Alta Mesa, Santa Barbara
Is Alta Mesa a Safe Place to Live? Housing, Crime & Buyer Guide
Explore safety, home prices, commute patterns, and neighborhood insights in Santa Barbara, CA - 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)
Severe112
Medium83
Low137
Other951
98 Registered Offenders Nearby
Rape17
Child involved76
Assault19
Other7
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, an officer conducts a traffic stop on southbound Highway 101 just past Milpas involving a white Acura and runs a vehicle registration check. | US-101, Santa Barbara, CA | Traffic |
| Jul 16, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, deputies conducted a welfare and vehicle check on cars stopped on the shoulder of US-101 southbound near Milpas in Santa Barbara, after a caller reported a vehicle parked oddly with hazard lights on. One person connected to the situation was noted as being on county probation and listed as the restrained party in an existing protection order. | US-101, Santa Barbara, CA | Suspicious Activity |
| Jul 16, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, officers conducted a possible DUI traffic stop on northbound US-101 near Las Positas Road in Santa Barbara. Multiple units contacted occupants of a vehicle parked on the right shoulder with hazard lights on. Radio checks referenced prior probation, a restraining order out of Oregon, and arson registration information for involved subjects. | Las Positas Rd, Santa Barbara, CA | Substance Use |
| Jul 16, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, medic 23 dispatched to a location near West Pueblo Street, apartment (number withheld), to respond on command two; incident type may involve a tablet command. | W Pueblo St #3a, Santa Barbara, CA 93105 | Medical Emergency |
| Jul 16, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, medical aid dispatched near State Street. Responding on Command 2. | State St, Santa Barbara, CA 93105 | Medical Emergency |
| Jul 16, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, units are responding to a possible fire alarm activation near the 600 block of East Cabrillo Boulevard in Santa Barbara. | E Cabrillo Blvd, Santa Barbara, CA 93103 | Fire |
| Jul 16, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, fire crews are responding to a reported fire alarm ringing near the 600 block of East Cabrillo Boulevard in Santa Barbara. | E Cabrillo Blvd, Santa Barbara, CA 93103 | Fire |
| Jul 16, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, engine 75 was dispatched to a possible hazardous condition at a location on Calle Manzanita in Santa Barbara and instructed to respond on Command 2. | Calle Manzanita, Santa Barbara, CA 93105 | Fire |
| Jul 16, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, medical aid was dispatched near Highway 101 and Las Positas Road involving Engine 74 and unit 24. | Las Positas Rd, Santa Barbara, CA | Medical Emergency |
| Jul 16, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, medical aid units were dispatched to an apparent emergency near West Anapamu Street and San Andres Street. | San Andres St & W Anapamu St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101 | Medical Emergency |
For all crime details - View Safety Report
Median Home Price
$2,437,842
Average Rent
$4,369
Vacancy Rate
1.4%
Nearby neighborhoods
Alta Mesa Overview
Alta Mesa is a suburban neighborhood in Santa Barbara, CA, with a median home price of $2,437,842. It features a mix of small to medium single-family homes and apartments.
The neighborhood has a low vacancy rate of 1.4%, indicating tight housing supply. It is popular with college students, with 16.1% of residents enrolled in college.
SuburbanCollege-FriendlyLow VacancyMixed Housing
Quick Facts
| College Enrollment | 16.1% |
|---|
Housing market and real estate character
Alta Mesa offers a mix of small to medium homes and apartments, with a tight housing supply and strong appeal to college students.
| Housing Type | Small to medium single-family homes and apartments |
|---|---|
| Housing Age (1970-1999) | Majority |
What buyers will notice right away
Low vacancy rate indicates strong demand and limited supply.
Popular among students due to walkability and safety.
Families & Lifestyle
Alta Mesa is ideal for college students, active retirees, and educated professionals seeking a safe and walkable neighborhood.
Walkability and safety ratings support student and retiree lifestyles.
Low child poverty rate reflects economic well-being.
College Students — Neighborhood changes with academic calendar, popular among students.
Professionals and Retirees — Also attractive to highly educated executives and active retirees.
| College Enrollment | 16.1% |
|---|---|
| Child Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
Demographics
| Executive, Management, Professional Share | 58.7 |
|---|---|
| Sales and Service Employment | 28.9 |
| Income Rank | Above average |
| Child Poverty Rate | 0 |
| English Speakers | 85.3% |
| Spanish Speakers | 12.4% |
| Iranian Ancestry | 1.4% |
Commute
Alta Mesa residents enjoy short commutes with a high rate of driving alone and some carpooling.
Alta Mesa offers very short commutes and is a top neighborhood for bicycle commuters.
Short Commutes — Over half of residents commute under 15 minutes.
Bike Friendly — 2.7% bike to work, higher than 95.2% of U.S. neighborhoods.
| Commute Under 15 Minutes | 56.4% |
|---|---|
| Drive Alone Rate | 68.2 |
| Carpool Rate | 11 |
| Bicycle Commute Rate | 2.7 |
Homes for sale near 93109
For-sale listings in this zip code. Open a property in HoodScore to run a safety report.
$4,698,700
3 bd | 3 ba | 2,752 sqft
1643 La Vista Del Oceano Dr
Santa Barbara, CA, 93109
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Alta Mesa good for college students?
Yes, it ranks among the top 4% of college-friendly places in California.
What is the vacancy rate in Alta Mesa?
The vacancy rate is low at 1.4%, indicating tight housing supply.
How common is biking to work?
2.7% of residents bike to work, higher than 95.2% of U.S. neighborhoods.