About Goleta
Nicknamed “The Good Land,” this comely coastal plain 10 miles west of Santa Barbara is home to a flourishing tech industry, premier golf and surf hotspots, and the innovative University of California in Santa Barbara—as well as all the pleasant beaches, farm-fresh food, and regional wineries the Gold Coast is known for. Once considered the sleepier, small-town sister to Santa Barbara, the city is fast becoming a destination in its own right due to a crop of new craft breweries, the opening of several stylish hotels and resorts, its popular annual festivals, and a growing awareness of the area’s natural beauty and charms.
What to Love
- A slice of quintessential suburbia steadily carving out its own character.
- Suburban living paired with a budding scene of hip new spots to eat, drink, play, and stay.
- Convenient transit hubs that make commuting—and getaways—a breeze.
- An abundance of new construction properties and ‘50s-era tract homes.
- Recreational activities abound, but a few particularly desirable spots will thrill surfers and golfers.
The Lifestyle
It’s an open secret that Santa Barbara residents regularly daytrip out to Goleta to enjoy the area’s less-crowded beaches, numerous bike trails, and diversity of shopping options. Old Town Goleta boasts the area’s best vintage and thrift stores and specialty Asian markets, and larger retailers like Costco, Home Depot, and Bed, Bath & Beyond anchor the city’s major shopping centers. Conversely, Goleta residents have a bigger city at their fingertips: a 15-minute drive delivers you to the restaurants, watering holes, boutiques, and all-day-long action of State Street in downtown Santa Barbara.