Moving to Santa Barbara, CA

Surfing in Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara by NickiMM (CC BY 2.0)

Located on what’s been dubbed the American Riviera, Santa Barbara is one of the most coveted cities to call home. Nestled between the Pacific Ocean and the Santa Ynez Mountains, this tranquil getaway spot is only 90 miles north of Los Angeles. From the rich cultural history reflected in the old Spanish architecture to the trendy boutique restaurants overlooking the ocean, there are so many reasons to get moving to Santa Barbara.

Transportation that will get you moving to Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara Amtrak Station
Santa Barbara: Amtrak Station California by Loco Steve (CC BY 2.0)

Trolleys, trains, tandem bicycles, take your pick! Santa Barbara offers a variety of transportation options. As a popular stop on the Amtrak pacific coast rail, Santa Barbara offers visitors and residents many car-free transportation alternatives. Trollies and shuttles offer tourists transportation up and down State Street and neighboring areas while they get their shopping done without worrying about a parking spot. Rent a bike and enjoy that ocean air as you ride along the coastline.

Moving to Santa Barbara for the Shopping

Shopping in the El Paseo
Shopping Addicts by Damian Gadal (CC BY 2.0)

Santa Barbara combines the beauty of the outdoors and the luxury of boutiques to create a unique shopping experience. It’s all your favorite shops laid out on beautiful rambling streets known as “El Paseo” and State Street that will take you back to the old Spanish days while you sip your favorite ice coffee. If you’re moving to Santa Barbara for the shopping make sure to bring your reusable bags for eco-friendly style.

Santa Barbara is a Great Getaway

Santa Barbara Harbor
Downtown Santa Barbara by Damian Gadal (CC BY 2.0)

Want to get away? Santa Barbara is the go to weekend getaway for most Californians. Moving to Santa Barbara is an escape from city life. Imagine feeling the ocean breeze, visiting the neighboring vineyards and sailing away on your sailboat? With a harbor nearby, many lovers of the sea are moving to Santa Barbara and taking sail into the Pacific Ocean on the weekends.

Moving to Santa Barbara Brings you Closer to Nature

Moving to Santa Barbara gives you the unique opportunity to become a regular at the Santa Barbara Zoo. Become a sponsor and visit your favorite wild animal each week in their enriched environment. If you’re more of a marine lover, moving to Santa Barbara means you are able to go whale watching regularly at the Santa Barbara Channel and Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary. With more than 30 species of whales, dolphins, seals and sea lions you’re sure to see one of your favorites.  If you’re planning on moving to California  or looking for a laid back coastal town, moving to Santa Barbara may be the beachtown you’ve been looking for.

Santa Barbara Zoo
d156.3sixty5 – A little closer… by  edwardconde (CC BY 2.0)

Are you moving to Santa Barbara? Tell me about your favorite spots in the comments section below.