Bel Air, Santa Barbara
Is Bel Air a Safe Place to Live? Housing, Crime & Buyer Guide
Explore safety, home prices, commute patterns, and neighborhood insights in Santa Barbara, 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)
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
$1,980,414
Average Rent
$4,402
Vacancy Rate
5.6%
Nearby neighborhoods
Bel Air at a Glance
Bel Air is a suburban neighborhood in Santa Barbara, California, known for its high median home price of $1,980,414, which is more expensive than 90.4% of California neighborhoods.
The community features a mix of medium to small single-family homes and apartments, with many residences built between 1940 and 1969. It has a relatively low vacancy rate of 5.6%.
Bel Air stands out for having some of the lowest child poverty rates in the U.S. and is considered a top choice for retirees and highly educated professionals.
The neighborhood is linguistically diverse, with English as the dominant language and notable shares speaking Spanish and German/Yiddish.
SuburbanHigh Home PricesLow Child PovertyDiverse Languages
Quick Facts
| Short Commutes | 54.3% commute under 15 minutes |
|---|
Housing market and real estate character
Bel Air's housing stock consists mainly of medium to small single-family homes and apartments, with a mix of owners and renters. Many homes were built between 1940 and 1999.
| Housing Age | Many homes built 1940-1969, some 1970-1999 |
|---|---|
| Housing Type | Mix of single-family homes and apartments |
| Owner Occupancy | Mixed owner and renter occupancy |
What buyers will notice right away
Many homes are older and well-established, reflecting a mature community.
A mix of owners and renters offers diverse housing options.
Families & Lifestyle
Bel Air offers a family-friendly environment with very low child poverty and a strong presence of college-educated seniors and professionals.
Low child poverty supports family stability.
High retiree-friendly ranking indicates amenities for older adults.
Diverse Age Groups — Residents include college-educated seniors and active professionals.
Cultural Mix — A unique blend of occupational and cultural groups enriches community character.
| Child Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
|---|---|
| Retiree-Friendly Ranking | Top 5.9% in California |
Demographics & Culture
| Executive/Professional Share | 52.9% |
|---|---|
| College Educated | High proportion of college-educated residents |
| Income Level | Above average income |
| Foreign Born | 18.9% |
| Top Languages | ["English 68.7%","Spanish","German/Yiddish 2.6%"] |
| Top Ancestries | ["Mexican 30.4%","English 17.4%","German 14.3%","Italian 11.5%","Irish 7.3%"] |
Commute Patterns
Most residents enjoy short commutes, with a majority driving alone to work.
Bel Air's short commute times and moderate carpooling rates reflect a suburban lifestyle with convenient access to work.
Short Commutes — Over half of residents commute under 15 minutes.
Car Usage — Most residents drive alone, with a notable share carpooling.
| Commute Under 15 Minutes | 54.3% |
|---|---|
| Drive Alone Rate | 64.1% |
| Carpool Rate | 12.2% |
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
What is the median home price in Bel Air?
The median home price is $1,980,414, higher than 90.4% of California neighborhoods.
How diverse is Bel Air?
Bel Air has a diverse population with significant Mexican, English, German, Italian, and Irish ancestries, and languages including English, Spanish, and German/Yiddish.
What are typical commute times?
Most residents have short commutes, with 54.3% commuting under 15 minutes.