Living on the Eastside: Why I Love It & Why You Might Too
As someone who lives on the Eastside of Santa Barbara, I can honestly say it’s one of the best-kept secrets in town. This little pocket—above Milpas, below Salinas Street, and south of the Santa Barbara Bowl—offers the perfect blend of walkability, convenience, and local charm. We bike to the Funk Zone and East Beach, take a short drive to Montecito for a nice dinner, and best of all, walk to some of Santa Barbara’s best spots, including:
- Buena Onda – The go-to place for incredible empanadas.
- Los Agaves – A neighborhood staple for fresh, delicious Mexican food right on Milpas Street.
- Third Window Brewing – A 15-minute walk for great craft beer, natural wine and the best smash burgers you will ever have!
- Los Altos – Family-run Milpas Mexican restaurant, they have a great happy hour and the perfect outdoor patio.
- Lito’s Famous Burritos – Just a 10-minute walk and a must-try for breakfast burritos.
- The Shop on Milpas – One of the best brunch spots in town
Another huge perk? Being able to walk to the grocery store. Having Trader Joe’s just down the street is a game changer, especially with a baby. Whether it's a quick trip for essentials, a last-minute dinner run, or just a casual stroll to grab a few things, it makes everyday life so much easier.
And let's talk about The Santa Barbara Bowl - one of the best music venues in California, practically in our backyard. Biking to shows is a dream, and they even have a bike valet, making it the easiest way to get in and out without the parking hassle.
Market Update: Now Might Be the Time to Buy
When looking at Santa Barbara real estate, the Eastside is the most affordable area, making it a great opportunity to jump into homeownership before prices rise even more. Over the past year, the average home price here was $1,556,554​. Prices have been trending upward in 2025, with current active listings averaging $1,429,000 and pending homes around $1,495,000​. (As of March 14, 2025)
If you’re looking for a walkable, convenient, and affordable spot in Santa Barbara, buying Real Estate on the Eastside might be your best move!
Talk Soon!
