The difference between Goleta and Santa Barbara (real estate, home)

[Charlotte.Ellinor]

In a couple of weeks, I will come to the U.S. as an exchange student. The thing is that for weeks, I've been told that I will be living in Santa Barbara and so I did a lot of research about the place.
But now I have been told that I will live in Goleta instead and would like som help..

I know that the two towns are really really close, but what's the difference between them?

[TimC2462]

Hi Charlotte, I lived in Santa Barbara in 2003. There isn't a huge difference between Santa Barbara and Goleta. Santa Barbara is a bit more established with local businesses, historic places and a lovely beach. Goleta is a bit more quieter since it doesn't attract as much tourists as Santa Barbara.

I'm sure someone else can give you more info.

[Charles]

Originally Posted by Charlotte.Ellinor

I know that the two towns are really really close, but what's the difference between them?

Goleta seems a little more generic with housing tracts, shopping centers, universal styling, and business parks. Santa Barbara has the Spanish old California look to it in many places, perhaps because of the mission. Tile roofs, older adobe styling in many places.

Both places are safe.
Both have shopping and amenities like doctors, auto service, restaurants, shopping, libraries, hardware stores, etc.

UCSB is actually in Goleta (as is the Santa Barbara airport). In the UCSB area are many business parks. Raytheon other engineering firms have outfits there too.

Since the freeway bypassed the State Street light about 15 or 20 years ago it is pretty much smooth sailing on the 101 southbound during non rush hours.

[RUBIES77]

Originally Posted by charles

goleta seems a little more generic with housing tracts, shopping centers, universal styling, and business parks. Santa barbara has the spanish old california look to it in many places, perhaps because of the mission. Tile roofs, older adobe styling in many places.

Both places are safe.
Both have shopping and amenities like doctors, auto service, restaurants, shopping, libraries, hardware stores, etc.

Ucsb is actually in goleta (as is the santa barbara airport). In the ucsb area are many business parks. Raytheon other engineering firms have outfits there too.

Since the freeway bypassed the state street light about 15 or 20 years ago it is pretty much smooth sailing on the 101 southbound during non rush hours.

which is more expensive?

[Havasu]

Originally Posted by RUBIES77

which is more expensive?

Santa Barbara is more expensive. UCSB is the least but during the school year almost impossible to get a place. Santa Barbara rents will run anywhere from $1200-1800 for a basic studio the closer you are to the beach the more it will be and can be as much as $4000 for a house.

[Unkllars]

Goleta is where most people live because they can't afford Santa Barbara. City officials and police live in Goleta and drive to Santa Barbara because they have been 'evicted' by prices in SB. A lot of foreign money invested in SB real estate, so the average resident who actually lives in the home is in Goleta.