Carpinteria -- Public Schools, Commute to SB, and safety/gangs? (Santa Barbara: apartments, rentals)

[rberry]

Hello,

My husband and I are contemplating a move to Carpinteria. We have housing squared away (it's provided by his job), so although I hear the housing market is quite high that fortunately won't be a deal breaker for us.

However, I am concerned about a few other factors. For one, it seems that the public schools in the area may not be very good (according to Great Schools ranking), and I'm not sure if we can afford private.

Does anyone have any specific perspective on the public schools -- particularly the elementary schools -- in the Carpinteria area? Are they pretty much a no go? Is it open enrollment, so that you could at least choose? For instance, I noted that Summerland Elementary seems pretty good and is nearby.

If we do have to do a private school, it seems that most of the options are in Santa Barbara, but here I worry about the drive from Carpinteria to Santa Barbara for pick up and drop off. Would this be crazy commute-wise?

Lastly, I keep reading about gangs in both Santa Barbara and Carpinteria. I can't really wrap my head around this, not coming from an area where gangs are an issue. Is the gang activity overt? Would it be a concern during day-to-day life for our family (two small boys), or is it more a after midnight sort of issue. Overall, would you say that Carpinteria is pretty safe, and how would it compare to Santa Barbara on this count (i.e., assuming we would spend time in both places, particularly if the kids have to go to private school).

Actually, one more question, does anyone have an idea of what a decent private school costs in the area? I'm going to do some research on this now, but if anyone has a number on the top of their head, that'd be great!

We have to decide about this job in the coming week, so I would really really appreciate any and all perspective!!

Thanks so much!
Rebekah

[Snort]

Carp is a great town! This link will be obliterated within 50 seconds of my posting it, but if you hurry, you'll see it: Moderator cut: link removed, linking to competitor sites is not allowed
In short, it's a safe and quiet town with a nice beach and walkable downtown.
You will love the place.

[8move8away8]

Well You may not have to worry about the Elementary Schools, but CHS is awful. It is full of crime, fights and gangs. I know someone who graduated in 88 and there were weapons and drugs in the schools then. Carpinteria is just better at keeping it quiet. And if your thinking about having kids, chances are in Middle school they might be considered being recruited.

[rberry]

Thanks for the feedback, and especially the link! Our main concern with school would be in the earlier years, so perhaps the school situation would be okay? This gang stuff is so crazy to me though! It's that bad?

Does anyone know anything specific about the elementary schools in Carpinteria?

Also, I've read that the Carp/Santa Barbara area isn't great for young middle class families, mainly because they can't afford to live there. Is it likely that we would have a tough time making friends. Where we live now all you have to do is walk down to the playground, and you can meet up with a handful of young like-minded families.

Anyway, any additional perspective would be great! Thanks so very much!!

[joan engel]

I fell in love with Carpinteria. You live in Paradise and you sleep well because it is nice and quiet.
It is unique to have a small town life so close to urban areas. Just go to L.A. (hour -15 minute drive timed right) for the day and you will love coming home to Carpinteria.
Apartment values are good because you have the whole town as your back yard.
There are some excellent restaurants and you can walk everywhere.
The people who live there love it and are laid back and super friendly. You never need to dress up...so for clothing costs...it's easy street.
It is a fabulous place for families, and you have a real opportunity, in this small town, to make a difference and be heard.
The city is always asking for feedback from residents.
Feels safe...with clean air and nature everywhere.
No "status" or competitive enviornment, so everyone feels pretty good about themselves.
This is also an amazing place for athletes, joggers, bike riding, and artists.
I think this is a great wonderful place to live and many apartments, even by the beach, have affordable rents. I think any anywhere else, beach rentals are at least double or triple, or not in nice neighborhoods.
Carpinteria is a wonderful peace clean place to live. Kind of like one big resort!

[sourdough]

I know it's an old post and I wonder how rberry has fared? It's all about the weather, mild year round. But "Paradise" LOL... owned homes there since 1986. terrible schools, very expensive housing, high density neighborhoods. Termites are a major problem for homeowners. Horrible building department if you want to have work done on your property. Very high pollens for people with allergys . 30+ trains going thru town each day, 100,000 vehicles pass by on Hwy 101 daily. Rush hour and weekends 101 is jammed and holidays it is stop and go. The air has black soot from all the exhaust which settles on anything outside.
Yes, it's pretty laid back and you can walk the town. But most restaurants are so so and over priced. Esau's and Cajun kitchen are my favorites, Island Brewing has a great Blonde ale. The Spot and Palms, yuck! If you have the $110,000 a year suggested minimum income needed to live in this area you can do a lot better. San Luis Obispo maybe.