California / County

Moving to Isla Vista, CA

Thinking of making a move to Isla Vista, CA? Get helpful local information about living costs, neighborhoods, schools, weather, housing, DMV details, and practical relocation details before you plan your move.

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Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Isla Vista, CA

Considering a move to Isla Vista, CA? This welcoming community of 15,500 residents offers a blend of suburban charm and convenience, with median home prices around $900,000 and average rents near $2,600. Commute times average 14 minutes and public transport is accessible, making it great for professionals. The area boasts low violent crime, strong schools, and plenty of sunny days (79% annually), ideal for families and commuters alike. Explore Isla Vista's cost of living, education, and friendly neighborhoods to see if it's the right fit for your next move.

Demographics - Isla Vista, CA

Isla Vista has a population of 15,500 residents, offering a diverse community with a median age of nearly 22 and a balanced gender ratio. The area features a strong blend of backgrounds, with about 50% White, 2% Black, and 11% Asian residents, and over 18% speaking a language other than English at home. Its high population density contributes to a lively suburban atmosphere.

Population
15,500
Density
12,500 per sq mi
Median Age
21.5
Gender Ratio
95 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage
18%

Ethnic Composition

White
50.1%
Black
2.2%
Asian
11.2%

Cost Of Living

What is the average cost of living in Isla Vista, CA?

The cost of living in Isla Vista is higher than the national average, with a cost of living index of 165.0. Median home values are around $900,000 and average rents for a two-bedroom apartment are approximately $2,200. Utilities, groceries, and transportation costs are also elevated, reflecting the area's desirable location and amenities.

Median House Value
$900,000
Gross Rent
$2,200
Monthly Electricity Charges
$110
Auto Insurance
$1,600
House Owner Cost With Mortgage
$3,500
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage
$900
State Taxes
Low: 1%| High: 13.3%
Cost Of Living Index
165.0
Grocery
118.5
Housing
240.0
Utilities
110.0
Transportation
130.0
Health Care
112.0
Miscellaneous
105.0

Crime

Is Isla Vista, CA a safe place to live?

Isla Vista is considered a safe community, with a low violent crime rate of 270 incidents per 100,000 residents and a property crime chance of 1 in 36. Most residents enjoy peace of mind, making it an attractive choice for families. The crime index remains below many urban areas in California.

Violent Crimes Per 100k
270
Property Crimes Per 100k
2,800
Crime Index
3,070
Chance Of Violent Crime
1 in 370
Chance Of Property Crime
1 in 36

Weather

What is the weather like in Isla Vista, CA year-round?

Isla Vista experiences four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching highs of 75°F and cold winters dipping to 42°F. The area receives about 16 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine on 79% of days. This climate offers residents a balanced mix of outdoor opportunities year-round.

Winter

Min
42°F
Max
65°F

Summer

Min
56°F
Max
75°F

Spring

Min
48°F
Max
70°F

Fall

Min
50°F
Max
73°F
Average Rainfall Inches
16 inches
Sunny Days Percentage
79%

Neighbors

The neighborhood boasts a healthy median household income of $38,500 and a low poverty rate of 56.2%. Over 97% of residents have at least a high school diploma, and nearly 45% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Commute times average 14 minutes, and almost 8% use public transportation, reflecting the area's accessibility and educated population.

Median Income
$19,700
Household Income
$38,500
Family Income
$72,000
Per Capita Income
$14,000
Income Male
$17,000
Income Female
$13,800
Poverty Rate
56.2%
Non English Speakers
18%
Rent
$2,200
Unemployment Rate
7.6%
Public Transport Usage
8.1%
Commute Time
14 minutes

Education

High School or Higher
97.2%
Bachelors or More
44.5%

Education

How are the schools in Isla Vista, CA?

Isla Vista offers quality education options, with public schools like Isla Vista Elementary School known for favorable student-to-teacher ratios. Families also have access to private schools and several nearby colleges, including University of California, Santa Barbara and Santa Barbara City College. The community is committed to educational excellence for all age groups.

Public Schools

Name
Isla Vista Elementary School
Street
6875 El Colegio Rd
Phone
805-685-4418
Students
550
Student Teacher Ratio
17.5

Colleges

Name
University of California, Santa Barbara
City
Santa Barbara
State
CA
Distance
0.5 miles
Students
26,000
Name
Santa Barbara City College
City
Santa Barbara
State
CA
Distance
12 miles
Students
13,900

Healthcare

Isla Vista residents have access to quality healthcare, with major hospitals like Goleta Valley Cottage Hospital and Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital nearby. The community benefits from a high physician-to-resident ratio of 2.6 per 1,000 people and 91.3% health insurance coverage. Local healthcare services are reliable and comprehensive.

Major Hospitals

Name
Goleta Valley Cottage Hospital
Address
351 S Patterson Ave, Santa Barbara, CA 93111
Phone
(805) 967-3411
Type
General & Surgical
Emergency Services
Yes
Name
Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital
Address
400 W Pueblo St, Santa Barbara, CA 93105
Phone
(805) 682-7111
Type
General & Surgical
Emergency Services
Yes

Healthcare Access

Physicians Per 1000
2.6
Health Insurance Coverage
91.3%
Health Care Index
78.2

Housing Market

What is the housing market like in Isla Vista, CA?

The local housing market is strong, with a median home price of $900,000 and an owner-occupied rate of nearly 7%. The market has seen a 4.5% appreciation over the past year, and rental vacancy rates remain moderate at 3.7%. Isla Vista offers a mix of stability and opportunity for both buyers and renters.

Median Home Price
$900,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom
$2,600
Owner Occupied Rate
6.5%
Rental Vacancy Rate
3.7%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr)
4.5%
New Construction Rate
0.8%
Foreclosure Rate
0.2%

DMV Information

Residents of Isla Vista handle vehicle services through the California Department of Motor Vehicles, conveniently located in Santa Barbara. The state DMV provides driver licensing, vehicle registration, and other essential services both in person and online. Information and resources are easily accessible for new and existing residents.

State
California
Department
California Department of Motor Vehicles
Address
535 Castillo St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101
Phone
1-800-777-0133

Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.

FAQs About Moving to Isla Vista, CA

Answers use the same city data shown on this page, including costs, housing, schools, safety, weather, healthcare, and DMV details.

Before moving to Isla Vista, review the core fields on this page: population 15,500, median home value $900,000, average rent for 2 bedroom $2,600, commute time 14 minutes, and sunny days percentage 79%.

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