Goleta vs. SB (Santa Barbara, Vista, Santa Monica: apartments, rental, crime rate)

[speak]

Hey everyone,

I'll be moving to Santa Barbara in about a month, and I had a few questions about the different areas. I've read some of the past threads, and kind of formed an opinion based on those. But I would love some input!

So, I'm debating between living in Goleta (west, near ellwood, or north near cathedral) or Santa Barbara (either in downtown or mesa).

I know that I'll probably be working in downtown SB, so living close would be great. But from what I've read, downtown SB seems kind of congested and the crime rate is high? Is it similar to downtown LA or Hollywood? Mesa looks nice, but pretty high priced.

Would you recommend living in Goleta and commuting to downtown SB for work? It seems pretty close, but I don't know how it is with traffic (never been before). Is quality of living better in Goleta? It seems less congested and more spacious (NW).

I've lived in Honolulu, and Santa Monica. I loved both. If downtown SB/Mesa is more like downtown LA or Hollywood/Melrose I definitely do not want to live somewhere like that. Any info would be greatly appreciated! Thanks in advance!

[Snort]

Although it's been some years since I lived in SB, I still visit often. I've never considered it unsafe, but that's a relative thing I suppose. I'd live near downtown, but, if you want a quieter suburban lifestyle, you'd be fine in Goleta or anywhere else within the area. Carpinteria is a nice beach town just south of SB that you also might consider. The 101 can have traffic jams, but if you know you're way around, there are alternate routes to get where you're going. Regarding Hollywood vibe, there isn't anywhere in the SB area remotely similar. The closest thing to Santa Monica is downtown SB, but not nearly as much going on as in Santa Monica.
The best advice is to drive around the area and see for yourself. It's hard to go wrong for the SB area.

[jillz]

Originally Posted by speak

Hey everyone,

I'll be moving to Santa Barbara in about a month, and I had a few questions about the different areas. I've read some of the past threads, and kind of formed an opinion based on those. But I would love some input!

So, I'm debating between living in Goleta (west, near ellwood, or north near cathedral) or Santa Barbara (either in downtown or mesa).

I know that I'll probably be working in downtown SB, so living close would be great. But from what I've read, downtown SB seems kind of congested and the crime rate is high? Is it similar to downtown LA or Hollywood? Mesa looks nice, but pretty high priced.

Would you recommend living in Goleta and commuting to downtown SB for work? It seems pretty close, but I don't know how it is with traffic (never been before). Is quality of living better in Goleta? It seems less congested and more spacious (NW).

I've lived in Honolulu, and Santa Monica. I loved both. If downtown SB/Mesa is more like downtown LA or Hollywood/Melrose I definitely do not want to live somewhere like that. Any info would be greatly appreciated! Thanks in advance!

If you live in Ellwood or ANYWHERE near the university it may be loud and parking may be limited (around Halloween, it will be a bloody nightmare!). The housing tracks near campus are a combo of families and multi-renter houses (my friend has a rental right next door and there are usually 5+ cars associated with the house). Downtown would be a better bet. The commute isn't far if you lived in Goleta but sometimes the rent is a little higher if you are close to campus. I live downtown and love it. Several of my co-workers live in SB and take the bus to work in Goleta (I work on campus).

Crime is NOT bad at all in SB. Yes there is some, but nothing like Santa Maria, Ventura County, or LA. Just lock you car doors, home doors, be cautious walking around alone at night, and you will be ok. The Mesa is nice but gets very foggy. Personally, I like downtown proper.

I have lived here since 1986 and love it. If you have any questions, please let me know.

Jill

[Winston Smith]

Originally Posted by speak

So, I'm debating between living in Goleta (west, near ellwood, or north near cathedral) or Santa Barbara (either in downtown or mesa).

I know that I'll probably be working in downtown SB, so living close would be great. But from what I've read, downtown SB seems kind of congested and the crime rate is high? Is it similar to downtown LA or Hollywood?

Would you recommend living in Goleta and commuting to downtown SB for work? It seems pretty close, but I don't know how it is with traffic (never been before). Is quality of living better in Goleta? It seems less congested and more spacious (NW).

I've lived in Honolulu, and Santa Monica. I loved both. If downtown SB/Mesa is more like downtown LA or Hollywood/Melrose I definitely do not want to live somewhere like that. Any info would be greatly appreciated! Thanks in advance!

You really should visit Santa Barbara for a weekend and take a drive around there and Goleta to get a better understanding of the area. Santa Barbara - Goleta is nothing like downtown LA, Hollywood, Melrose or Santa Monica.

My take on your questions in a nutshell. If you like more suburban-type living, go to Goleta. It's only around 10 miles away from SB, and if you don't like driving, express buses run all day between Goleta and downtown SB. I would second comments made on this thread that staying away from USCB student residences, Isla Vista, Glenn Annie, is probably a good idea. UCSB is known for its party-hardy student body.

On the other hand, if you don't mind a little grit and noise (though nothing on the level with LA) and older homes, more dense living with all destinations within walking distance, go downtown.

The Mesa is different yet. You can find houses for rent in the $3,000/mo. range. Stay away from apartments where SBCC students live. It will be noisy.

[Charles]

Originally Posted by cre8

If you like more suburban-type living, go to Goleta. It's only around 10 miles away from SB, and if you don't like driving, express buses run all day between Goleta and downtown SB. I would second comments made on this thread that staying away from USCB student residences, Isla Vista, Glenn Annie, is probably a good idea. UCSB is known for its party-hardy student body.

On the other hand, if you don't mind a little grit and noise (though nothing on the level with LA) and older homes, more dense living with all destinations within walking distance, go downtown.

Perfectly put.

Also, the region is really bike friendly. You can easily commute via bike distances say, less than five miles (and probably not have to shower), or ten or more miles (helps to have a shower at the office).

[Winston Smith]

Originally Posted by Charles

Perfectly put.

Also, the region is really bike friendly. You can easily commute via bike distances say, less than five miles (and probably not have to shower), or ten or more miles (helps to have a shower at the office).

Thanks, Charles, and good point about bicycling. Not only is it pretty easy to get around SB on a bike, but the area has an established focus on bicycling as a reasonable mode for cross-town commuting.

:: Santa Barbara Bicycle Coalition ::

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