Community Spotlight

The Riviera

THE BRIDGE BETWEEN MISSION AND SYCAMORE CANYONS

call anytime: (805) 350-6533

Days on market

$ 0 M

Avg. Sales Price

Num. Homes Sold

January 2022 Data

The Lifestyle

An endless parade of sunsets from your expansive balcony or deck—almost every home has one.

Nowhere else in Santa Barbara offers such wide-ranging perspective of the entire cityscape and beyond. Land is cherished here because of its lofty position, and visitors are often rendered speechless by the vast panorama. Large lawnscapes are rare in the Riviera. Grassy knolls are traded for cliffside living, and many homes play up the incredible views with enormous ocean-facing picture windows and vast decks. Outdoor barbeques and nightly sundowner drinks are a must.

The Neighbors

A diverse array of professionals, long-term residents, and retirees, all drawn to the stunning cliffside tableau. Residents take advantage of the infrequently trafficked windy streets to jog, walk their dogs, or socialize at local parks. The apex of coveted homes lie along the curvy, centralized Lasuen and Paterna roads.

What to Expect

While most of Rivieran life is lived at home, the few public gathering spots that dot the windy streets are beloved: The classy Belmond El Encanto Hotel, for its sunny dining terrace and California coastal cuisine; the old Riviera Theater, for its artsy movies in a historic setting; and tiny Franceschi Park (once the home of famed botanist Francesco Franceschi), for its unequaled views of downtown Santa Barbara.

The Appeal

Sunny, fog-free days. A majority of homes in the area are south-facing, which allows for maximum light for as much as 12 hours a day. Plus, you’re high above the cloudy marine layer. The area’s prestigious Marymount school is also one of its proudest assets.

The Market

Active and often competitive, especially for the highly-desirable historic Spanish-style homes. Upper Riviera homes (those above the Alameda Padre Serra, or “APS”) are generally larger and more widely spaced, with superior views; Lower Riviera homes still have solid ocean sightlines but tend to be more densely plotted and occupy smaller lots.