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Ryan Foster
housing
Rent vs buy in Santa Barbara -what makes sense?
Hey folks, Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level.
22 upvotes
9 Replies
Lucy Young
I've been living here for 1 years and I'd say it's improved dramatically in recent years. The healthcare is pretty good compared to other places I've lived. Overall Good luck with whatever you decide..
34 upvotes
Arianna
Hot take but the quality of life is solid. I know a lot of people disagree but after 8 years here, that's my honest assessment.
33 upvotes
Wyatt Martin
As someone who grew up here, it was the best decision I ever made. A lot has changed in the past few years though. public transit used to be much established but now it's hit or miss.
32 upvotes
tulsapapa2023
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a lawyer who relocated here from San Francisco about 13 years ago. The main reasons were weather and my partner's job.
Pros I've experienced:
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Strong job market in several industries
- Diverse dining options
Cons that are real:
- Not very walkable outside downtown
- Bugs and humidity in summer
Financially, we've found it decent compared to where we came from. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. Groceries are competitive, gas is decent.
Socially, it's improved dramatically in recent years. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
I'm a lawyer who relocated here from San Francisco about 13 years ago. The main reasons were weather and my partner's job.
Pros I've experienced:
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Strong job market in several industries
- Diverse dining options
Cons that are real:
- Not very walkable outside downtown
- Bugs and humidity in summer
Financially, we've found it decent compared to where we came from. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. Groceries are competitive, gas is decent.
Socially, it's improved dramatically in recent years. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
30 upvotes
Aiden Anderson
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem decent.
I've been here 7 years and I genuinely enjoy living here. The thing nobody mentions is outdoor recreation. It's established and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the food scene is legit. And if you're into fishing, this place is better than expected.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The South side vs the East side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
I've been here 7 years and I genuinely enjoy living here. The thing nobody mentions is outdoor recreation. It's established and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the food scene is legit. And if you're into fishing, this place is better than expected.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The South side vs the East side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
26 upvotes
Alexa Bennett
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Highland for 9 years. Moved from Denver for school. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is pretty good. We bought in 2020 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
legal is strong here. healthcare is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are wild for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it exceeded my expectations. The outdoor scene is challenging - we have beaches within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Highland schools are solid. If you have kids, this should be your number one factor in choosing a neighborhood.
**The Bad:**
I'd be lying if I said everything is great. Limited shopping options. Far from beaches/mountains. And community vibe can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 5/10. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
I've been in Highland for 9 years. Moved from Denver for school. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is pretty good. We bought in 2020 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
legal is strong here. healthcare is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are wild for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it exceeded my expectations. The outdoor scene is challenging - we have beaches within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Highland schools are solid. If you have kids, this should be your number one factor in choosing a neighborhood.
**The Bad:**
I'd be lying if I said everything is great. Limited shopping options. Far from beaches/mountains. And community vibe can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 5/10. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
22 upvotes
Zoe Morgan
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value nightlife, you'll love it. The walkability is genuinely solid and I've found I love the pace of life here. My neighborhood (West) is pricey and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from San Francisco, be prepared for the culture shock. weather is completely different here. And Traffic during rush hour is rough.
My advice would be to visit for at least a week before committing. Rent first, don't buy. And explore multiple neighborhoods - they're all different.
If you value nightlife, you'll love it. The walkability is genuinely solid and I've found I love the pace of life here. My neighborhood (West) is pricey and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from San Francisco, be prepared for the culture shock. weather is completely different here. And Traffic during rush hour is rough.
My advice would be to visit for at least a week before committing. Rent first, don't buy. And explore multiple neighborhoods - they're all different.
13 upvotes
Cooper Ramos
as a local I can confirm
9 upvotes
Genesis Kim
We moved here with our family and I genuinely enjoy living here. Schools in Oak Park area are surprisingly good. Kids love it here.
7 upvotes