bike path that leads to Hendry's Beach and downtown Santa Barbara, this location combines peaceful living with everyday convenience. The interior has been freshly painted and the main living area
Randy GlickBerkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties
A reimagined Bel Air Knolls retreat blending modern luxury with captivating Hidden Valley and Campanil Hill views. This permitted remodel offers 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, and 2,074 square feet of thoughtfully designed living space. Enter through a private garden courtyard with fountain into bright interiors with raised ceilings, wide-plank flooring, and 10-foot stacking doors seamlessly connecting
Spencer StovesandOmega Real Estate and Investments
Welcome to this beautiful 4-bedroom, 3.5-bathroom home in the highly sought-after Bel Air Knolls neighborhood. With 2,326 sq ft of well-designed living space, this home offers flexible living with stunning mountain views.Inside, you'll find fresh paint, new appliances, updated finishes & outside new roof, updated landscaping that enhance the home's bright, welcoming feel. A ground-level
Julian MichalowskiOmega Real Estate and Investments
Perched at the top of the Bel Air Knolls neighborhood, this reimagined single-level 4-bed, 3-bath modern retreat offers sweeping views of Santa Barbara, the mountains, and ocean. Set on over 1/3 acre of mostly flat land, the expansive backyard features multiple patios, a firepit, & room to add a pool or ADU. Updates include Milgard windows, vaulted ceilings, Whispering White Oak floors, HVAC, &
Nestled on a knoll in the coveted Bel Air neighborhood on an acre lot & boasting panoramic views of the mountains, ocean & local downtown landmarks. This custom home with 2600 sqft has high ceilings & is flooded with natural light. An open floor plan with generous living room, dining room & great room spaces. The oversized kitchen has a view window toward the mountains, breakfast nook with
Avail June 15th 1 yr unfurnished or possibly furnished $13,500/mo + utilities. Summer June -Sept 3 consecutive mo. min $20k/mo. Stunning ENTERTAINER'S DREAM in Bel Air Knolls with big mountain views and seamless indoor/outdoor living. Features include solar for low electric bills, hot tub, pool (weekly service), 4 fire pits, outdoor shower, Sonos, backup generator, newer washer/dryer, central
Nestled in the desirable Bel Air Knolls neighborhood, 1226 Portesuello Avenue offers a serene retreat just minutes from the heart of Santa Barbara. This single-level 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom furnished home is thoughtfully designed for relaxed California living, with bright, open spaces, vaulted ceilings, and large picture windows that bring the outdoors in. The updated kitchen is both functional and
Available for long-term lease or short term possibility, 134 Meadows Lane is a luxury private residence retreat in a quiet security gated community with all utilities included. This 3-bedroom, 3.5-bath home has been reimagined with the highest-end finishes, including wide-plank white oak flooring, hand-painted Zellige Moroccan tile, and Santa Monica mission tile in the bathrooms. The home
Daniel JohnsonBerkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Kevin Hall,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Owners
Demographics
Total Population
1,485
Median Age
45
Population Density
1 person/acre
Population under 18
19.4%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
24.7%
Above the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$98,124
Significantly above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$154,963
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
84.6%
On par with the national average
89.1%
College Graduates
54.7%
Above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
14.7%
% Population in Labor Force
69.6%
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®
14/ 100
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®
11/ 100
Some Transit
Transit Score®
30/ 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.
