Santa Maria (Anaheim, Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo: house, to buy, live)

[scubashawn68]

We are moving to the area next month and are considering SM.

I would like to hear the good comments on SM from local SM residents only.

And what area's of town to stay away from.

I know there are lots of posts on SM, but we really only like to hear from actual residents.

[semsjm]

Originally Posted by scubashawn68

We are moving to the area next month and are considering SM.

I would like to hear the good comments on SM from local SM residents only.

And what area's of town to stay away from.

I know there are lots of posts on SM, but we really only like to hear from actual residents.

Santa Maria gets talked down quite a bit around here, and I think a bit unfairly at that. While its a far cry from "hipper" Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, or some of the other coastal-area towns, I think its not nearly as bad as its made out by many here. I hesitate offering comments or opinions on areas to stay away from, etc. not knowing what it is you're hoping to find, and what you're comfortable with. What works for me may be a show-stopper for you; or vice versa.

[scubashawn68]

Originally Posted by semsjm

Santa Maria gets talked down quite a bit around here, and I think a bit unfairly at that. While its a far cry from "hipper" Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, or some of the other coastal-area towns, I think its not nearly as bad as its made out by many here. I hesitate offering comments or opinions on areas to stay away from, etc. not knowing what it is you're hoping to find, and what you're comfortable with. What works for me may be a show-stopper for you; or vice versa.

Thanks for the comments.... I had a feeling it's not that bad.
I grew up in Anaheim and there are good and bad area's. I lived in Savannah, GA near downtown near far worse area's than anything in CA.
I figured SM can't be anywhere near as bad.
Can you or any of the other locals tell me the good things about the area ?

[CA central coast]

Originally Posted by scubashawn68

Thanks for the comments.... I had a feeling it's not that bad.
I grew up in Anaheim and there are good and bad area's. I lived in Savannah, GA near downtown near far worse area's than anything in CA.
I figured SM can't be anywhere near as bad.
Can you or any of the other locals tell me the good things about the area ?

Nobody said it is horrible. Only that Orcutt is a more desired area. Yeah, Santa Maria it's probably 1000% nicer than Anaheim. If you're not worried about it, then move to Lompoc. It's probably 950% nicer than Anaheim.

[oilman2]

Santa Maria is alot better then cities in the southland in terms of traffic, congestion, and crime. The downtown is SUPPOSEDLY re-developing itself, with countless news reports on city council propositions on it. THe mall is decent and is making ALOT of improvements.As for areas to avoid, Try to buy a house on the east side of broadway, preferably in the east side of the freeway. If is in your budget, look into the orcutt area. And dont forget the Santa MAria Style BBQ!

[Den Mathias]

Originally Posted by CA central coast

Nobody said it is horrible. Only that Orcutt is a more desired area. Yeah, Santa Maria it's probably 1000% nicer than Anaheim. If you're not worried about it, then move to Lompoc. It's probably 950% nicer than Anaheim.

Now here is a good one. How do you pronounce Lompoc?

Lom poke? or Lom pock?

or sumpthin else?

[Capt. Dan]

Originally Posted by Den Mathias

Now here is a good one. How do you pronounce Lompoc?

Lom poke? or Lom pock?

or sumpthin else?

POKE