San Roque

San Roque: Where Creativity Meets Community in Santa Barbara

San Roque (Spanish for Saint Roch) is a primarily residential neighborhood in Santa Barbara located northwest of downtown. For planning purposes, the City of Santa Barbara designates this area by two names: San Roque and East San Roque. The area takes its name from San Roque Creek, which was named by early Spanish settlers after Saint Roch.

A rural farming area until the 20th century, San Roque’s first residential subdivision was developed in 1917 by Stephen Rutherford and called Rutherford Park. The streets were laid out in an irregular grid transected by spokes from a central circular street, Argonne Circle.

In 2021, the San Roque neighborhood saw a spark of artistic revival with the relaunch of LOCCAS (La Cumbre Center for Creative Arts). Though its initial launch faced hurdles, the mission remained clear: to foster creativity, community, and connection in one of Santa Barbara’s most charming enclaves.

Fast forward to 2025, and San Roque continues to thrive—not just as a hub for the arts, but as a neighborhood deeply committed to preserving its rich history and architectural beauty. The City of Santa Barbara has launched an ambitious Historic Resource Survey in San Roque, aiming to document and protect the area’s iconic homes, many built in the 1920s and 1930s. Residents are actively contributing stories, photos, and memories to help shape the neighborhood’s official historic narrative.

This isn’t just about nostalgia—it’s about pride. San Roque’s leafy streets, Spanish Revival architecture, and strong sense of community make it one of the most desirable places to live in Santa Barbara. Whether you’re strolling past Peabody School, grabbing coffee at a local café, or chatting with neighbors at a weekend art fair, San Roque feels like home.

 Real Estate Snapshot: San Roque in 2025

The housing market in San Roque remains competitive, though it’s seen some cooling compared to last year:

• Median Sale Price: $2.1M (↓13.8% YoY)
• Median Price per Sq Ft: $995
• Average Days on Market: 10 days (down from 37 last year)
• Sale-to-List Ratio: 102.3%—many homes still sell above asking!
• Typical Home Value (Zillow): $2.19M (↓6.6% YoY)

Despite a slight dip in prices, demand remains strong. Homes are selling quickly, often with multiple offers. For buyers, this could be a golden moment to enter a prestigious neighborhood with long-term upside. For sellers, well-priced homes are still commanding attention—and often exceeding expectations