Donovan Park
Ranch-style homes with a sprinkle of Spanish influences
Most homes in Donovan Park are ranch-style homes on small lots of land with some featuring Spanish architectural influences, like red-tile roofs and stucco walls. Homes here are clustered and close together and sell for between $360,000 and $600,000, and although most feature driveways and two-car garages, street parking is also utilized. Most of the streets in Donovan Park are lined with sidewalks, giving locals a place to go for a run.
/
Pioneer Valley High School ranked among Santa Barbara County’s best
Students in Donovan Park attend schools within the Santa Maria-Bonita School District. Younger children in Donovan Park may attend William Rice Elementary before moving to El Camino Junior High, both of which received a C grade from the educational review site Niche. For high school, students may attend Pioneer Valley High, which earned a B rating and was also recognized as the eleventh-best public high school in Santa Barbara County, according to Niche. Pioneer Valley High is also known for its promising CTE pathways for students in business, science, agriculture and industrial technology.
/
From Santa Maria-style BBQ to authentic Mexican food
“Santa Maria is known for its barbecue,” Muto says. “People also love the Mexican and Chinese restaurants in the area, along with some really good burger joints.” The Swiss Restaurant and Bar is a favorite with Donovan Park residents. Located just a mile south of the neighborhood, The Swiss offers Santa Maria-style oak barbecue, known for its classic smoky and hearty flavor. There are also many Mexican restaurants near Donovan Park, highlighted by La Picosita, popular for its affordable, authentic burritos. For a weekend shopping outing, locals head to Santa Maria Town Center, which includes retailers like Macy’s and Foot Locker, along with chain restaurants like Red Robin. The town center is just a mile from the neighborhood.For groceries, residents tend to restock their pantries at Vons supermarket; while for everyday essentials, locals head to Wal-Mart’s Neighborhood Market.
/
A beautiful lake at Jim May Park
Residents looking to spend time outdoors can head to Jim May Park, highlighted by its beautiful lake complete with a loop trail featuring views of the arid mountains in the distance. The park, a mile from the neighborhood, also includes a barbecue pit for family cookouts and a playground for children. A mile north residents will find Preisker Park, known for its disc golf course and its pair of playgrounds. Or two miles east there’s Tunnell Park, which sports baseball and softball fields along with courts for games of pick-up basketball. Residents are also just 17 miles from Pismo Beach, known for its long white sand beaches and spectacular sunsets.Wine enthusiasts love their proximity to the Foxen Canyon Wine Trail, a 20-mile drive southeast of Donovan Park. This scenic wine trail is home to many of California’s finest wineries and vineyards.
From rodeos to Christmas celebrations
Every year, in late May or early June, Santa Maria hosts the Santa Maria Elks Rodeo and Parade, which includes four days of rodeo action and entertainment. This same organization, Elks Recreation, also hosts an annual “Christmas in the Country” lights experience, which visitors can drive-thru during the holiday season. For fans of all things spooky there’s also an autumn Haunted Hills on Fridays and Saturdays in October. For a fun outing for all ages, local spot Rancho Bowl offers bowling, dining and a bar. Rancho Bowl also puts on events throughout the year, including family deal nights.Convenient location near U.S. Highway 101
Highway 101 bisects Donovan Park and provides access to surrounding neighborhoods, like Rancho Estates, Broadway and Mid City Acres. For public transportation, locals use the Santa Maria Regional Transit, or SMRT, bus system to get around. Dignity Health's Marian Regional Medical Center is 2 miles away for residents seeking medical attention. The Santa Maria Public Airport is 6 miles south of Donovan Park and offers regional flights.
/
Written By
Kevin Haswell
Photography Contributed By
Christiaan Cruz
Video By
Aiyshanti Green
Was this overview helpful?
Agents Specializing in this Area
-
Rocio Lopez
Rocio Lopez
Responds QuicklyCoast West Realty & Property Management
(805) 608-2070
69 Total Sales
2 in Donovan Park
$400K - $485K Price Range
-
Yolanda Perez
Yolanda Perez
Empire Real Estate Group
(805) 855-1621
46 Total Sales
2 in Donovan Park
$420K - $439K Price Range
-
Lisa Bognuda
Lisa Bognuda
eXp Realty of California, Inc.
(385) 217-2905
25 Total Sales
1 in Donovan Park
$289,000 Price
-
Mike Oliver
Mike Oliver
BHGRE Haven Properties
(805) 329-3439
142 Total Sales
1 in Donovan Park
$229,000 Price
-
Paul Rodriguez
Paul Rodriguez
eXp Realty of California, Inc.
(805) 608-4467
82 Total Sales
1 in Donovan Park
$485,000 Price
-
MARTHA CALDERON
MARTHA CALDERON
Keller Williams SELA
(562) 561-1456
37 Total Sales
1 in Donovan Park
$435,000 Price
Schools
Source:
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
- 9th to 12th
- Public
- 7th to 8th
- Public
- K to 6th
- Public
Interested in learning more about homes in this neighborhood? Reach out to , an experienced agent in this area.
Parks in this Area
Atkinson Park
Oakley Park
Tunnell Park
- Baseball/Softball
- Basketball
- Grills
Preisker Park
Jim May Park
- Grills
- Lake
- Picnic Area
Rice Park
Transit
Donovan Park Demographics and Home Trends
Housing Trends
Median List Price
$390,000
Median Single Family Sale Price
$379,500
Last 12 months Home Sales
0
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$190
Neighborhood Facts
Number of Homes in Neighborhood
215
Number of Homes for Sale
1
Median Year Built
1962
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,404
Significantly below the national average
1,924
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
879
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
6,534
Distribution of Home Values
Homes for Sale
Homes for Rent
Interested in learning more about homes in this neighborhood? Reach out to , an experienced agent in this area.
Average Home Value
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Renters
Demographics
Total Population
2,762
Median Age
28
Population Density
23 ppl/acre
Population under 18
35.5%
Above the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
8.4%
Below the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$56,922
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$75,802
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
44.9%
Significantly below the national average
89.1%
College Graduates
5.5%
Significantly below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
2.7%
% Population in Labor Force
70.9%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
13''
Average Winter Low Temperature
41°F
Average Summer High Temperature
74°F
Annual Snowfall
0''
Area Factors
Bikeable
Bike Score®
56
/ 100
Very Walkable
Walk Score®
72
/ 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.
Nearby Neighborhoods
Broadway
Ease of urban convenience and quiet neighborhood living in Santa Maria
Mid City Acres
Residential community just north of downtown Santa Maria
Northwest Santa Maria
A Santa Maria community with ample parks and trail access
Rancho Estates
Tiny residential neighborhood near local parks, schools and Mexican markets
Downtown Santa Maria
Centrally located neighborhood in Santa Maria with easy access to shops and dining
Northeast Santa Maria
Quiet suburban community north of U.S. Route 101
Reviews
Are you familiar with the Donovan Park neighborhood? to let others know what life in this neighborhood is like.
Was this page helpful?
