If you’re looking for a neighborhood that offers a really sweet small-town coastal vibe the Mesa may be just what you’re looking for.

The Mesa neighborhood begins at Santa Barbara’s Harbor and winds up the coast to Las Positas Road.  The Mesa is divided into three areas: East Mesa, West Mesa, and Alta Mesa (see map below).

The Mesa offers spectacular ocean views, great restaurants, shopping centers, and all kinds of outdoor activity opportunities. Hit the surf at Ledbetter, toss a frisbee with your dog at Shoreline Park,  or for the more daring go paragliding at Eling’s Park, and when it’s all said and done drop by the Boathouse for some excellent oceanfront dining.

The fog rolls in a little deeper in late June and July over the Mesa and oftentimes offers a slightly warmer microclimate in the winter. Some locals think it’s cold when the fog rolls in where Bay Area transplants find that laughable. It’s an almost perfect climate, not to worry.

The Mesa is home to some of Santa Barbara’s most magnificent public green spaces including the Douglas Family Preserve, The Mesa is a cross-section of young families, City College Students, professionals, and long-term residents.

If you’re considering moving to Mesa there’s a wide range of architectural styles from modest ranch styles to magnificent view properties.  A warning. It can take a while to find the right place and oftentimes there are competing offers on the best properties.

Some Mesa Statistics

Mesa Population: 10, 372 Santa Barbara Population: 90,922

Mesa Median Age: 43.0 Santa Barbara Median Age: 37.8

Mesa Male/Female Ratio: 1.0:1

Santa Barbara Married (15 years and older) 48%

Mesa Families w/ Kids under 18: 34%