Santa Barbara Metro

FAQs About the Santa Barbara Metro Area, CA

What is the cost of living in Santa Barbara?

Santa Barbara's cost of living is higher than the national average, with the price of apartments for rent in Santa Barbara being a significant factor. However, in the metro area, costs vary, with the cost of living in Paso Robles and Santa Maria sitting below California average costs and well below Santa Barbara. The cost of living will also vary depending on amenities—a cozy studio apartment for rent in Paso Robles will generally cost less than something more extravagant.

What are the best neighborhoods for young professionals in Santa Barbara?

With access to the beauties of wine country and the hustle and bustle of downtown Santa Barbara, there are endless possibilities for young people looking to move to the Santa Barbara Metro Area. Paso Robles has seen significant growth in the past decade, with hip spots like Hog Canyon Brewing and Spearhead Coffee popping up left and right. For those seeking one-bedroom apartments in Santa Maria and adjacent cities, the cost of living tends to run generally lower than costs in more major metros.

How is public transportation in Santa Barbara?

Santa Barbara offers reliable public transportation options. The MTD bus system covers most of the city and surrounding areas. For Paso Robles, the SLORTA transit system provides local service, while Santa Maria public transit connects residents living in the Santa Maria Valley. The Santa Barbara Airport connects with major US airlines like Delta and American Airlines.

What outdoor activities are available in Santa Barbara?

Santa Barbara is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. Residents can enjoy hiking in the Santa Ynez Mountains, surfing at Santa Barbara's East Beach, or kayaking in the Santa Barbara Channel. For a self-care trip, head to the Franklin Hot Springs in Paso Robles—utilizing natural mineral water to create a spa destination. For birdwatching, the Santa Maria River Estuary is home to some of the Santa Maria Valley's finest flora and fauna.

What are some popular restaurants in Santa Barbara?

Santa Barbara's metro area is home to diverse culinary options, sure to pique the interest of restaurant aficionados and casual diners alike. In Paso Robles, historic Tin City is home to dozens of restaurants, including the cozy Etto Pasta and Six Test Kitchen, a one-of-a-kind dining experience that only seats twelve for a pre-fixe, multicourse meal. In Santa Barbara, spots like Santa Barbara Fish Market and Toma Restaurant & Bar highlight the area's strong connection to the sea, with freshly caught fish brought in from the nearby Channel Islands. Cubanissimo Cafe and Fess Parker are unique dining experiences in the Santa Maria Valley—not to mention the extensive selection of wineries that line the area!

Are there good shopping options in Santa Barbara?

Santa Barbara offers diverse shopping experiences. State Street, the main downtown thoroughfare, features a mix of local boutiques and well-known brands. The Paseo Nuevo outdoor mall is perfect for those seeking luxury apartments in Santa Barbara, CA, near high-end shopping. Downtown Paso Robles offers a mix of luxury brands and small businesses, while residents of apartments in Santa Maria have plenty of local merchants to choose from.

What are the best family-friendly neighborhoods in Santa Barbara?

Santa Barbara's market area hosts a bounty of family-friendly cities and neighborhoods. In the city, San Roque is perhaps the best suited for families, with tree-lined streets and a family-friendly community. Outside of the city, apartments for rent in Lompoc and townhomes in Paso Robles are great for families of all different life stages and sizes, with access to great schools and tons of outdoor recreation.

How pet-friendly is the Santa Barbara Metro area?

The Santa Barbara Metro area is very welcoming to pets, and the region is home to several off-leash dog parks. Greystar has pet-friendly apartments in Lompoc and pet-friendly student living in Isla Vista. Your furry friend can join you at dog-friendly beaches like Avila Beach, where dogs are permitted off-leash before and after operating hours. Many restaurants with outdoor patios, like The Brewhouse in Santa Barbara and Fish Gaucho in Paso Robles, welcome dogs. With miles of greenspace and trails nearby, pet-friendly apartment living in Santa Barbara's metro area is both convenient and accessible.

What is the education system like in Santa Barbara?

Santa Barbara boasts excellent educational institutions. The Santa Barbara Unified School District offers high-quality public education in the city, while Santa Maria-Bonita USD, Lompoc USD, and other smaller school districts serve the surrounding areas, making it easy for families to connect with excellent public schooling. For higher education, the renowned University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB) and Santa Barbara City College are located here. For grad students and undergrads, Greystar has several student housing options near UCSB and SBCC, which are perfect for off-campus living.

What is the climate like in Santa Barbara?

Santa Barbara's metro area enjoys a Mediterranean climate with mild temperatures year-round. Summers are warm and dry, perfect for beach activities, while winters are mild with occasional rain. In the Santa Maria Valley, residents of apartments in Santa Maria and Paso Robles can enjoy the rolling hills of Wine Country all year round, while in the San Ynez Valley, drier climates make it easy to plan without worrying too much about rain. This pleasant weather makes apartments in Santa Barbara, CA, highly desirable, allowing residents to enjoy outdoor activities throughout the year.