Are you considering living in Mission Canyon? Named for Old Mission Santa Barbara, a Spanish Colonial mission built in the late 1700s, Mission Canyon is a beautiful neighborhood of Santa Barbara and home to the highest peak in the Santa Ynez Mountains, La Cumbre Peak. The town comes with a richer historical background thanks to Old Mission Santa Barbara.
The iconic mission is a historic landmark and stands out as a reminder of the region’s rich cultural and historical heritage. The wooded and hilly landscape is great for adventurers, hikers, and explorers to get out in nature. Other popular outdoor activities in the community include biking and horseback riding.
Mission Canyon is home to several parks, including Mission Canyon Park and the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden. Residents living on hillside lots enjoy spectacular views of the Santa Barbara Mission and the Pacific Ocean, and the secluded community, among rugged terrain and abundant greenery, has a cozy feel to it.
The winding roads and trails in the neighborhood provide ample opportunities for hiking and exploration, allowing residents to explore the scenic landscapes and the diverse local flora and fauna.
You’ll love the historical charm and natural tranquility when living in Mission Canyon. Our guide will help you find out everything you need to know before moving to Mission Canyon!
Where Is Mission Canyon, CA?
Mission Canyon is a census-designated place and an unincorporated suburb on the northwest side of Santa Barbara, situated along the southern slopes of the Santa Ynez Mountains. The town is about 4 miles from downtown Santa Barbara. As one of the cities near Santa Barbara, it offers plenty of opportunities to commute. Seven Falls is to the north, Montecito is to the east, Santa Barbara is to the south, and Hope Ranch is to the west. Mission Canyon Road runs through the entire town leading from Downtown Santa Barbara to Mission Canyon.
Map of Mission Canyon CA
Explore fun things to do, neighborhoods, and more to do while living in Mission Canyon with this map!
Mission Canyon CA Population and Demographics
The Mission Canyon population is 2,500. Though living in Mission Canyon comes with a small-town feel, there are plenty of diverse cultures present. The Asian influence in the Mission Canyon area dates back hundreds of years and is celebrated each year during the Asian American Neighborhood Festival. The festival celebrates the rich Asian history and Asian American communities throughout the Santa Barbara area. The festival features local crafts, shopping, and performances such as lion dancing and hula dancing while attendees learn the significance of these dances.
Race & ethnicity of Mission Canyon
- White: 83.7% (76% White alone, not Hispanic or Latino)
- Black or African American alone: 2.1%
- Asian alone: 3.1%
- Two or more races: 3.6%
- Hispanic: 7.5%
Here's an overview of Mission Canyon's demographics:
- Population density: 1,600 per square mile
- Median age: 48.0
- Sex ratio: 43.1% males, 56.9% females
- Median household income: $196,667
- Educational attainment: 95.9% high school degree or higher, 70.6% bachelor's degree or higher
- Foreign-born population: 8.8%
- Veteran population: 92
Mission Canyon is a very safe place to live. When looking at the data, Mission Canyon is much safer than nearby towns, including the crime rate in Santa Barbara. However, because the town is small, it's the Santa Barbara Police Department and 200 sworn officers that serve the community of Mission Canyon.
The crime rate in Mission Canyon is 81% lower than the national average. There are 446 crimes per 100,000 people. Violent crime rates are 79% below the national average. There are 78 violent crimes per 100,000 people. If you’re moving to Mission Canyon in hopes of being in a safe place, you’ll love it here!
Mission Canyon CA Cost of Living
The cost of living in Mission Canyon is 144% higher than the state average and 104% higher than the California average, making it an expensive place to live. Mission Canyon CA real estate is the costliest part of the Mission Canyon cost of living. Housing costs in Mission Canyon are 347% higher than the state average.
Those living in Mission Canyon mostly own their homes. The median sale price of Mission Canyon CA homes for sale is $2,580,000. The average cost per square foot of the Mission Canyon CA homes currently for sale is $767. Check out the many current homes for sale in Mission Canyon CA.
The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Mission Canyon is $2,688 per month, according to Rent Café, which is slightly lower than in downtown Santa Barbara, where the average rent is $2,960 per month. You can find Mission Canyon CA apartments for rent and Mission Canyon CA houses for rent on Rent Cafe.
Typical Mission Canyon Santa Barbara CA Living Expenses:
- Meal, inexpensive restaurant: $20.00
- Domestic beer: $8.00
- 1 gallon of milk: $4.15
- Dozen eggs: $4.00
- 1 pound of chicken: $4.60
- Average Mission Canyon monthly utility bill: $174.09
Source: Numbeo, Santa Barbara
The Best Neighborhoods in Mission Canyon
There are many neighborhoods in Santa Barbara, and Mission Canyon is one of the best. Living in Mission Canyon is like residing in one large neighborhood. The residential neighborhood of Mission Canyon features many properties on hillside lots on La Cumbre Peak. Mission Canyon has an eclectic collection of homes located throughout the city, including historic houses, English cottages from the 1920s and 30s, ranch-style homes, Tudors, Bungalows, Spanish style, and more modern architecture. Mission Canyon borders Seven Falls, a beautiful land that makes for great hiking in the foothills.
Most of the streets are winding and narrow and snake their way up La Cumbre Peak from the canyon below. The homes in Mission Canyon are nestled close together, giving the community a cozy feel surrounded by the quiet rustling of trees and great walking trails. Because many homes face the Pacific Ocean, residents have stunning panoramic views of the Santa Barbara Mission, the sea, and islands in the distance.
Stone walls, mature trees, and lots of flowers and vegetation surround many of the single family homes there. Popular areas are State Street and Foothill Road.
Mission Canyon CA Weather & Climate
Those living in Mission Canyon will experience great weather year-round. Like Santa Barbara’s weather, Mission Canyon CA has a mild Mediterranean climate that makes for warm, sunny summers with temperatures typically in the mid-60s up to the high 80s. Winter temperatures typically drop into the 40s, but you’ll rarely see snow in Mission Canyon.
It rains about 20 inches a year there, mostly during winter and early spring. One thing you’ll get a lot of in Mission Canyon is sunshine, with an average of 285 sunny days per year. The US average is 205 sunny days. The best time to visit Mission Canyon is from mid-June to late September to enjoy all that sunshine.
Things to Do in Mission Canyon CA
Mission Canyon offers residents easy access to fun activities for all ages. In addition, enjoy convenient shopping at La Cumbre Plaza, Loreto Plaza, and Mission Creek Plaza Shopping Center. Here are some of the top things to do near Mission Canyon:
Founded in 1786 and constructed in Spanish Colonial style, Old Mission Santa Barbara is situated on 15 acres overlooking the Pacific Ocean. With a beautiful Mission Church, a historic cemetery and mausoleum, a nine-room museum of historical artwork and artifacts, and multiple lush gardens, there’s plenty to see at the mission.
2201 Laguna St, Santa Barbara, CA 93105, (805) 682-4713
Looking for something fun to do while living in Mission Canyon? The Santa Barbara Botanic Garden covers 78 acres with more than 1,000 species of rare and indigenous plants. The garden also has nearly 6 miles of hiking trails to explore. Mission Creek, which flows through the garden, includes a rock dam built in 1806 by Native Americans.
1212 Mission Canyon Rd, Santa Barbara, CA 93105, (805) 682-4726
The Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History features 10 indoor exhibit halls that showcase regional natural history, including astronomy, birds, insects, geology, mammals, marine life, paleontology, plant life, and the Chumash Indians. The museum also has a research library and an art gallery. It’s the only museum to house a full-dome planetarium on the Central Coast of California.
2559 Puesta Del Sol, Santa Barbara, CA 93105, (805) 682-4711
Additional Attractions Near Mission Canyon, CA:
For more fun and things to do while living in Mission Canyon, several parks near Mission Canyon offer lots of activities. Rocky Nook Park is set among oak and sycamore trees. The park spans 19.59 acres and features grills, picnic tables, hiking trails, horseshoes, and a playground.
At Mission Historical Park, explore the ruins of Mission Santa Barbara’s old reservoir, aqueduct, tannery vats, filter house, grist mill, and pottery. The onsite A. C. Postel Memorial Rose Garden has over 1,500 rose bushes and large grassy areas for lawn picnicking. Skofield Park is 35 acres of natural open space preserved with a nature path, picnic areas, bird-watching opportunities, and native oak groves.
Mission Canyon CA Restaurants
Living in Mission Canyon comes with some very good local places to eat. You can find Italian, Mexican, American, and more. Here are some of the most popular dining establishments near Mission Canyon:
Garrett's Old Fashioned Restaurant
If you’re living in Mission Canyon, you can’t miss out on this local restaurant. Garrett's Old Fashioned Restaurant is a popular homestyle diner serving breakfast and lunch. They offer up all the traditional American fare, such as omelets, French toast, burgers, pancakes, and more. The atmosphere is always welcoming at Garrett’s.
2001 State St, Santa Barbara, CA 93105, (805) 569-0400
Those living in Mission Canyon rave about this local favorite! Los Agaves is an award-winning, family-owned and operated, contemporary Mexican restaurant that serves traditional dishes with a creative twist. They make every dish from scratch and feature bold flavors and high-quality ingredients. Signature dishes include the Los Agaves Enchiladas and the Chiles Nortenos.
2911 De La Vina St, Santa Barbara, CA 93105, (805) 682-2600
Petrini’s Italian Restaurant is family-owned and operated, serving delicious Old World Italian dishes and the best Italian cuisine to those living in Mission Canyon. They use only the best ingredients and prepare each dish only after you order. They want the best for their customers. Locals rave about their food. From large calzones to freshly baked pizza, pasta, and more, Petrini’s has something for every taste.
14 W Calle Laureles, Santa Barbara, CA 93105, (805) 687-8888
Jobs in Mission Canyon CA
While you won’t find many jobs within the city, those living in Mission Canyon will likely commute to nearby Santa Barbara. Mission Canyon is a residential community, but major industries in the area include tourism, agriculture services, and education. The city’s proximity to Santa Barbara offers many employment possibilities.
One of the major employers near Mission Canyon is Deckers Brands. With about 4,800 employees, Deckers Brands designs and distributes footwear. Their shoe brands include UGG, Teva, Hoka One One, and Koolaburra.
Other top employers near Mission Canyon include QAD, Inc., University of California, Santa Barbara, and Cottage Health. If you’re looking for a job in Mission Canyon, take a look at job openings on Indeed and other job search sites.
Schools in Mission Canyon CA
Those living in Mission Canyon have access to some of the best schools in the area. Mission Canyon is served by the Santa Barbara Unified School District, which is home to some of the highest-rated public schools in California. The district is made up of 12 elementary schools, four junior high schools, and five high schools.
With programs such as the Career and Technical Education, where students can explore their passions and develop professional skills that will serve them for the rest of their lives, the Secondary Advanced Learning Program, and Dual Language Immersion in English and Spanish, the district is preparing students to be well rounded, productive members of society.
In addition, the Santa Monica Public Library has three separate branches, where you can check out books, magazines, DVDs, audio and e-books, CDs, and more.
If you're living in Mission Canyon and want your kids to go to private school, there are many options out there. The best private school options near Mission Canyon include Laguna Blanca, Our Lady of Mount Carmel School, and Anacapa School.
Or, you may want to further your education in Mission Canyon! Options include the California Institute of Technology, the University of Southern California Santa Barbara, Westmont College, and Santa Barbara City College. There are so many opportunities for learning while living in Mission Canyon.
Mission Canyon CA Statistics & Information
- County: Santa Barbara County
- Area: 10457 square miles
- Mission Canyon zip code: 93105
- Area codes: 805
- Elevation: 633 feet
- Time zone: Pacific Time Zone (UTC -7 and -8)
- Closest airport: Santa Barbara Airport
Are you interested in living in Mission Canyon? Mission Canyon offers residents a peaceful and great place to live. If you're moving to Mission Canyon, you need help safely getting you and your belongings there! Whether you need help with apartment moving or long distance moving, we’re here.
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