Is University of California-Santa Barbara 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)
41 Registered Offenders Nearby
Crime Details:
Recent reported incidents in the past 12 months (newest first). Up to 10 records.
| Crime date | Crime description | Address | Crime category |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jul 16, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, medic 25 is dispatched to a medical emergency near South Patterson Avenue. The specific medical complaint is not clear from communications. | S Patterson Ave, Santa Barbara, CA 93111 | Medical Emergency |
| Jul 16, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, medical aid dispatched near S Patterson Ave, Santa Barbara, with unit E D responding. Incident type to be referenced on command tablet. | S Patterson Ave, Santa Barbara, CA 93111 | Medical Emergency |
| Jul 16, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, officers appear to be handling a traffic stop and vehicle records check near South Patterson Avenue involving a 2019 Honda and a 2019 Kia. The vehicles are linked to prior registration and probation history information. | S Patterson Ave, Santa Barbara, CA 93111 | Traffic |
| Jul 16, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, a medical aid was dispatched near Craigmont Drive with Medic 33 and Medic Engine 14 responding. | Craigmont Dr, Goleta, CA 93117 | Medical Emergency |
| Jul 16, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, a medical emergency was reported near Craigmont Drive. Fire and medical units responded but later found no fire or hazards and deemed it a faulty alarm. | Craigmont Dr, Goleta, CA 93117 | Medical Emergency |
| Jul 16, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, medical aid was dispatched to a location near South Patterson Avenue. Medic 35 responded on command two. | S Patterson Ave, Santa Barbara, CA 93111 | Medical Emergency |
| Jul 16, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, a medical emergency appears to involve a victim at the rear of a location on Sylvan Drive. No pole number is available for the location according to Medic Engine 14. | Sylvan Dr, Goleta, CA 93117 | Medical Emergency |
| Jul 16, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, medic 25 dispatched to a medical emergency near South Patterson Avenue with instructions to respond on Command 2. Incident type is unclear from available information. | S Patterson Ave, Santa Barbara, CA 93111 | Medical Emergency |
| Jul 16, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, medical emergency reported near Rio Vista Drive. Truck 11 and Medic 31 are responding. | Rio Vista Dr, Goleta, CA 93117 | Medical Emergency |
| Jul 16, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, medical aid was dispatched near Market Place Drive with Medic Engine 11. | Market Pl Dr, Goleta, CA 93117 | Medical Emergency |
For all crime details - View Safety Report
Nearby neighborhoods
Neighborhood Overview
University of California-Santa Barbara is an urban neighborhood in Goleta, CA, known for its strong college presence and walkable environment.
The area features mostly newer housing built since 2000, with a high renter occupancy rate and tight housing supply.
Quick Facts
| College Enrollment | 55.1% |
|---|
Housing market and real estate character
The neighborhood's housing stock is primarily small to medium apartments and single-family homes, with a very high renter occupancy rate.
| Renter Occupied | 84.2% |
|---|---|
| Vacancy Rate | 1.8% |
| Housing Age | Many built 2000 or later; some 1970-1999 |
| Housing Type | Small to medium apartments and single-family homes |
What buyers will notice right away
Families & Lifestyle
This neighborhood is popular with college students and young professionals, offering a safe and walkable environment.
| College Enrollment | 55.1% |
|---|---|
| Walk to Work | 12.5% |
Demographics & Culture
| Executive/Professional Occupations | 67.6% |
|---|---|
| Child Poverty Rate | 7.8% |
| Income Rank | Top 15% in U.S. |
| Asian Ancestry | 27.3% |
| Armenian Ancestry | 1.0% |
| Chinese Language Speakers | 14.0% |
| Foreign Born | 24.8% |
Commute Patterns
Residents enjoy short commutes with strong options for biking and walking.
Short, active commutes contribute to quality of life and reduce transportation costs.
| Under 15 Minute Commute | 48.5% |
|---|---|
| Drive Alone | 41.8% |
| Bike to Work | 10.3% |
| Walk to Work | 12.5% |
| Carpool | 11.8% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is University of California-Santa Barbara neighborhood safe?
The neighborhood has an above average safety rating according to NeighborhoodScout's research.
What types of housing are available?
Housing includes small to medium apartments and single-family homes, mostly renter occupied.
Is this neighborhood good for college students?
Yes, it is rated among the top 1.5% of college-friendly neighborhoods in California.