Is Montecito East 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)
46 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, 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, medical aid dispatched to location near Channel Drive for multiple units including Engine 72 and Medic 33. | Channel Dr, Montecito, CA 93108 | Medical Emergency |
| Jul 16, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, fire crews were dispatched to a reported house fire near Channel Drive in Montecito. Engine 72, Medic 33, Squad 91 and a medical aid unit responded on Command 7, and radio traffic mentioned an available subject who walked away from the scene. | Channel Dr, Montecito, CA 93108 | Fire |
| Jul 16, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, officers responded to a report of a woman yelling and cursing at people near Butterfly Beach. The woman was last seen walking toward the steps to the beach, and the situation was later reported as under control. | Butterfly Beach, Montecito, CA 93108 | Disturbance |
| Jul 16, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, emergency units responded to a medical aid call on Highway 101 southbound near Sheffield Drive. | Sheffield Dr, Montecito, CA 93108 | Medical Emergency |
| Jul 16, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, firefighters were dispatched to a possible fire alarm activation near Hot Springs Road in Montecito. | Hot Springs Rd, Montecito, CA 93108 | Fire |
| Jul 16, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, officers were dispatched to a possible residential burglary alarm at a home near Sycamore Canyon Road, involving a reported family room motion activation and a person on site without the proper passcode. | Sycamore Canyon Rd, Montecito, CA 93108 | Break-In |
| Jul 16, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, dispatch received an alarm report for a possible motion sensor activation in a family room at a residence near Sycamore Canyon Road. A building representative was on scene but did not have the correct passcode. | Sycamore Canyon Rd, Montecito, CA 93108 | Break-In |
| Jul 16, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, radio traffic reports a possible vehicle accident near San Benito Way and Olive Mill Road, with medical units dispatched for aid. | San Benito Way & Olive Mill Rd, Montecito, CA 93108 | Traffic |
For all crime details - View Safety Report
Montecito East Overview
Montecito East is a rural neighborhood in Santa Barbara, CA, known for its peaceful atmosphere and high-end real estate. The median home price is $5,959,906, placing it among the most expensive neighborhoods in California and the U.S.
The area features mostly medium to large single-family homes and townhomes built primarily between 1970 and 1999. Owner occupancy is high, and the neighborhood has a significant seasonal vacancy rate, reflecting some vacation or part-time occupancy.
Quick Facts
| Adult Bachelor’s Degree or Higher | 79.5% |
|---|
Housing market and real estate character
Montecito East's housing stock consists mainly of medium to large single-family homes and townhomes, with a majority owner occupancy and a notable seasonal vacancy rate.
| Owner Occupied | Majority |
|---|---|
| Housing Age (1970-1999) | Majority |
| Seasonally Occupied | 10.1% |
What buyers will notice right away
Families & Lifestyle
Montecito East attracts affluent families, retirees, and highly educated professionals seeking a quiet and upscale environment.
| Same-Sex Partner Households | 1.6% |
|---|---|
| Child Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
Demographics
| Bachelor’s Degree or Higher | 79.5% |
|---|---|
| Executive, Manager, Professional Share | 79.2% |
| Income Rank | Top 15% |
| Child Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| English Speakers | 92.3% |
| Spanish Speakers | 6.2% |
| English Ancestry | 27.8% |
| Scottish Ancestry | 9.4% |
Commute
Most residents enjoy short commutes, with many driving alone or walking to work.
Montecito East offers a convenient commute profile with a high share of short trips and multiple transportation options.
| Commute Under 15 Minutes | 48.9% |
|---|---|
| Drive Alone Rate | 56.0% |
| Walk to Work | 10.1% |
| Carpool Rate | 7.3% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Montecito East a quiet neighborhood?
Yes, it ranks among the quietest neighborhoods in America.
What is the median home price in Montecito East?
The median home price is $5,959,906.
Are there many seasonal vacancies?
Yes, about 10.1% of housing is seasonally occupied.