Why Live in Alta Mesa
Alta Mesa in Santa Barbara is a hillside neighborhood located a few miles south of downtown, offering stunning views of the Santa Ynez Mountains and the Pacific Ocean. Developed in the mid-20th century, it features a mix of ranch-style homes and cottages from the 1950s and '60s, many of which have been remodeled in Mediterranean and Spanish Revival styles. The area is known for its steep, winding streets lined with eucalyptus and palm trees, and well-maintained sidewalks. Local students attend highly rated schools such as Washington Elementary, La Cumbre Junior High, and Santa Barbara High, each offering specialized programs and extracurricular activities. Elings Park, a 230-acre community-supported nonprofit park, forms the western edge of Alta Mesa and features a disc golf course, remote-controlled auto racetrack, and 9 miles of biking and hiking trails with ocean views. Smaller parks like Hilda McIntyre Ray Park and the Mesa Harmony Garden provide additional green spaces. The Mesa Shopping Center offers local eateries, grocery stores, and shops, including the Mesa Bookstore and Mesa Café. For vegan Mediterranean cuisine, residents can visit Mesa Verde. Alta Mesa is conveniently located near State Street, Santa Barbara's main culinary and shopping hub, and is accessible via U.S. Route 101 and local bus routes. Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital is 3 miles away, and Santa Barbara Airport is 10 miles away, providing direct flights to major cities. The neighborhood also hosts the Local Vibes concert festival each September at Elings Park, featuring local bands and food trucks.
Home Trends in Alta Mesa, CA
On average, homes in Alta Mesa, Santa Barbara sell after 30 days on the market compared to the national average of 51 days. The median sale price for homes in Alta Mesa, Santa Barbara over the last 12 months is $2,045,000, down 7% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Median Sale Price
$2,045,000
Median Single Family Sale Price
$2,395,000
Median 2 Bedroom Sale Price
$977,500
Median 1 Bedroom Sale Price
$755,750
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$1,376
Number of Homes for Sale
15
Last 12 months Home Sales
53
Median List Price
$2,295,000
Median Change From 1st List Price
4%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
-7%