Montecito

History

The location of modern-day Montecito, together with the entire Santa Barbara County’s south coast, was inhabited by the Chumash Indians for more than 10,000 years. In the 18^th century, the Spanish came, but left the area mostly unsettled while they constructed the Mission Santa Barbara and Presidio further to the west.

During the mid 1800s, Montecito was renowned for being a sanctuary for highway robbers and bandits who hid in the canyon and oak groves and victimizing travelers on the coastal road between the cities that urbanized around the missions. The gang of bandits was gone by the end of the 19^th century, and then came the Italian settlers. Locating a site that reminds them of Italy, they constructed gardens and farms comparable to the ones back in their native land. Around the end of the 1800s, affluent travelers from the mid-west and east portions of the U.S. started to purchase land in the region. It was close enough to Santa Barbara for important services while still being isolated. On top of the availability of inexpensive property, several adjacent hot springs and lovely weather offered the guarantee of healthy, comfortable living.

George Washington Smith, an architect, is famous especially for his homes around Montecito and making the Spanish Colonial Revival design popular in the early part of the 20^th century in the U.S., and also Lutah Maria Riggs, who began in Smith’s company as a draftsman and then became a partner and soon after established her own company.

Area and Climate

Montecito is bordered by East Camino Cielo Rd. on the north, Ladera Lane and Ortega Ridge Rd. on the east and the Pacific Ocean on the south. The town does not comprise of areas, like Coast Village Rd., which despite the fact that it is often regarded a part of Montecito, is actually within Santa Barbara’s city limits, directly situated to the west. Montecito occupies the Santa Ynez Mountains’ south coastal plain’s eastern part. Portions of the town are constructed on the range’s lower foothills. Famous roads that span Montecito consist of Sycamore Canyon Rd., East Valley Rd. and Mountain Dr., all of which create    portion of State Route 192. Moreover, the U.S. 101 highway passes along the town’s south end, linking it with other towns in Santa Barbara County, as well as areas in Southern California.

There are 3,010 single-family residences in Montecito. The community is constantly ranked as one of the nation’s richest communities by Forbes magazine.

Montecito has a cool Mediterranean weather. Since the town is near the ocean, onshore breezes greatly regulate temperatures, resulting cooler summers and warmer winters compared to other towns further inland. Montecito is a popular location among gifted horticulturists and nursery men due its mild Mediterranean weather. The months of March and April are when the migration of gray whales northbound from Mexico via the Santa Barbara Channel can be seen.

Real Estate and Cost of Living

The values of real estate in Montecito average between $1.3 million and $3.5 million. Oceanfront properties, homes with spectacular views and estates start at about $3 million and can go above this figure 5 to 10 times.

In Montecito, the cost of living index as of March 2012 is 124, which is high, as the U.S. median is 100.

Lifestyle and Things to Do

Montecito is being served by 2 of the nation’s best public schools, and there are 3 golf courses (2 of which are private), a YMCA, several magnificent beaches, 2 exclusive tennis clubs, and luxury spas within close proximity. Numerous private schools are within Montecito as well, including a small liberal arts college, Westmont College. The town softly inclines up away from the ocean with beautiful streets that are lined with trees, excellent for riding bikes and walking. A lot of residences have views of the mountain and/or ocean, with majority of residences hidden behind mature trees, foliage and hedges.

Floor Plans