Upper East, Santa Barbara
Is Upper East 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)
Severe113
Medium89
Low149
Other965
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
$2,592,166
Average Rent
$4,049
Vacancy Rate
8.8%
Nearby neighborhoods
Neighborhood Overview
Upper East is an urban neighborhood in Santa Barbara with a median home price of $2,592,166, ranking it among the most expensive in California.
The area features historic homes, a mix of owners and renters, and some of the shortest commute times in the nation.
UrbanHistoric HomesShort Commute
Quick Facts
| Short Commute Rate | 47.1% under 15 minutes |
|---|---|
| Child Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
Housing market and real estate character
Upper East's housing stock includes small to medium single-family homes and apartments, many built before 1940 or between 1940 and 1969.
| Vacancy Rate | 8.8% |
|---|---|
| Housing Age | Mostly built before 1940 and 1940-1969 |
| Housing Type | Small to medium single-family homes and apartments |
| Owner vs Renter Mix | Balanced ownership and rental occupancy |
What buyers will notice right away
Many homes are historic, built no later than 1939, with some older.
Vacancy rate is near the national median, indicating stable occupancy.
Families & Lifestyle
Upper East is a wealthy neighborhood with a highly educated population and no child poverty.
Highly Educated — Nearly three-quarters of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher.
Short Commutes — Almost half of residents commute under 15 minutes, supporting work-life balance.
| Bachelor's Degree or Higher | 74.6% |
|---|---|
| Child Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| Executive/Professional Employment | 63.3% |
Demographics
| Executive/Professional Share | 63.3% |
|---|---|
| High Income Level | Higher than 91.9% of US neighborhoods |
| British Ancestry | 3.7% |
| Armenian Ancestry | 1.4% |
| Foreign Born Residents | 16.1% |
Commute
Upper East residents enjoy some of the shortest commutes in the country, with many driving alone or walking to work.
Upper East offers short commute times and a balanced mix of transportation modes, enhancing quality of life.
Short Commutes — 47.1% of residents commute under 15 minutes, one of the shortest rates nationwide.
Car Use — Most residents drive alone, but walking to work is also common.
| Drive Alone Rate | 61.4% |
|---|---|
| Walk to Work Rate | 6.9% |
| Main Commute Time | Under 15 minutes |
Homes for sale near 93101
For-sale listings in this zip code. Open a property in HoodScore to run a safety report.
$1,499,000
2 bd | 3 ba | 1,696 sqft
220 Santa Barbara St Unit D
Santa Barbara, CA, 93101
$1,575,000
2 bd | 3 ba | 1,954 sqft
218 Santa Barbara St Unit D
Santa Barbara, CA, 93101
$2,324,000
2 bd | 2 ba | 1,696 sqft
216 Santa Barbara St Unit C
Santa Barbara, CA, 93101
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the median home price in Upper East?
The median home price is $2,592,166, more expensive than 95.0% of California neighborhoods.
How educated are Upper East residents?
74.6% of adults have at least a bachelor's degree, higher than 95.8% of U.S. neighborhoods.
What is the child poverty rate in Upper East?
0.0%, lower than 100% of U.S. neighborhoods.