Living in The Riviera Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara’s Riviera is consistently ranked by local buyers and sellers as one of the best areas and most desirable neighborhoods in the Santa Barbara region. Locals recognize that the Riviera embodies much of what it means to live in Santa Barbara, oft named the “American Riviera” in its likeness to the famed stretch of French coast. With houses tucked into the hillside, homeowners on the Riviera experience breathtaking views of the city and Pacific Ocean, as well as the convenience of a five-minute drive to downtown. Residents can also catch stunning vistas of the water as they drive along Alameda Padre Serra (known by locals as “APS”), as well as mountain views north from Foothill Road to Sycamore Canyon Road while driving along the backside of the Riviera.
Despite the high elevation and twisty roads that characterize the Riviera, homes here are still quite convenient to all that Santa Barbara has to offer. Depending on your location on the Riviera, you may be just minutes from various attractions such as the Mission Santa Barbara, parks, a cinema, several schools, the Santa Barbara Bowl, hiking trails and more.
The Riviera Santa Barbara Neighborhood Map
Why Locals Love The Riviera Santa Barbara
Housing Market in The Riviera
Buyers should know that these Riviera homes command higher than average Santa Barbara real estate prices. Condos on the Riviera have sold for $650,000 to $800,000 over the last couple of years—but keep in mind that there are very few condos on the Riviera, and as a result only six condos sold in the last two years. Single-family home prices ranged from around $650,000 to well over $5 million.
Lifestyle in The Riviera
The views enjoyed by residents on the Riviera are the envy of the entire town. There are many nearby attractions like Rattlesnake Canyon, Parma Park, and the Riviera Theater. The winding streets and stone walls create a unique feel akin to something you might find in Europe, and literally why the area is known as the American Riviera.
Schools in The Riviera
The elementary schools on The Riviera include Roosevelt Elementary and Cleveland Elementary. Santa Barbara Middle school is also on The Riviera, filling the building that was once Brooks Institute of Photography. The Riviera is also home to Marymount School, an independent school for children from age 4 to grade 8.
Architecture in The Riviera
The majority of the Riviera is fairly steep, which provides the foundation for hundreds of mostly two and three-story custom homes tucked into the sloped landscape. Here you'll find stunning contemporary modern architecture mixed with classic Mediterranean homes.
Dining in The Riviera
The Riviera overlooks and is a an easy drive to all of downtown Santa Barbara, as well as the eclectic hidden gems and local favorites along Milpas Street. A few of our local favorites include Los Agaves for Mexican food and Your Place for authentic Thai food.
Drive Times in The Riviera
Despite the high elevation and twisty roads that characterize the Riviera, homes here are still quite convenient to all that Santa Barbara has to offer. Depending on your location on the Riviera, you may be just minutes from various attractions such as the Mission Santa Barbara, parks, a cinema, several schools, the Santa Barbara Bowl, hiking trails and more.