📍 About SBA & Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara Airport (SBA) is located in the coastal city of Santa Barbara, CA — a breathtakingly beautiful town nestled between the Santa Ynez Mountains and the Pacific Ocean. Known for its Spanish-style architecture, world-class beaches, upscale living, and vibrant downtown, it's an ideal place for singles, couples, and families alike.
🏡 Where to Live
Santa Barbara – Singles & Couples
- Downtown Santa Barbara – Walkable, stylish, filled with restaurants, nightlife, and shops.
- Funk Zone – Trendy arts and wine district, popular with young professionals.
- Mesa – Scenic coastal area with beach access and casual cafes.
Santa Barbara – Families
- San Roque – Quiet, tree-lined streets, excellent schools, close to shopping.
- Goleta – More affordable, family-friendly, close to SBA and UCSB.
- Hope Ranch – Upscale, private beaches, horse trails, exclusive vibe.
- Carpinteria – Small-town charm, good schools, beachfront living.
🚗 Commute Times to SBA
- 5–10 min: Goleta, UCSB area
- 10–15 min: San Roque, Mesa, Downtown Santa Barbara
- 20–30 min: Hope Ranch, Carpinteria
🎓 Top School Districts
- Santa Barbara Unified School District – Highly rated public schools
- Goleta Union School District – Excellent elementary options
- Private Schools: Laguna Blanca, Bishop Garcia Diego High, Crane Country Day
🧳 Things to Do – Within 2 Hours
- Beaches: East Beach, Arroyo Burro (Dog Beach), Butterfly Beach
- Outdoor: Inspiration Point hike, Santa Ynez wine tasting, Channel Islands day trip
- Day Trips: Solvang (Danish village), Ojai (wellness/spas), Los Angeles (~2 hours)
- Events: Old Spanish Days Fiesta, Film Festival, Summer Solstice Parade
✈️ Nearby Airports
- SBA – Santa Barbara Airport: Local commercial flights
- LAX – Los Angeles International: ~2 hours for full domestic/international access
- BFL – Bakersfield Meadows Field: ~2 hours inland
💰 Cost of Living
- Median Home Price: ~$1.3M (very high)
- 1-Bedroom Apartment: ~$2,500/month
- Utilities: ~$200/month
- Groceries & Dining: Above national average
- Taxes: CA state income tax and higher property taxes
☀️ Weather
- Summer: 70s–80s °F, dry and sunny
- Winter: 50s–60s °F, mild and green
- Rainy Season: November–March (light)
🏥 Healthcare
- Cottage Health System – Main hospital in Santa Barbara
- Sansum Clinic – Specialty and outpatient care
- Goleta Valley Cottage Hospital – Local hospital closer to SBA
🍽️ Dining & Culture
- Dining: Brophy Bros., The Lark, Mesa Verde, Los Agaves
- Breweries: Figueroa Mountain, Topa Topa, Lama Dog Tap Room
- Culture: Santa Barbara Bowl, SB Museum of Art, Granada Theatre
- Shopping: State Street Promenade, Paseo Nuevo Mall
🛫 ATC-Specific Tips
- Living Close: Goleta is ideal for quick airport access
- Traffic: Mostly light but 101 can slow during rush hour
- Airport Operations: General aviation & light commercial mix
📦 Moving Tips
- Best Time to Move: Late fall or spring
- Utilities: SoCal Edison, SoCalGas, Cox Communications, AT&T
- Storage & Trucks: Goleta Self Storage, U-Haul, PODS
❓ FAQs
- Is Santa Barbara affordable?
No – it's one of the most expensive coastal cities in the U.S. - Do most ATC employees live in Goleta?
Yes – it’s practical, close, and more budget-friendly - What’s the lifestyle like?
Relaxed, scenic, active, with a strong emphasis on wellness and outdoor living