Why Live in West Mesa
West Mesa, located 3 miles south of downtown Santa Barbara, offers a blend of natural beauty and convenient amenities. The neighborhood is characterized by mid-20th-century homes, including California Cottages and ranch-style houses, set along well-maintained sidewalks and bike lanes. Residents enjoy easy access to local parks and beaches, such as Arroyo Burro and Mesa Lane, which are separated from homes by steep bluffs. The 60-acre Douglas Family Preserve provides walking trails with coastal views, while La Mesa Park features a large playground. The area is safer than the national average, contributing to its appeal. Local dining options include Mesa Burger and Mesa Verde, both offering fresh, locally sourced ingredients. For groceries, residents can visit Lazy Acres, Mesa Produce, or Vons. The neighborhood is served by the highly rated Santa Barbara Unified School District, with schools like La Cumbre Junior High and San Marcos High offering various programs. Public transportation is accessible via the Route 5 bus, connecting West Mesa to downtown Santa Barbara and La Cumbre Plaza. The Santa Barbara Airport is about 10 miles away, and Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital is 3 miles north. The community also benefits from Mesa Harmony Garden, which supports local organizations through food donations and educational events.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is West Mesa a good place to live?
West Mesa is a good place to live. West Mesa is considered car-dependent and bikeable with some transit options. West Mesa is a suburban neighborhood with a crime score of 2, making it safer than the average neighborhood in the U.S. West Mesa has 6 parks for recreational activities. It is somewhat dense in population with 7.1 people per acre and a median age of 43. The average household income is $158,149 which is above the national average. College graduates make up 69.4% of residents. A majority of residents in West Mesa are home owners, with 39.8% of residents renting and 60.2% of residents owning their home. A
local real estate agent serving West Mesa can help you decide if this neighborhood is the right one for you. Learn more on our
West Mesa neighborhood guide.
Is West Mesa, CA a safe neighborhood?
West Mesa, CA is safer than the average neighborhood in the United States. It received a crime score of 2 out of 10.
How much do you need to make to afford a house in West Mesa?
The median home price in West Mesa is $485,000. If you put a 20% down payment of $97,000 and had a 30-year fixed mortgage with an interest rate of 6.74%, your estimated principal and interest payment would be $2,510 a month plus property taxes, HOA fees, home insurance, PMI, and utilities. Using the 28% rule, you would need to make at least $108K a year to afford the median home price in West Mesa. The average household income in West Mesa is $158K.
What are the best public schools in West Mesa?
The best public schools that serve West Mesa are:
What are the most popular zip codes in West Mesa, Santa Barbara, CA?
What are the most popular neighborhoods near West Mesa, Santa Barbara, CA?
Are home prices dropping in West Mesa?
Yes, home prices in West Mesa are down 20% in the last 12 months.
Home Trends in West Mesa, CA
On average, homes in West Mesa, Santa Barbara sell after 73 days on the market compared to the national average of 70 days. The median sale price for homes in West Mesa, Santa Barbara over the last 12 months is $465,000, up 3% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Median Sale Price
$465,000
Median Single Family Sale Price
$465,000
Median Townhouse Sale Price
$455,000
Median 1 Bedroom Sale Price
$520,000
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$504
Number of Homes for Sale
3
Last 12 months Home Sales
16
Median List Price
$485,000
Median Change From 1st List Price
4%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
3%