Why Live in Westside
Westside in Santa Barbara is a densely populated neighborhood located 2 miles south of downtown, offering more affordable living compared to other parts of the city. The area is walkable and bike-friendly, with pedestrian passes like Micheltorena Street and bike lanes on one-way streets. Homes are primarily one-story ranch-style properties and bungalows from the 1920s to the 1950s, often featuring Spanish Revival details. Condos are also available, particularly on the north side near the highway and train tracks. The neighborhood is shaded by tall palm and eucalyptus trees, creating a pleasant environment for walking to local institutions and businesses such as Calvary Baptist Church and La Bella Rosa Bakery. Dining options are plentiful, especially along San Andreas Street, with several Mexican restaurants including Super Cucas and Revolver Pizza. For groceries, Foodland Market offers a variety of Mexican specialties. In the evenings, residents can enjoy a game of pool or karaoke at The Tully bar.
Westside is close to several parks, including the 230-acre Elings Park with hiking and biking trails, a disc golf course, and a dog park, as well as Bohnett Park, which features basketball courts, a playground, and picnic areas. The neighborhood is just over 2 miles from West Beach, a hub for city festivals and events, and 3 miles from Leadbetter Beach. The Santa Barbara Unified School District serves the area, with highly rated schools such as Adams Elementary, La Cumbre Junior High, and San Marcos Senior High, which offers a Health Careers Academy. The neighborhood is safer than the national average, and transportation options include several bus routes and proximity to Santa Barbara Airport, 9 miles away. Nearby hospitals include Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital, about a mile north.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Westside a good place to live?
Westside is a good place to live. Westside is considered somewhat walkable and very bikeable with some transit options. Westside is a neighborhood with a crime score of 4, on par with the average neighborhood in the U.S. Westside has 6 parks for recreational activities. It is very dense in population with 17.7 people per acre and a median age of 37. The average household income is $121,345 which is above the national average. College graduates make up 40% of residents. A majority of residents in Westside are renters, with 61.4% of residents renting and 38.6% of residents owning their home. A
local real estate agent serving Westside can help you decide if this neighborhood is the right one for you. Learn more on our
Westside neighborhood guide.
Is Westside, CA a safe neighborhood?
Westside, CA is a safe neighborhood and is on par with the average neighborhood in the United States. It received a crime score of 4 out of 10.
How much do you need to make to afford a house in Westside?
The median home price in Westside is $349,998. If you put a 20% down payment of $70,000 and had a 30-year fixed mortgage with an interest rate of 6.72%, your estimated principal and interest payment would be $1,810 a month plus property taxes, HOA fees, home insurance, PMI, and utilities. Using the 28% rule, you would need to make at least $78K a year to afford the median home price in Westside. The average household income in Westside is $121K.
What are the best public schools in Westside?
The best public schools that serve Westside are:
What are the best private schools in Westside?
The best private schools that serve Westside are:
- Anacapa School has an A Niche grade, a student teacher ratio of 6:1 and an average review score of 4.6.
- Bishop Garcia Diego High School has an A Niche grade, a student teacher ratio of 12:1 and an average review score of 4.5.
- Providence School has an A- Niche grade, a student teacher ratio of 7:1 and an average review score of 4.7.
What are the most popular zip codes in Westside, Santa Barbara, CA?
What are the most popular neighborhoods near Westside, Santa Barbara, CA?
Are home prices dropping in Westside?
Yes, home prices in Westside are down 44% in the last 12 months.
Home Trends in Westside, CA
On average, homes in Westside, Santa Barbara sell after 69 days on the market compared to the national average of 70 days. The median sale price for homes in Westside, Santa Barbara over the last 12 months is $350,000, down 26% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Median Sale Price
$350,000
Median Single Family Sale Price
$350,000
Median Townhouse Sale Price
$425,990
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$222
Number of Homes for Sale
3
Last 12 months Home Sales
74
Median List Price
$349,998
Median Change From 1st List Price
0%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
-26%