Why Live in Rancho Estates
Rancho Estates in Santa Maria is a neighborhood characterized by its single-family homes, featuring midcentury ranch-style and Spanish-inspired properties built between the 1950s and 1980s. These homes often have shingle roofs, stucco or vinyl exteriors, and well-kept gardens, with some offering enclosed backyards and veranda-covered patios. The area is lined with wide asphalt streets, sidewalks, and tall streetlamps, with palm and bishop pine trees providing shade. Proximity to U.S. Route 101 and Alvin Avenue may result in some traffic noise for homes on the eastern and southern edges. Residents enjoy easy access to outdoor features like the 3-acre Rice Park, which includes a playground, softball field, and picnic tables, and Jim May Park, known for its scenic lake and walking paths. Indoor activities are available at the Santa Barbara Public Library and Rancho Bowl. Local shopping options include Mexican grocery stores like Mercado Y Carniceria La Mia and the North Broadway Plaza Shopping Center. Dining options range from La Picosita Restaurant to Shaw’s Steakhouse. The neighborhood is well-connected, with U.S. Route 101 and California State Route 135 providing access to nearby cities and downtown Santa Maria. Public transportation is available via Santa Maria Regional Transit buses, and bike lanes are accessible on East Donovan Road. Rancho Estates is zoned for the Santa Maria-Bonita School District for elementary and middle schools, and the Santa Maria Joint Union High School District for high school, with Pioneer Valley High School earning a high rating.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Rancho Estates a good place to live?
Rancho Estates is a good place to live. Rancho Estates is considered somewhat walkable and somewhat bikeable. It has a median age of 32. The average household income is $90,940 which is below the national average. College graduates make up 18.2% of residents. A majority of residents in Rancho Estates are home owners, with 29.2% of residents renting and 70.8% of residents owning their home. A
local real estate agent serving Rancho Estates can help you decide if this neighborhood is the right one for you. Learn more on our
Rancho Estates neighborhood guide.
Is Rancho Estates, CA a safe neighborhood?
Rancho Estates, CA is less safe than the average neighborhood in the United States. It received a crime score of 5 out of 10.
How much do you need to make to afford a house in Rancho Estates?
The median home price in Rancho Estates is $628,800. If you put a 20% down payment of $125,800 and had a 30-year fixed mortgage with an interest rate of 6.1%, your estimated principal and interest payment would be $3,050 a month plus property taxes, HOA fees, home insurance, PMI, and utilities. Using the 28% rule, you would need to make at least $131K a year to afford the median home price in Rancho Estates. Learn how much home you can afford with our
Home Affordability Calculator. The average household income in Rancho Estates is $91K.
What are the best public schools in Rancho Estates?
The best public schools that serve Rancho Estates are:
What are the best private schools in Rancho Estates?
The best private schools that serve Rancho Estates are:
What are the most popular zip codes in Rancho Estates, Santa Maria, CA?
What are the most popular neighborhoods near Rancho Estates, Santa Maria, CA?
Are home prices dropping in Rancho Estates?
Yes, home prices in Rancho Estates are down 3% in the last 12 months.
Home Trends in Rancho Estates, CA
On average, homes in Rancho Estates, Santa Maria sell after 18 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Rancho Estates, Santa Maria over the last 12 months is $635,000, down 4% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Median Sale Price
$635,000
Median Single Family Sale Price
$635,000
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$410
Number of Homes for Sale
0
Last 12 months Home Sales
9
Median List Price
$628,800
Median Change From 1st List Price
-2%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
-4%