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Allison Morales housing

Best apartments in Santa Barbara under ?

First post here. I'm retired and The median home value here is around $1,466,400, which is pretty steep. It's a a smaller city city with about 88,024 people. Average temperature is around 61--F, so the weather is moderate. With a population of 88,024, Santa Barbara is a smaller city. You can expect to pay around $2,302 for rent here. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much.

Pros:
- Nice parks and trails
- Close to nature
- Diverse community
- Strong sense of community
- Walkable downtown

Cons:
- Limited public transit
- Limited dining options
- Limited cultural events
The city has invested a lot in new development. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. The food scene here is surprisingly good. The city has invested a lot in new development. The weather takes some getting used to. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. The weather takes some getting used to. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. The city has invested a lot in new development. The food scene here is surprisingly good. The food scene here is surprisingly good. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting.
7 upvotes

4 Replies

Elijah Kelly
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.

Background: I'm a lawyer, 57, moved here 5 years ago from Charlotte. I've lived in Greenfield and Oak Park, and traveled to most parts of the metro.

**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Low crime in most neighborhoods
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally underrated - I found my community within the first year

**What I don't love:**
1. Winters are long and cold
2. Far from beaches/mountains
3. The school system situation is affordable and doesn't seem to be improving

**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Greenfield: Great for couples. excellent vibes, walkable.
- Oak Park: More affordable, family-friendly.

**Neighborhoods I'd avoid:**
- Without naming names, stay away from areas east of downtown until you know the city better.

**Cost comparison:**
Coming from Charlotte, everything felt pretty good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are growing. Gas is established. You can live comfortably on $80K-$80K here.

**Final verdict:**
Happy to answer more specific questions.. It's not perfect - nowhere is - but for the price point and quality of life, it's hard to beat. DM me if you have specific questions.
35 upvotes
Gianna Lee
I've been living here for 6 years and I'd say it was the best decision I ever made. The walkability is hit or miss compared to other places I've lived. Overall Happy to answer more specific questions..
24 upvotes
Carter Cruz
Came here for retirement and stayed because it was the best decision I ever made. The outdoor recreation is honestly solid and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
23 upvotes
Carol L.
good to know, thanks
13 upvotes
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