$2,341,002Average Value$1,490Average Price per Sq Ft3Homes For Sale
Scenic city views at the base of the Riviera region
Located in the rolling hills above Milpas Street, Lower Riviera offers similar panoramic city and ocean views as the rest of the Riviera, though at a lower elevation and in closer proximity to downtown Santa Barbara and U.S. Route 101, less than 2 miles away. “Generally, the upper Riviera has more estate-sized properties on larger lots,” says Chris Palme, a local real estate agent with Sotheby’s International Realty, specializing in the Riviera. “Lower Riviera has smaller lots, so you’re a little closer to your neighbor and that much closer to town.” The region's scenic landscape is showcased at nearby greenspaces and landmarks like Orpet Park,and the Santa Barbara Zen Center, a Buddhist temple housed in a historic 1920s-era Spanish Revival-style building. Lower Riviera residents are also within walking distance of the Santa Barbara Bowl, an outdoor concert venue, and local restaurants on Milpas Street.
Aerial of homes in Lower Riviera, Santa Barbara, CA.
Aerial of Lower Riviera, Santa Barbara, CA.
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Close-set Craftsmen- and Spanish Revival-style homes
Narrow, winding streets feature palm and California Pepper trees and native shrubbery, shielding many homes from street view and providing shade to the sidewalk-lined streets. Home inventory in the Lower Riviera includes many Craftsman-style homes built between 1900 and 1930 with manicured backyard patios. Spanish Revival- and ranch-style properties from the 1980s feature attached two-car garages and stone chimneys. Homebuyers can expect a three-bedroom Craftsman-style home to go for between $2 million and $2.8 million, while Spanish-Revival-style properties with four or five bedrooms can sell for $3 million to $4.5 million. Since most homes feature small, square front yards and short, narrow driveways, street parking is a way of life for many residents.
Rancher style home in Lower Riviera, Santa Barbara, CA.
Find your dream home in Lower Riviera, Santa Barbara, CA.
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Design programs and after-school clubs at nearby schools
Local kids may attend Franklin Elementary School, rated A-minus by Niche, which has a shared garden where students of all grade levels learn how to grow fruits and vegetables. The B-plus-rated Santa Barbara Junior High offers woodworking and construction technology classes for seventh and eighth graders, as well as after-school sports programs like ultimate frisbee and volleyball. The A-rated Santa Barbara Senior High offers a Multimedia Arts and Design Academy with filmmaking, photography, and graphic design courses. Students can join one of over 50 different after-school programs, including Girls Who Code, Marine Biology Club, and Model UN.
Franklin Elementary School reflects the pride and educational opportunities within its walls.
Santa Barbara Junior High School.
Santa Barbara Senior High School features many athletic opportunities.
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Natural Landscapes and rare plantings at Orpet Park
Orpet Park was opened in 1921 as a horticultural showplace featuring rare plants and trees with views of the city below. Spanning almost acres and divided by Alameda Padre Serra, the park has terraced grassy meadows and picnic tables where locals can sit and enjoy the landscape. The nearly 20-acre Rocky Nook Park offers a playground and unpaved hiking trails through the wooded space surrounding Mission Creek.
Orpet Park.
Go for a walk in nature at Orpet Park in Lower Riviera, Santa Barbara, CA.
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Shopping and Dining
Locally owned restaurants and chain retailers like CVS line Milpas Street, just outside Lower Riviera. Here, residents can pick up groceries at Trader Joe’s or head to La Super Rica Taqueria, which is a local favorite for Mexican food. Bossie’s Kitchen serves sandwiches and salads, as well as a selection of brioche and French cruller donuts.
Trader Joe's in Lower Riviera, Santa Barbara, CA.
Inside Bossie's Kitchen in Lower Riviera, Santa Barbara, CA.
Lower Riviera is close to many great cafes including the Handle Bar.
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Mexican restaurants and casual eateries on Milpas Street
Lower Riviera is closer to downtown Santa Barbara than the rest of the Riviera, with wider sidewalks for those who want to walk to nearby parks and restaurants. The Santa Barbara Metropolitan Transit District’s Route 2 bus stops on the neighborhood’s southern edge, taking residents less than 2 miles into downtown, where they can transfer to other routes that branch out into the rest of the city. Locals can access U.S. Route 101 about 2 miles away, taking them 95 miles into Los Angeles. Nearby Airports include Santa Barbara Airport, 10 miles away, and Los Angeles International Airport, about 100 miles away. Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital is about 2 miles away.
Taqueira El Buen Gusto in Lower Riviera, Santa Barbara, CA.
Head to Bossie's Kitchen for an organic meal in Lower Riviera, Santa Barbara, CA.
Grab a burger for lunch at Santa Barbara Food connection in Lower Riviera, Santa Barbara, CA.
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Commuting on the 101
The Santa Barbara Bowl is the city’s premiere concert venue, located in the middle of Lower Riviera. “The concerts mainly run in the spring and summer,” Palme says. “They have a strict ending time at 10:00, which helps with noise.” The Santa Barbara Mission is set on the neighborhood’s west side, constructed by Spanish colonists in 1786. Today, the Mission stands as a historical site with a beautiful rose garden and hosts an annual Motor Show every July where locals can enjoy various vintage car displays.
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
Lower Riviera
US
Homicide
3
4
Sexual Assault
4
4
Assault with Weapon
4
4
Robbery
3
4
Burglary
4
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
5
4
Larceny
5
4
Crime Score
4
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Lower Riviera Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Lower Riviera, Santa Barbara sell after 39 days on the market compared to the national average of 55 days. The median sale price for homes in Lower Riviera, Santa Barbara over the last 12 months is $2,525,000, up 32% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
A Sanctuary on Santa Barbara's Upper Eastside- There is a specific kind of magic found in the Upper Eastside--a place where the scent of the nearby Rose Gardens carries on the coastal breeze and the silhouette of the Santa Barbara Mission stands as a timeless neighbor. Tucked within this historic enclave, 1811 Prospect Avenue isn't just a home; it is a lovingly preserved sanctuary that bridges
Upper East meets Lower Riviera! On a quiet cul-de-sac is this garden courtyard setting aptly named St Francis Gardens, honoring the once-nearby historic hospital where so many of us multi-generational locals were born. Now a highly desirable neighborhood within a short distance to downtown Santa Barbara Arts District, Riviera Theatre, the Old Mission & Rose Garden, Rocky Nook Park and Roosevelt
Ideally situated between the Upper East and Lower Riviera, this turnkey property offers effortless access to Santa Barbara's most beloved landmarks and entertainment. Extensively remodeled from 2025-2026, 518 E Islay pairs crisp contemporary architecture and warm, inviting interiors with modern systems, meticulous craftsmanship, and an all-electric design. Interiors showcase engineered wide-plank
Perched along Santa Barbara's coveted Lower Riviera, 1750 Prospect Avenue delivers two spacious units, sweeping city-to-sea vistas, unbeatable proximity to downtown amenities and a total of nine bedrooms and four bathrooms in just under 3,500 square feet. The lower level (Unit A) consists of approximately 1,738 square feet of living space offering a large living room setup, spacious kitchen, a
Boasting over 3,700 SF, this ultra charming 4 unit gem features fabulous panoramic ocean and Mesa hill views and is perfectly positioned below the iconic El Encanto Hotel in Santa Barbara's coveted Upper East/Lower Riviera. Where timeless character meets modern updates and an A plus location, this majestic property features refreshed interiors, new paint, lighting, and stylish flooring
Yolanda Van WingerdenBerkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties
Welcome to Villa Musica #6, With the Santa Ynez Mountains as dramatic backdrop, these Mediterranean-style white stucco apartments with red-tile roofs reflect the city's Spanish colonial heritage. Close to beaches, upscale boutiques and restaurants offering local wines and seasonal fare. Each unit features: gourmet kitchens with contemporary appliances, cherry wood cabinetry, warm laminate wood
Available for May & possibly July 2026 only. Min 30 days. Magical ocean view & private retreat! Spacious, luxurious, sun-filled, centrally located 2 bedroom home in the Lower Riviera, on a private lane. Designer decorated and very private. Beautiful gardens with huge palm trees and high hedges. Wrap-around back patio deck has beautiful ocean, city and sunset views. House is great for entertaining
Available now for Summer months. Situated on the hills of the Riviera, near the El Encanto Hotel, is this beautifully restored gem offering 2 bedrooms, 2 baths plus bonus room. Unobstructed ocean and City views, close proximity to Downtown, Santa Barbara Mission/Rose Garden, and many restaurants, coffee shops and much more. Fully furnished and offered for extended stays.
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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.
