$2,583,398Average Value$2,235Average Price per Sq Ft8Homes For Sale
Walkable community bordered by beaches and green spaces
Right beside the Pacific Ocean, 3 miles south of downtown Santa Barbara, East Mesa features narrow sandy beaches that are walking distance from most residents' homes, and more moderate summer temperatures than the rest of the city. Set two miles off the US-101 freeway, East Mesa is as walkable and bikeable as neighboring West Mesa and Alta Mesa, but it's set apart by its proximity to Shoreline Park and Leadbetter Beach, two of the coast's most popular outdoor spaces. With well-maintained midcentury homes, ocean views and highly rated schools, as well as locally owned eateries and markets, East Mesa is in high demand.
Enjoy nature at Shoreline Park in East Mesa.
There are many well kept gardens in East Mesa.
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Shoreline Park and Leadbetter Beach within walking distance
Shoreline Park is one of the most popular spots in East Mesa, featuring 15 acres of grassy fields set between the coast and Shoreline Drive, which includes a playground for small children. A steep bluff separates Shoreline Park from Ledbetter Beach, a long, thin, white-sand beach popular among catamaran sailors and windsurfers. The rest of the neighborhood is bordered by One Thousand Steps Beach, a narrow shoreline that can be accessed by traversing a tall staircase over the bluff. Further inland from the shore, La Mesa Park offers a large playground with a swing set and grassy fields shaded by tall mature trees.
Shoreline Park is located cliffside in East Mesa.
Have a picnic at Ledbetter Beach in East Mesa.
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Midcentury cottages and Spanish Revival influences
Most homes here were built in the 1950s and ’60s, either Spanish Revival-style properties with white stucco exteriors and terra cotta barrel-tile roofs (similar to those on the nearby Holy Cross Church, a neighborhood landmark since 1958) or California Cottages with low-slung roofs that overhang front porches. A three-bedroom cottage can sell for $1.9 million, while a four-bedroom Spanish Revival-style home near the water can go for upwards of $8 million. Neatly squared front yards feature low-water plantings shaded with tall palm and eucalyptus trees, and neighborhood streets are hilly and tightly packed, with sidewalks that wind around the community, leading to nearby parks and restaurants.
Aerial of homes in East Mesa.
Find your dream home in East Mesa.
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Fourth of July celebrations on the beach
East Mesa is next to the Santa Barbara Harbor and West Beach, where many local events and festivals are held. During the city’s day-long Fourth of July Celebration on West Beach, locals can enjoy a full day of live music by local musicians and DJs before closing out the night with a 20-minute firework display over the water.
Ledbetter Beach in East Mesa.
Get some time alone at Ledbetter Beach in East Mesa.
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Local produce markets and community-oriented eateries
Just west of the neighborhood, a few shopping centers are clustered along Cliff Drive, including small grocery stores like Lazy Acres Market and Mesa Produce, as well as a selection of small, locally owned eateries. Many of these restaurants have close ties to the community; for instance, Mesa Burger began in 2016 as a collaboration between Mesa residents and other Santa Barbara partners. “The idea came up on a surf trip,” says Chiarappa, one of Mesa Burger's original founders. “We wanted a feel-good restaurant, with hamburgers being comfort food, and thought of it as a way to give back to the community.” Lighthouse Coffee, which now has 5 locations across Santa Barbara and nearby Goleta, is owned by the same collective and began serving locally roasted coffee at the original Mesa location in 2018.
Enjoy a lovely plant based meal at Mesa Verde in East Mesa.
Find ingredients for a healthy meat at Lazy Acres Market in East Mesa.
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Highly regarded schools offering multimedia and computer science programs
East Mesa is zoned for the Santa Barbara Unified School District. “The schools here are great,” says Chris Chiarappa, local business owner. “There’s a lot of parent involvement, and everyone is invested in their success.” Local students may attend Washington Elementary, which receives an A rating from Niche and employs a full-time STEM teacher, who works weekly with students in all grade levels to help them develop a strong STEM foundation. The B-plus-rated La Cumbre Junior High offers an Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) elective, which promotes college readiness for kids who could be the first in their families to attend university. The A-rated Santa Barbara High is the district's only high school to offer Computer Science and Multimedia Arts & Design Academies, and its 40-acre campus features tennis courts, a swimming pool, and a large football and track stadium. East Mesa is located next to Santa Barbara City College’s main campus, but few of its students live in East Mesa, and the school's proximity doesn’t affect residents much, if 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 High in East Mesa.
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Santa Barbara bus stations along Cliff Drive
U.S. Route 101 runs east-west, 2 miles north of the neighborhood, and downtown Santa Barbara is 3 miles away. The 96-mile commute to Los Angeles can take up to two and a half hours, depending on traffic on the 101. Locals can easily walk or bike around their neighborhood to get to nearby parks and beaches, and several Santa Barbara Metropolitan Transit District bus routes that pass through East Mesa; for example, Route 5 stops along the neighborhood’s northern border and travels to La Cumbre Plaza shopping center and downtown. Nearby hospitals include Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital, about 3 miles north, and Santa Barbara Airport is about 10 miles east. For international travel, Los Angeles Airport is about 100 miles away.
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
Are you familiar with the East Mesa neighborhood?
to let others know what life in this neighborhood is like.
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
East Mesa
US
Homicide
3
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
East Mesa Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in East Mesa, Santa Barbara sell after 22 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in East Mesa, Santa Barbara over the last 12 months is $2,550,000, consistent with the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Enjoy the ultimate American Riviera lifestyle in this exquisite oceanfront estate resting on a gracious half-acre of prime California coastline. The inspiring contemporary residence was meticulously designed and crafted by noted architect, Tom Ochsner, four years ago with the goal of creating a sophisticated yet casual resort-style retreat. The interior spaces can best be described as modern
Perfectly positioned in one of the Mesa's most sought-after locations, this beautifully remodeled 3-bedroom, 1-bath residence offers effortless coastal living just minutes from Shoreline Park, the beach, Lazy Acres Market, and neighborhood cafés. Updated approximately two years ago, the home is move-in ready and features oak wood floors throughout, an open floor plan, and great natural light that
Just two doors from iconic Shoreline Park & near Thousand Steps, this Santa Barbara 2b/3b beach house is a rare gem in a dream location. This 1,770 sq. ft. home features vaulted ceilings, expansive picture windows, and an ocean-facing back deck ideal for soaking in the sea breeze. The generous primary bedroom, perched above the two-car garage, offers breathtaking views of the Channel Islands.
Perfectly positioned on the highly sought-after Santa Barbara Mesa—just a 3-minute walk to Leadbetter Beach—this beautifully remodeled 4BD/2BA coastal home is a dream come true for beach lovers. With the Harbor, Shoreline Park, and SBCC all nearby, this property offers effortless access to the very best of the Mesa. Its strong rental history and coveted Washington School District location make it
Jason StreatfeildDouglas Elliman of California, Inc.
Ideally located on the coveted Santa Barbara Mesa— only 2 blocks to Leadbetter Beach, the Harbor, Shoreline Park, and Santa Barbara City College—this exquisitely redesigned coastal retreat blends architectural sophistication with modern comfort. Positioned on a 5,200 SF lot within the sought-after Washington School District, the property offers exceptional appeal for both homeowners and
Jason StreatfeildDouglas Elliman of California, Inc.
Introducing the iconic ''Thousand Steps Beach House!'' Floating above the sparkling Pacific Ocean with approximately 184 feet of ocean and bluff-top frontage, and adjacent to the famed Thousand Steps Beach access, this architecturally significant 1972 circular home features jaw-dropping panoramic ocean, island, coastline, and sunset views. Available for the first time in 48 years, this turnkey
Jason StreatfeildDouglas Elliman of California, Inc.
An imaginative reflection of coastal California luxury, this Mesa jewel is a feast for the senses. Open-air spaces, clean lines, & custom millwork define the interiors of the 2BD/2BA hideaway, where folding doors open to a spacious yard with a pool, cedar sauna, outdoor shower and separate 1BD/1BA ocean-view ADU. Designed for days that begin at the beach and wind down by the pool, the layout
Nancy KogevinasBerkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties
Oceanfront sanctuary where every day feels like a dream vacation. Elevated, private, and fabulously quiet, this soft contemporary retreat was designed by renowned architect Don Pedersen and built by esteemed builders Giffin & Crane. This move-in ready 4 bedroom / 3 bath residence offers front-row, panoramic views of the sparkling Pacific Ocean and breathtaking sunsets. Step inside and feel
An exceptionally rare Mesa offering—two adjacent coastal residences spanning approximately .24 acres and totaling 2,700 square feet with 6 bedrooms and 4 baths—just one block from the beach, presenting a once-in-a-generation opportunity for multi-home living, legacy ownership, or high-performing investment in one of Santa Barbara's most coveted neighborhoods. Located on the prized Santa Barbara
Jason StreatfeildDouglas Elliman of California, Inc.
Avail Furn May 7 - June 30 and Oct 1 - Dec 31, 2026 Only. Oceanfront Santa Barbara Cottage Perched on a stunning bluff top, this enchanting cottage captures the essence of Santa Barbara living. Lush gardens, a charming pergola, fire pit, and breathtaking sunset views set the scene for relaxation. Inside, enjoy custom finishes, 3 beds, 3 baths, and a walnut-paneled library/media room. The gracious
Welcome to Sea Cliff Apartment, Santa Barbara's premier beachfront community- where every day is a vacation! We are truly a hidden gem. Our newly remodeled living spaces have been said to be "quite simply, breathtaking" WE ARE THE CLOSEST PROPERTY TO LEADBETTER BEACH IN ALL OF SANTA BARBARA! YOU MUST SEE TO BELIEVE! This one-of-a-kind 27-unit property is conveniently located just steps from
SHORELINE PARK OCEAN VIEW COTTAGE! Offered fully furnished and completely remodeled, this 4-bedroom, 4-bath oceanfront cottage blends timeless Santa Barbara charm with sophisticated modern upgrades. Featuring a high-end designer kitchen, European-style bathrooms with heated floors, air conditioning, an outdoor fire pit, and a private outdoor spa, the home is thoughtfully designed for elevated
Jason StreatfeildDouglas Elliman of California, Inc.
This unfurnished 3 bedroom 2 bath home is close to Shoreline Park and on the ground floor! Nicely appointed open and bright oversized home with dinning room, living room, bonus room and nice outdoor space. The oversized kitchen is open and bright with an attached dinning area and open to the living room. The nice sized living room is open and bright with access to a bonus room and space with
Oceanfront sanctuary where every day feels like a dream vacation. Elevated, private, and fabulously quiet, this soft contemporary retreat is everything you wish for in a luxury rental and it is spectacular, designed by renowned Architect Don Pedersen and built by esteemed builders Giffin & Crane. This (elegantly furnished/or partially furnished) move-in ready 4 bedroom / 3 bath residence offers
Welcome to your Oceanside Home on the Mesa, and embrace everyday living with Stunning Close-Up Panoramic Ocean Views, picturesque sights of the Channel Islands & the lush Shoreline Park. Soothe & Relax in your private outdoor Jetted Spa with Ocean Views. Perfect Single Level residence in Walking and Bicycling Area, inside this Remodeled Home you'll discover a versatile layout Full of Natural
Sherry LawsonSotheby's International Realty
$23,670 per month
3 Beds
3 Baths
2,400 Sq Ft
Lighthouse is a short-term vacation rental, and the price varies due to the seasons. This home is a perfect 3BD, 2.5BA single-level newer construction home located on ''The Mesa''! Lighthouse Way is perched above the street, allowing lovely ocean vistas as you walk down the entry courtyard. This property is in immaculate condition. The open floor plan features soaring cathedral ceilings with
Jennie StraitCasago
$6,900 per month
2 Beds
0.5 Baths
NOT A YEARLY RENTAL.''Beachfront Hideaway'' is a fully furnished 30 day minimum. CHECK OUR WEBSITE for months available! Rates vary based on season. Rarely do you find beachfront properties in this location with such incredible amenities! Completely remodeled, this oceanfront condo is located directly across from Leadbetter Beach and offers impeccably remodeled interiors, quality linens. With 2
Tiffany HallerHaller Coastal Homes
$6,500 per month
3 Beds
2 Baths
NOT A YEARLY RENTAL. ''Leadbetter Beach Retreat'' is a FULLY FURNISHED 3/2 Penthouse with gorgeous ocean views. MIN 30 DAY Rental. Rates vary based on season, sorry no pets. CHECK OUR WEBSITE for months still available. Listen to sounds of the waves crashing in this recently remodeled penthouse (high vaulted ceilings) on the 3rd floor. No detail has been spared with this recent update. Quality
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