Is Montecito South 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)
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
Neighborhood Overview
Montecito South is a coastal suburban neighborhood in Santa Barbara, CA, known for its nautical character and oceanfront location.
The area features a mix of medium to small single-family homes and apartments, with many residences built between 1970 and 1999.
Quick Facts
| Work From Home Rate | 32.4% |
|---|---|
| Vacancy Rate | 26.0% |
Housing market and real estate character
Montecito South offers a mix of owner-occupied and rental housing, with many homes built in the late 20th century.
| Housing Age (1970-1999) | Majority built between 1970 and 1999 |
|---|---|
| Housing Type | Mix of single-family homes and apartments |
| Seasonal Occupancy | 20.0% |
What buyers will notice right away
Families & Lifestyle
Montecito South attracts retirees, college students, and executives, reflecting a diverse and affluent community.
| Retiree Friendly Rank | Top 0.4% in California |
|---|---|
| College Enrollment | 14.0% |
Demographics
| Executive/Professional Share | 70.3% |
|---|---|
| Child Poverty Rate | 28.3% |
| Income Rank | Top 15% in U.S. |
| English Speakers | 81.3% |
| French Speakers | 10.6% |
| Finnish Ancestry | 1.7% |
| Swiss Ancestry | 1.9% |
Commute
Montecito South residents enjoy short commutes and a high rate of working from home.
Montecito South's high work-from-home rate and short commutes contribute to quality of life and reduced transportation costs.
| Work From Home Rate | 32.4% |
|---|---|
| Drive Alone Rate | 59.5% |
| Carpool Rate | 6.9% |
| Commute Under 15 Minutes | 43.0% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Montecito South a good neighborhood for retirees?
Yes, it is more retiree-friendly than 99.6% of California neighborhoods, offering peace and safety.
What is the typical housing in Montecito South?
Housing includes medium to small single-family homes and apartments, mostly built between 1970 and 1999.
How expensive is housing in Montecito South?
The median home price is $4,632,337, more expensive than 99.9% of U.S. neighborhoods.