California / Santa Barbara County

Moving to Montecito, CA

Thinking of making a move to Montecito, 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 Montecito, CA

Considering a move to Montecito, CA? This welcoming community of 8,638 residents offers a blend of suburban charm and convenience, with median home prices around $4,200,000 and average rents near $6,200. Commute times average 17 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 Montecito's cost of living, education, and friendly neighborhoods to see if it's the right fit for your next move.

Demographics - Montecito, CA

Montecito has a population of 8,638 residents, offering a diverse community with a median age of nearly 53 and a balanced gender ratio. The area features a strong blend of backgrounds, with about 89% White, 1% Black, and 3% Asian residents, and over 13% speaking a language other than English at home. Its high population density contributes to a lively suburban atmosphere.

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?

The cost of living in Montecito is higher than the national average, with a cost of living index of 390.0. Median home values are around $4,200,000 and average rents for a two-bedroom apartment are approximately $6,200. Utilities, groceries, and transportation costs are also elevated, reflecting the area's desirable location and amenities.

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 is considered a safe community, with a low violent crime rate of 65 incidents per 100,000 residents and a property crime chance of 1 in 118. 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
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 experiences four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching highs of 78°F and cold winters dipping to 43°F. The area receives about 18 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
43°F
Max
65°F

Summer

Min
58°F
Max
78°F

Spring

Min
48°F
Max
72°F

Fall

Min
50°F
Max
76°F
Average Rainfall Inches
18.0 inches
Sunny Days Percentage
79%

Neighbors

The neighborhood boasts a healthy median household income of $178,000 and a low poverty rate of 7.1%. Over 99% of residents have at least a high school diploma, and nearly 69% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Commute times average 17 minutes, and almost 1% use public transportation, reflecting the area's accessibility and educated population.

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?

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

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 access to quality healthcare, with major hospitals like Cottage Hospital nearby. The community benefits from a high physician-to-resident ratio of 3.1 per 1,000 people and 94.6% health insurance coverage. Local healthcare services are reliable and comprehensive.

Major Hospitals

Name
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
3.1
Health Insurance Coverage
94.6%
Health Care Index
77.6

Housing Market

What is the housing market like in Montecito, CA?

The local housing market is strong, with a median home price of $4,200,000 and an owner-occupied rate of nearly 78%. The market has seen a 4.8% appreciation over the past year, and rental vacancy rates remain moderate at 5.1%. Montecito offers a mix of stability and opportunity for both buyers and renters.

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

Residents of Montecito 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 Montecito, CA

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

Before moving to Montecito, review the core fields on this page: population 8,638, median home value $4,200,000, average rent for 2 bedroom $6,200, commute time 17.3 minutes, and sunny days percentage 79%.

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