Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Montecito, CA
Considering a move to Montecito, CA? This exclusive coastal enclave offers a small-town feel with just 8,638 residents and a median home price of $4.2 million. With a high cost of living, stunning Spanish-style estates, and top-rated schools, Montecito boasts low crime rates, short 17-minute average commutes, and 79% sunny days a year. Excellent education options and mild Mediterranean weather round out a lifestyle marked by luxury and tranquility.
Demographics - Montecito, CA
Demographics - Montecito, CA
Montecito is a small, upscale community of 8,638 residents, characterized by a predominantly White population and a median age of 53.4, reflecting a mature and established neighborhood. The area is known for its low population density and a balanced gender ratio, attracting those seeking a quiet, refined lifestyle. Around 12.5% of locals speak a language other than English, adding a touch of cultural diversity.
Population:
8,638
Density:
1,110 per sq mi
Median Age:
53.4
Gender Ratio:
90 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
12.5%
Ethnic Composition
White:
88.5%
Black:
0.6%
Asian:
3.1%
Others:
7.8%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Montecito, CA?
Living in Montecito comes with a high price tag, with the median home value at $4.2 million and average monthly rent reaching $6,200, making it one of California’s most exclusive communities. The cost of living index is significantly above the national average, driven primarily by housing expenses. Residents also experience above-average costs in groceries, transportation, and utilities, reflecting the area’s premium lifestyle.
Median House Value:
$4,200,000
Gross Rent:
$6,200
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$170
Auto Insurance:
$2,100
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$8,750
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$1,450
State Taxes:
Low:
1%
|
High:
13.3%
Cost Of Living Index:
390.0
Grocery:
145.0
Housing:
950.0
Utilities:
106.0
Transportation:
120.0
Health Care:
114.0
Miscellaneous:
140.0
Crime
Is Montecito, CA a safe place to live?
Montecito enjoys remarkably low crime rates, with only 65 violent crimes per 100,000 residents and a property crime rate of 850 per 100,000, well below national averages. The chance of being a victim of violent crime is just 1 in 1,540, contributing to the community’s reputation for safety and peace of mind. This secure environment is a major draw for families and retirees alike.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
65
Property Crimes Per 100k:
850
Crime Index:
915
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 1,540
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 118
Weather
What is the weather like in Montecito, CA year-round?
Montecito offers a mild Mediterranean climate, featuring warm, dry summers with highs around 78°F and mild winters with lows averaging 43°F. The area enjoys 79% sunny days annually and receives about 18 inches of rainfall, making it ideal for outdoor living year-round. The comfortable weather is a key factor in Montecito’s desirability.
Winter
Min:
43°F
Max:
65°F
Spring
Min:
48°F
Max:
72°F
Summer
Min:
58°F
Max:
78°F
Fall
Min:
50°F
Max:
76°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
18.0 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
79%
Neighbors
Residents of Montecito benefit from high household incomes, with the median household income at $178,000 and a poverty rate of just 7.1%. The community is well-educated, with nearly 70% holding a bachelor’s degree or higher, and enjoys short average commute times of about 17 minutes. Low unemployment and limited reliance on public transportation further underscore the area’s affluence and convenience.
Median Income:
$65,300
Household Income:
$178,000
Family Income:
$210,000
Per Capita Income:
$109,000
Income Male:
$120,000
Income Female:
$97,500
Poverty Rate:
7.1%
Non English Speakers:
12.5%
Rent:
$6,200
Unemployment Rate:
3.8%
Public Transport Usage:
1.1%
Commute Time:
17.3 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
98.5%
Bachelors or More:
69.2%
Education
How are the schools in Montecito, CA?
Education in Montecito is top-notch, with highly-rated public schools like Montecito Union and Cold Spring Elementary offering small class sizes and strong academic programs. The community also features respected private schools and is located within easy reach of Santa Barbara City College and UC Santa Barbara. Families enjoy excellent educational opportunities from elementary through college.
Public Schools
Name:
Montecito Union School
Street:
385 San Ysidro Rd
Phone:
805-969-3249
Students:
405
Student Teacher Ratio:
12.0
Name:
Cold Spring Elementary
Street:
2243 Sycamore Canyon Rd
Phone:
805-969-2678
Students:
180
Student Teacher Ratio:
11.5
Private Schools
Name:
Laguna Blanca School
Street:
260 San Ysidro Rd
Phone:
805-687-2461
Students:
350
Colleges
Name:
Santa Barbara City College
City:
Santa Barbara
State:
CA
Distance:
6 miles
Students:
15,000
Name:
UC Santa Barbara
City:
Santa Barbara
State:
CA
Distance:
13 miles
Students:
26,000
Healthcare
Montecito residents have excellent access to healthcare, with major facilities like Cottage Hospital nearby and 3.1 physicians available per 1,000 people. Health insurance coverage is high, at 94.6%, ensuring the vast majority of locals receive quality care. The area’s strong healthcare infrastructure is complemented by a favorable healthcare index, supporting a healthy lifestyle.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Cottage Hospital
Address:
400 W Pueblo St, Santa Barbara, CA 93105
Phone:
(805) 682-7111
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
3.1
Health Insurance Coverage:
94.6%
Health Care Index:
77.6
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Montecito, CA?
Montecito’s housing market is defined by luxury, with a median home price of $4.2 million and high owner-occupancy rates at 78%. The market remains stable, showing a 4.8% annual appreciation and low foreclosure rates. Rental opportunities are limited, but vacancy rates are low, reflecting strong demand for the area’s exclusive properties.
Median Home Price:
$4,200,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$6,200
Owner Occupied Rate:
78.0%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
5.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.8%
New Construction Rate:
0.7%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.2%
DMV Information
Montecito residents are served by the California Department of Motor Vehicles, conveniently located in neighboring Santa Barbara. The DMV offers a full range of vehicle and licensing services, with accessible contact information and an easy-to-navigate website. Residents benefit from proximity to state resources for all motor vehicle needs.
State:
California
Department:
California Department of Motor Vehicles
Address:
535 Castillo St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101
Phone:
1-800-777-0133
Website:
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.