In the midst of the oppressive heat of summer, it's nice to fantasize for a moment about a cooler climate -- mid- to high-70s, perhaps -- located oceanside, perhaps with some mountains, as well. It's hard to imagine a more desirable locale to live and work than Santa Barbara, California, a city loved for its spectacular scenery, friendly climate, and relaxed lifestyle.

Santa Barbara is situated in a low coastal valley. A mountain range lies to the north, and the Pacific Ocean lies south. The combination of those two geographical varieties brings tropical trade winds and a healthy dose moisture to the city. You'll find no shortage of green here. Flowers bloom year-round, and located off the coast are the Channel Islands, home to the world's largest kelp forest. The average temperature in Santa Barbara during the summer ranges anywhere from a minimum 56 degrees to a maximum of 72 degrees. Average winter temperatures range from 47 to 66 degrees. Santa Barbara enjoys in excess of 275 sunny days per year.

Approximately 90,000 people live in Santa Barbara proper. City statistics indicate that the cost of living here is similar and occasionally somewhat higher than metropolitan Los Angeles' more upscale suburbs (read: expensive compared with other U.S. cities). However, the city's good air quality and its breathtaking scenery may offset any financial considerations for prospective relocators to Santa Barbara.

Greater Santa Barbara boasts 37 developed parks, and its climate has generated a great amount of local interest in recreational activities. Salt-water fishing is a year-round sport here, particularly in Lake Cachuma, where plenty of trout and bass are up for grabs. The greater Santa Barbara area contains about 15 beaches, including Hammond's Meadow, Hendry's Beach, East Beach, Summerland, and Goleta Beach. Whale-watching is a favorite pastime of residents and visitors alike. California Grey Whales and other whale species make regular appearances in the Santa Barbara Channel, particularly during the fall and spring months during the California Grey Whales' migration between Mexico and Alaska.

For a city of 90,000, Santa Barbara has a surprisingly high number of eateries -- 400 of them, to be exact. Many of the city's restaurants reflect its diverse population and offer exotic foreign foods. An annual summer ethnic festival also celebrates the city's many cultures.

Home prices in Santa Barbara continue to increase, as is the case in most of California. The city's more affordable neighborhoods are located on the west side of State Street and on the ocean side of Highway 101 in Goleta. Hope Ranch and Montecito are among Santa Barbara's highest-priced neighborhoods.

Santa Barbara boasts an abundance of celebrity residents, and in fact, celebrity-watching may prove to be an even more popular sport than the various outdoor activities common here. Believe it or not, an official site on the Web lists the city's famous residents -- along with the disclaimer that many of these secretive Celebes have since moved away quietly. Chef Julia Child and singer Kenny Loggins have lived here their entire lives and probably never plan to leave. Nevertheless, here's a sampling of high-profile Santa Barbara residents, both past and present:

• Michael Douglas, actor
• Kevin Costner, actor/director
• Jackson Browne, singer
• Steve Martin, actor
• Jonathan Winters, actor
• Rob Lowe, actor
• Steven Seagal, actor
• Ronald Reagan, former president of the United States
• Warren Christopher, former secretary of state
• John Cleese, actor
• Kathy Ireland, model
• Geena Davis, actress
• Whoopi Goldberg, actress

Visitors to Santa Barbara, beware. Once you set eyes on this utopia located just 92 miles away from the congestion of Los Angeles, thoughts of relocation won't be far behind.

Published: July 23, 1998

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