Isla Vista, Goleta, CA
Is Isla Vista a Safe Place to Live? Housing, Crime & Buyer Guide
Explore safety, home prices, commute patterns, and neighborhood insights in Goleta, California - so you can decide with confidence before buying or renting.
Most buyers only see the home. Smart buyers check the neighborhood first.
Crime Summary:
Crime Overview (last 12 months)
Severe0
Medium1
Low2
Other1
25 Registered Offenders Nearby
Rape4
Child involved21
Assault3
Other1
Crime Details:
Recent reported incidents in the past 12 months (newest first). Up to 10 records.
| Crime date | Crime description | Address | Crime category |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jul 12, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, fire personnel were dispatched to a possible single-engine fire near Arroyo Camano Lane in Goleta, with Engine 38 responding on Command 2. | Arroyo Quemada Ln, Goleta, CA 93117 | Fire |
| Jun 23, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, dispatch reports a possible reckless gray BMW sedan swerving on southbound Highway 101 near the Tajiguas landfill area, with the driver possibly falling asleep at the wheel. | Calle Real, Goleta, CA 93117 | Traffic |
| Jun 21, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, dispatch received a report of a white Corvette driving at high speed near El Capitan Ranch. The vehicle was later reported to be off the roadway or no longer in motion. | Calle Real, Goleta, CA 93117 | Traffic |
| Jun 15, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, medical aid dispatched for two medic units to Refugio Road near Goleta. | Refugio Rd, Goleta, CA 93117 | Medical Emergency |
Median Home Price
$1,449,872
Average Rent
$2,820
Vacancy Rate
16.8%
Neighborhood Overview
Isla Vista is a densely populated coastal neighborhood in Goleta, California, known for its nautical character and walkability.
The area is dominated by small to medium apartment complexes, with a 100% renter occupancy rate and a median home price of $1,449,872.
CoastalUrbanCollege-FriendlyHigh Vacancy
Quick Facts
| Vacancy Rate | 16.8% |
|---|
Housing market and real estate character
Housing in Isla Vista is primarily renter-occupied apartments, mostly built between 1970 and 1999.
| Renter Occupied Rate | 100% |
|---|---|
| Apartment Complexes/High-Rise Share | 71.6% |
What buyers will notice right away
All housing is renter-occupied, uncommon for owner-occupants.
Vacancy rate is high, indicating many unoccupied units year-round.
Families & Lifestyle
Isla Vista is a vibrant neighborhood with a large college student population and exceptional bike commuting rates.
The neighborhood's walkability and coastal setting appeal to students and young professionals.
High renter occupancy and small unit sizes reflect a transient, student-focused community.
College-Friendly — Rated among the top 4.4% of college-friendly places in California due to safety and walkability.
Active Commuting — Exceptional biking rates support a low-carbon, active lifestyle.
| College Enrollment | 78.5% |
|---|---|
| Bicycle Commuters | 18.2% |
Demographics
| College Enrollment | 78.5% |
|---|---|
| Per Capita Income | Lower than 99.6% of U.S. neighborhoods |
| Child Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| Foreign Born | 12.2% |
| Top Languages | ["English (70.7%)","Spanish","Chinese"] |
| Top Ancestries | ["Mexican (19.8%)","Asian (12.9%)","German (10.1%)","Italian (6.2%)","English (3.5%)"] |
Commute
Isla Vista offers short commutes with many residents biking or carpooling to work.
Isla Vista supports active and short commutes, ideal for those valuing biking and carpooling.
Short Commutes — Nearly half commute under 15 minutes.
Active Transportation — Highest bike commuting rate nationally.
| Under 15 Minute Commute | 47.4% |
|---|---|
| Drive Alone | 56.8% |
| Bike to Work | 18.2% |
| Carpool | 12.7% |
Homes for sale near 93117
For-sale listings in this zip code. Open a property in HoodScore to run a safety report.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Isla Vista a good neighborhood for college students?
Yes, with 78.5% of residents enrolled in college and top safety ratings, it is highly college-friendly.
What is the housing like in Isla Vista?
Housing is mostly small apartments and high-rise complexes, with 100% renter occupancy and high vacancy rates.