Coming To Santa Barbara Area. Is This Realistic? (Goleta, Carpinteria: house, neighborhoods)

[tltmk1]

Hello from PA. I will be relocating to the Santa Barbara area and am a little concerned about the gang behavior. Is it still as bad as it was in 2006?

I would like to find a live-in position with a local family where I could house-sit, cook, clean, and garden, etc. (when I'm not working my other job) in exhange for reduced or eliminated rent. At least for the first year while I'm getting on my feet.

I'm an honest person with references.

Does anyone know anyone reputible that might have a two bedroom apt./guest house in exchange for a hand around their home?

If not, could you give me some advice on how to find someone.

Thanks so much.

[Snort]

You could probably put an ad on craigslist, but you're opening yourself up to who knows what kind of possible exploitation. And what the heck is the 'bad gang behavior' in Santa Barbara? I lived for years in Santa Barbara and never found there to be a significant problem. I still pass through every so often and don't see Santa Barbara as having a huge gang problem.

[Charles]

Originally Posted by tltmk1

I will be relocating to the Santa Barbara area and am a little concerned about the gang behavior. Is it still as bad as it was in 2006?

I would like to find a live-in position with a local family where I could house-sit, cook, clean, and garden, etc. (when I'm not working my other job) in exhange for reduced or eliminated rent.

Sounds like gang problems will be the least of your problems.

[Havasu]

Gang problems in Santa Barbara? Not really gangs just a few trouble maker kids.
As far as finding a place and in return you do the odd jobs I dont think it is possible, there are so many flakes these days people just wont open up their house to a stranger maybe 20 years ago but not today. Good luck with it though!!

[eekwine]

The gang problem has grown in SB just as it has in many areas. Although it is not as bad as it is in the bigger cities, it seems to be escalating. It is mostly eastside vs westside so if you live or work elsewhere it may not affect you. Last year a child was killed by another child (both 13-14 years old) during the daytime on the dividing line between east & west- on State Street in front of Saks Fifth Ave.

[the city]

Yeah, there's a east and west gang thing. But I would say it's going down, but the homeless and gang problem in Santa Barbara is still a problem. It's an avoidable gang problem though, so move there! It's a good area.

[Winston Smith]

Originally Posted by the city

Yeah, there's a east and west gang thing. But I would say it's going down...

Wish it were so, but evidence doesn't support the notion that SB's gang problem is diminishing. In addition to SB's east- and west-side gangs, Goleta and Carpinteria have gangs as well. So, on SB County's south coast, be careful whom you ask, "where u from?" Kidding, it's not that bad for most people yet.

In all seriousness, I'm acquainted with one Carpinteria ex-gang member who now councils troubled youths in that city on how to avoid the "vida loca" that nearly got him killed, and did get several of his buddies killed. According to this young man, gangs have been a part of the area for quite some time.

[Sassberto]

In general the gang problem in most CA cities seems to be on the wane compared to the 90's. The whole "thug-life" hip-hop fad seems to have died for most kids as well and being a gangster is not as "cool" as it used to be. Also with most of the older guys locked up or with wives and kids it seems that outside of the barrios and LA most gang members are 13-15 year old kids. I would not be concerned about gang trouble in Santa Barbara unless you live in one of the very poorest neighborhoods of that city.

[okie333]

wow all i have to say , being from the bay area is carp and sb are as damn close to "pleasantville" as you can get, im sure there are gang members that live here and there but if you are pretty aware of things you'll know there are gange members everywhere.

honestly i think its rediculous to see this area as a dangerous area, its about as cookie cutter as you can get, no offense.

[MissMae]

If you're looking for a live-in situation where you can exchange household chores or duties for reduced rent, you may want to contact the grad division of UCSB or even the student housing office. They may be able to help you with that. I'm not sure what your age range is, but when I was in grad school there, I knew students that lived in a situation similar to what you're describing. I think those opportunities are few and far between, but it's worth a shot.

As far as gang activity, I lived there half my life and never had a problem. I think it's like anywhere else - be aware of your surroundings and don't take your safety for granted (which is easy to do in SB, it's pretty idyllic, IMO).

Good luck!