Just west of Santa Barbara, tucked between the Pacific Ocean and UCSB, lies Isla Vista, a sun-soaked slice of paradise known for its youthful energy and unbeatable ocean views. Originally a farming area turned into military housing during WWII, Isla Vista blossomed into a lively college town in the 1960s and has been buzzing with energy ever since.
If youβre thinking about moving to Isla Vista, get ready for a community where flip-flops are the norm, the beach is your backyard, and college students bring constant life to the neighborhood. From sandy shores to taco stands and sunsets, Isla Vista offers a laid-back lifestyle that attracts residents who love surfing, sunshine, and a strong sense of community. Hereβs everything you should know about living in Isla Vista CA.
Is Isla Vista CA a Good Place to Live?
Isla Vista CA is a good place to live. This beach community offers residents amazing weather, easy access to the ocean, and a laid-back lifestyle. Youβll also enjoy easy access to Santa Barbara when living in Isla Vista CA.
Where Is Isla Vista?
Isla Vista is an unincorporated community and census-designated place (CDP) in Santa Barbara County and is just 11.8 miles from Downtown Santa Barbara. When living in Santa Barbara CA, youβll be close to nearby communities like Goleta and Simi Valley. Isla Vista lies on a flat plateau separated from the beach by a bluff.
Most residents living in Isla Vista CA own a vehicle, but the small community is walkable, with sidewalk-lined streets and plenty of shops and restaurants to explore. The nearest bus stop is 1.4 miles away and is served by the Santa Barbara MTD.
Are you ready to make living in Isla Vista CA a reality? Get in touch with our reliable Isla Vista movers! With our Isla Vista moving company by your side, you wonβt need to worry about a thing.
Isla Vista Population & Demographics
How many people are living in Isla Vista CA? There are 15,500 people living in Isla Vista CA, and the CDP is a part of the Santa Barbara metropolitan area. The majority of residents in the area are college students, and the median age is 21.2. The young student population also affects the CDPβs median household income, which currently sits at $24,428. A few notable people from Isla Vista include mixed martial artist Urijah Faber and Cydia creator Jay Freeman.
Additional Isla Vista Demographics:
- Sex ratio: 56% female, 44% male
- Racial & ethnic composition: 60.2% White (53.2% non-Hispanic), 15.7% Asian, 8.7% two or more races, 4.8% Black or African American, 2.0% American Indian
- Educational attainment: 90.6% high school degree (or higher), 40.8% bachelorβs degree (or higher)
- Foreign-born population: 11.7%
Before moving to Isla Vista, youβll want to consider the crime rate in the area. Since Isla Vista is a small, unincorporated community, there is not too much crime data for the area. However, the nearby community of Goleta sees similar figures. In Goleta, the overall crime rate is 37.6% lower than the state average and 23.7% lower than the national average.
Violent and property crimes are also well below the state and national averages. Isla Vista sees similar statistics and is, therefore, a safe place to live.
When living in Isla Vista CA, youβll be protected by both the Santa Barbara County Sheriffβs Office and the unique Isla Vista Foot Patrol. The Isla Vista Foot Patrol consists of deputies and officers who patrol the area primarily on foot and bicycle due to the large student population.
Isla Vista California Cost of Living
Is living in Isla Vista CA affordable? Like most of California, Isla Vista has a higher-than-average cost of living. The Cost of Living Index in Isla Vista is 154.7, meaning that the community is 54.7% more expensive than the national average.
According to the Economic Policy Institute, a family of four living in Isla Vista CA would need to earn $155,219 per year to live comfortably in the CDP.
Typical Isla Vista Living Expenses
- Meal at an inexpensive restaurant: $22.00
- Cappuccino: $5.81
- Gallon of milk: $4.67
- Pound of tomatoes: $2.15
- Bottle of wine: $15.00
- Gallon of gas: $4.74
- Average Isla Vista utilities per month: $194.44
Source: Numbeo*
* These numbers are for Santa Barbara, but you can expect similar figures when living in Isla Vista CA.
Are you looking to buy or rent Isla Vista real estate after moving to the area? There are plenty of Isla Vista CA homes for sale, ranging from spacious single-family homes to cozy townhomes and apartments. Houses in Isla Vista are pricey, with an average home price of $2.3 million, according to Redfin.
If youβre more interested in Isla Vista apartments, you can expect an average rent of $3,155 per month, according to RentCafe. A few popular apartment complexes in the area include Del Playa Apartments and Isla Vista Apartments.
Neighborhoods in Isla Vista | Where to Live in Isla Vista California
Looking for the perfect neighborhood when living in Isla Vista CA? Isla Vista is only 1.86 square miles, so you wonβt find many distinct neighborhoods in the area. However, depending on your lifestyle, some areas may be better than others.
If youβre looking for waterfront properties, then head to the southern portion of the CDP along Del Playa Drive. This area features large homes with amazing views of the Pacific.Β
If you are living in Isla Vista CA with students or are a student yourself, then the eastern portion of the community is the place to be. This is where the University of California, Santa Barbara is located, and thereβs always something to do in this area. Youβll find plenty of great bars and restaurants as well as a wide variety of apartment rentals to choose from.
Isla Vista CA Weather & Climate
What kind of weather can you expect when living in Isla Vista CA? After moving to Isla Vista, youβll experience a warm-summer Mediterranean climate. This climate is the same as Santa Barbaraβs, which was ranked number 1 in the United States in 2024-2025 by U.S. News & World Report.
The pleasant weather in Isla Vista offers plenty of time to hit the beach and soak up the sun all year round. Throughout the year, the Isla Vista temperature ranges from 42ΒΊF to 74ΒΊF. Winter storms in the area can bring heavy rainfall, with an average annual rainfall of 18.1 inches.
Things to Do in Isla Vista CA
What is there to do when living in Isla Vista? In addition to hitting the beach, you can shop at places like Isla Vista Market, Island View Outfitters, and Camino Real Marketplace. Youβll also find plenty of great hotels in Isla Vista for your friends and family to occupy when visiting! These are just some of the best things to do in Isla Vista CA.
Head over to this park to enjoy one of the best outlooks in all of California, with unobstructed views of the Pacific Ocean.
6787 Del Playa Dr, Isla Vista, CA 93117, (805) 968-2017
Arroyo Hondo Vista Point
This scenic spot is a must-visit when living in Isla Vista CA. Stop here for a peaceful walk along the ocean any time of year.
15550 El Camino Real, Goleta, CA 93117
Located just outside of Isla Vista, this museum features historical artifacts as well as a live shark touch pool, a tidepool tank, and sea specimens.
211 Stearns Wharf, Santa Barbara, CA 93101, (805) 962-2526
Additional Isla Vista Attractions
Isla Vista Restaurants
When living in Isla Vista CA, youβll find plenty of great places to grab a bite to eat. Whether youβre looking for a greasy meal in the middle of the night or a refined seafood dinner, this community has a spot for you. These are the best restaurants in Isla Vista.
Donβt skip out on Elubiaβs Kitchen after moving to Isla Vista. Here, youβll find tacos, pupusas plates, and more.
6578 Trigo Rd Unit A, Isla Vista, CA 93117, (805) 724-4877
A popular spot among college students and residents alike, Woodstockβs Pizza serves up handmade pies and plenty of beers on tap.
928 Embarcadero del Norte, Isla Vista, CA 93117, (805) 968-6969
Head over to Boathouse at Hendryβs Beach for some of the best seafood in town. You can even sit outside on the heated outdoor patio to enjoy panoramic ocean views.
2981 Cliff Dr, Santa Barbara, CA 93109, (805) 898-2628
Jobs in Isla Vista CA
Living in Isla Vista CA provides both local employment opportunities and convenient access to neighboring job markets. The top employer in Isla Vista is the University of California, Santa Barbara, which provides several academic and administrative positions. Most of the other jobs in the area come in the form of hospitality, retail, and service at local businesses.
Additionally, you can commute to nearby cities like Goleta and Santa Barbara, where youβll find top employers like Raytheon, Yardi Systems Inc., Sansum Clinic, and Santa Barbara City College.
According to Payscale, the average salary for the Santa Barbara/Isla Vista area is $88,000. If youβll be on the job hunt when living in Isla Vista CA, then search for βIsla Vista CA jobsβ on Indeed.
Schools in Isla Vista California
Moving to Isla Vista is a popular choice among families looking for top-rated schooling. First and foremost, Isla Vista is a college town and a popular place to live among UCSB students. Home to the University of California Santa Barbara campus, Isla Vista is one of the best places in all of California for college students to reside. UCSB offers more than 200 majors and provides several resources to ensure the academic success of its students.
If youβre living in Isla Vista CA with younger kids, then youβll be a part of the Goleta Union School District. This school district serves 3,700 elementary students. After elementary school, you will transition into the Santa Barbara Unified School District.
Isla Vista Statistics & Information
- County: Santa Barbara County
- Isla Vista area: 1.86 square miles
- Isla Vista zip code: 93117
- Isla Vista area code: 805
- Isla Vista elevation: 46 feet
- Isla Vista time zone: Pacific Time Zone (UTC -7 and -8)
- Closest airport to Isla Vista: Santa Barbara Airport (SBA), 3.8 miles away
Isla Vista Map
Refer to this map when living in Isla Vista CA.
Is Living in Isla Vista CA in Your Future?
If living in Isla Vista CA sounds great to you, then let the Isla Vista movers at Movegreen assist you along the way! With our team by your side, moving to Isla Vista will be smooth and stress-free. To discuss your move and get started with a free quote, give our team a call at (866) 684-7336.
