Why Live in Lower West
Lower West in Santa Barbara combines residential tranquility with urban convenience. Just blocks from downtown and a mile from the beach, it features quiet streets lined with sidewalks and coastal palms. Housing options include single-family homes, multi-family units, townhouses, and condos, many dating back to before 1950. Known for its cozy bungalows and beachy cottages, the area attracts a multigenerational population, from college students to families and retirees. Lower West is also popular with investors due to its more affordable housing compared to the broader city.
Residents enjoy various attractions, such as Stearns Wharf at West Beach, the oldest working pier in California, offering shops, boutiques, and seafood restaurants. The neighborhood is served by the highly rated Santa Barbara Unified School District, with La Cumbre Junior High and San Marcos Senior High being notable mentions. For outdoor activities, Parque de Los Ninos provides playgrounds and a community garden, while nearby Pershing Park offers baseball fields and tennis courts.
Lower West is walkable, with bus routes and an Amtrak station downtown, though train and road noise from U.S. route 101 may be a consideration. Its proximity to major thoroughfares makes commuting convenient, with the Santa Barbara Airport 8 miles away and Thousand Oaks about 60 miles east. Despite some noise, the residential streets remain quiet due to dead ends and limited through traffic, with ample street parking available.
Home Trends in Lower West, CA
On average, homes in Lower West, Santa Barbara sell after 47 days on the market compared to the national average of 51 days. The median sale price for homes in Lower West, Santa Barbara over the last 12 months is $960,000, down 5% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Median Sale Price
$960,000
Median Single Family Sale Price
$1,160,000
Median 2 Bedroom Sale Price
$879,000
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$978
Number of Homes for Sale
4
Last 12 months Home Sales
15
Median List Price
$1,000,000
Median Change From 1st List Price
4%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
-5%