Neselted between the Santa Ynez Mountains and the grand Pacific sits, Santa Barbara. With it's rich Spanish heritage on vivid display—and where it seamlessly mingles with modernity. Here, patrons one of our local favorite cafes, Handlebar Coffee. Look out over a 1782 Spanish fortress and the 1873 Lobero theater neighbors a strip of contemporary boutiques. Yet the city’s commitment to Spanish Revival architecture—even national chain banks boast classic red rooftops, white-washed walls, and colorful tiles—visually ties the whole ‘hood together into one delightfully charming package.

KEY DETAILS

• THE NEIGHBORS

  Young professionals, families, long-time residents, retirees, and more, all drawn to downtown’s bustle and beauty.

• WHAT TO EXPECT

  Tourists mixed with locals, side-by-side historic and contemporary buildings, plus scads of culture and charm.

• THE LIFESTYLE

  Endless opportunities for shopping, dining, and entertainment with the stunning coastline a short distance away.

• UNEXPECTED APPEAL

  A thriving culinary scene with ample access to regional wineries.

• THE MARKET

  Newer apartments, duplexes, townhouses, and condos mingle with older cottages, ranch homes, and bungalows.

• YOU'LL FALL IN LOVE WITH

  The respectfully preserved historic buildings that add character, dignity, and grandeur to the area.

Just east of Santa Barbara, Montecito’s eight square miles are flush with lavish estates, luxe compounds, and secluded manors. Affluent families and individuals—including a smattering of mega-celebrities like long-time resident Oprah Winfrey—call this seaside sanctum home. Built into the oak- and eucalyptus-laden foothills of the Santa Ynez mountains (Montecito means “little mountain” in Spanish), the peaceful town boasts several world-class resorts, top-of-the-line schools, country clubs, and a selection of high-end shops and restaurants.

KEY DETAILS

• THE NEIGHBORS

  An older, well-heeled crowd of CEOs, entrepreneurs, and Hollywood stars, drawn to the neighborhood’s privacy and beauty.

• WHAT TO EXPECT

  An elite locale of understated elegance sans attitude, filled with quiet streets and gated estates.

• THE LIFESTYLE

  The townfolk mix along beaches and two main streets, and it’s an unspoken rule that no one makes a fuss if a famous face is spotted.

• UNEXPECTED APPEAL

  There’s plenty of places to see and be seen, from the Biltmore’s Bella Vista restaurant to celeb-studded Butterfly beach.

• THE MARKET

  Considered the crème de la crème of Santa Barbara County real estate, even teardowns go for millions.

• YOU'LL FALL IN LOVE WITH

  Sunny days, ocean breezes, beautiful scenery, and the pleasant daily pursuit of the high life.