Santa Barbara Neighborhood
Is East Mesa 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
$2,409,268
Average Rent
$4,848
Vacancy Rate
12.7%
Nearby neighborhoods
Overview
East Mesa is a coastal urban neighborhood in Santa Barbara, California, known for its nautical atmosphere and waterfront location.
The area features a mix of medium to small single-family homes and apartments, with many residences built between 1940 and 1999.
CoastalUrbanNauticalCollege-Focused
Quick Facts
| College Enrollment | 11.4% |
|---|
Housing market and real estate character
East Mesa's housing stock consists mainly of medium to small single-family homes and apartment complexes, with a mix of owners and renters.
| Vacancy Rate | 12.7% |
|---|---|
| Seasonal Occupancy | 7.9% |
| Housing Age | Many homes built between 1940 and 1999 |
| Owner Occupied Rate |
What buyers will notice right away
Vacancy is above average, partly due to seasonal occupancy, which may affect year-round availability.
Most homes are older, reflecting a well-established neighborhood character.
Families & Lifestyle
East Mesa has a significant college student population and a diverse occupational mix, contributing to its unique community feel.
Nautical and Walkable — The neighborhood's coastal and historic character offers a distinctive seaside atmosphere.
| College Enrollment | 11.4% |
|---|---|
| Executive/Professional Employment | 47.4% |
Demographics
| Executive/Professional Share | 47.4% |
|---|---|
| Income Level | Above average |
| Child Poverty Rate | 2.6% |
| Foreign Born | 10.6% |
| Top Languages | ["English (83.4%)","Spanish (8.4%)","Japanese (1.5%)"] |
| Top Ancestries | ["Mexican (21.3%)","German (12.4%)","English (11.3%)","Irish (8.0%)","Italian (7.3%)","Danish (2.3%)","Portuguese (2.3%)"] |
Commute
Most East Mesa residents have moderate commute times and rely on private vehicles, with a notable share biking to work.
East Mesa offers a balanced commute profile with strong bike commuting and moderate drive times.
Bike Friendly — 3.9% bike commute rate is among the highest nationally.
Moderate Drive Times — Nearly half of commuters spend 15-30 minutes traveling to work.
| Main Commute Time | 15-30 minutes |
|---|---|
| Drive Alone Rate | 53.3% |
| Carpool Rate | 15.2% |
| Bicycle Commute Rate | 3.9% |
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 East Mesa a coastal neighborhood?
Yes, East Mesa is located on the ocean, a bay, or inlet, giving it a coastal character.
What is the typical commute like in East Mesa?
Most residents have a commute between 15 and 30 minutes, with many driving alone or carpooling.