In 2021, the Santa Barbara Independent publication heralded the “Boroughs of Santa Barbara,” selecting seven neighborhoods. This is an update as Santa Barbara’s neighborhoods aren’t just lifestyle choices—they’re strategic investments.
As we move through 2025, the local real estate market is showing signs of stabilization, but the story varies dramatically depending on where you look. Here’s a borough-by-borough breakdown of what’s hot, what’s shifting, and why it matters.
Click Read More below for more information.
“Would Beverly Hills Close Rodeo Drive?” asks Sothebys International Realty’s Diane Waterhouse.
This post features a State Street Update from Nick Welsh of the Independent Magazine. It’s funny and upsetting. The powers that be seem incapable of making any kind of decision and continue to “kick the can down the road.”
Open the street.
Click Read More below for the full article.
In May 2020, eight blocks of State Street — from Sola Street to Gutierrez Street in the area known as Lower State — were closed off to car traffic to enable restaurants and merchants to spill out into the street and meet the ever-changing state and national guidelines due to the pandemic.
Our local government and the Santa Barbara Police appear unable to address the variety of issues recently brought forth by the Natural Cafe owner which has chosen to close its doors after 30 years on State Street.
Ever since the closure of State Street the once iconic “Main Street” of Santa Barbara no longer seems the same.
Should State Street be reopened?
For more on the closure of the Natural Cafe and the myriad of problems that plague State Street click “Read More” below.
