Thinking about moving to Mission Hills in Santa Barbara County? While it shares a name with other California neighborhoods, like those in San Diego or the San Fernando Valley, this Mission Hills is a quiet, census-designated place located just outside of Lompoc, offering a peaceful, family-friendly alternative to fast-paced urban living. If you’re seeking wide open spaces, a tight-knit community spirit, and a slower pace of life, living in Mission Hills CA might just be exactly what you need.
This scenic area is known for its proximity to the vineyards of the Santa Ynez Valley, beautiful hiking trails, and relaxed lifestyle. Mission Hills offers small-town charm and easy access to local events, wineries, and outdoor recreation. Its rich history is tied closely to the surrounding Central Coast region, once home to Chumash tribes and later shaped by the Spanish missions like the San Fernando Mission.
So, is Mission Hills a good place to live? Yes, especially for residents seeking affordability, natural beauty, and a friendly, tight-knit atmosphere. In this guide, we’ll take a closer look at what it’s like to live in this Central Coast gem, from lifestyle and landscape to why so many Mission Hills residents love calling this place home.
Is Mission Hills a Good Place to Live?
Yes, Mission Hills is a good place to live, and you can enjoy a strong sense of community when living in Mission Hills CA. When living in this vibrant community, you can enjoy fun outdoor activities and a laid-back lifestyle.
Where Is Mission Hills CA?
If you’re considering living in Mission Hills CA, it’s important to know exactly where it’s located, especially since there are a few places in California that share the name. This Mission Hills is a census-designated place (CDP) in Santa Barbara County, situated in the Central Coast Region of California.
Mission Hills sits just north of Lompoc, one of its key neighboring cities, and is about 60 miles northwest of Santa Barbara. The area is known for its open spaces, residential neighborhoods, and easy access to the beauty of Mission Canyon.
While Mission Hills doesn’t have the same dense urban living as places like West Hills or the San Fernando Valley, that’s exactly what many people love about it. Mission Hills is roughly:
- 2.5 hours north of Downtown Los Angeles
- 4.5 hours from San Diego
- Just a short drive (about 20 minutes) to Vandenberg Space Force Base
During peak hours, travel to Santa Barbara or Downtown Los Angeles will take longer, but the trade-off is less congestion and a calmer environment. Though public transportation is limited within Mission Hills itself, nearby Lompoc offers local transit options, and the region is served by Clean Air Express buses.
Ready to make living in Mission Hills CA a reality? Give our Mission Hills movers a call. With our Mission Hills moving company by your side, you won’t need to worry about a thing.
Mission Hills Population & Demographics
There are 3,794 people living in Mission Hills CA, and the median age is 44.9, making it popular among older families. Residents living in Mission Hills CA are quite affluent, with a median household income of $106,455 (higher than the California average of $96,334).
Additional Mission Hills Demographics:
- Sex ratio: 54% female, 46% male
- Racial & ethnic composition: 86% White (44% non-Hispanic), 7% two or more races, 2% Black or African American, 2% Asian, 3% other races
- Educational attainment: 89.3% high school degree (or higher), 27.1% bachelor’s degree (or higher)
- Foreign-born population: 13.4%
Is living in Mission Hills CA safe? Let’s take a quick look at the crime rate in the CDP.
- Overall crime rate: 1,160 crimes per 100,000 people (59% lower than the state average and 49% below the national average)
- Violent crime rate: 208 crimes per 100,000 people (83% lower than the state average and 43% lower than the national average)
- Property crime rate: 952 crimes per 100,000 people (84% lower than the state average and 50% lower than the national average)
As you can see, living in Mission Hills CA is very safe, with crime rates well below the state and national averages. After moving to Mission Hills, you’ll be protected by the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office.
Mission Hills CA Cost of Living
Is living in Mission Hills CA realistic on a tight budget? Like many cities in California, Mission Hills is on the expensive end, largely due to the housing market. Mission Hills has a Cost of Living Index of 154.7, making the CDP 54.7% more expensive than the national average. It’s around the same as the Santa Barbara cost of living, and slightly more affordable than the San Diego cost of living.
According to the Economic Policy Institute, a family of four living in Mission Hills CA would need to earn $155,219 per year to live comfortably in the CDP.
Typical Mission Hills California Living Expenses
- Loaf of bread: $4.31
- Gallon of milk: $5.13
- Carton of eggs: $3.89
- Bunch of bananas: $0.81
- Gallon of gas: $4.44
- Average monthly phone bill: $209.76
- Average Mission Hills utilities per month: $222.54
Source: Payscale
If you’ll be living in Mission Hills CA, you’ll likely be navigating the Mission Hills real estate market. According to Redfin, the median home price in Mission Hills is $570,000, which is a 19.9% drop from last year. Although higher than the national average, home prices in Mission Hills are below the California average of $865,800.
If renting is more your speed, then you may be able to find a few houses for rent when living in Mission Hills CA, but there are no apartments in the CDP. The nearest apartment complexes are just a short drive away in nearby Lompoc.
Neighborhoods in Mission Hills CA | Where to Live in Mission Hills
Before moving to Mission Hills, you’ll want to find the perfect place to settle down. When living in Mission Hills CA, you’ll quickly find that the CDP is very small, and there are not many distinct neighborhoods in the area. The northern section of the city is a bit more spread out, with several picnic areas as well as the popular Mission Club, which offers an exciting championship golf course.
As you venture further south, you’ll find more amenities such as shops and restaurants, as well as historic homes that are situated a little closer together. This section of Mission Hills is also closer to Lompoc, making it a better choice for commuters living in Mission Hills CA.
Mission Hills CA Weather & Climate
When living in Mission Hills CA, you’ll enjoy a warm-summer Mediterranean climate with dry summers and wet winters. The area has better-than-average air quality, thanks to the prevailing winds off the Pacific Ocean. The Mission Hills temperature is typically very comfortable, and varies from 40ºF to 72ºF throughout the year. The temperature is rarely below freezing and rarely about 82ºF.
Things to Do in Mission Hills CA
What is there to do when living in Mission Hills CA? From recreational facilities to cultural festivals to boutique shops, there’s always something to do in Mission Hills. Here are a few things to check out when living in Mission Hills CA.
This Mission Hills park features a restored 1820s mission with 10 furnished original buildings to check out.
2295 Purisima Rd, Lompoc, CA 93436, (805) 733-3713
This beautiful park includes lush greenery, walking paths, and plenty of space for outdoor activities.
6245 Dominion Rd, Santa Maria, CA 93454, (805) 925-0951
A favorite among residents living in Mission Hills CA, this old 1804-built mission is an active church as well as a museum that offers tours and a gift shop.
1760 Mission Dr, Solvang, CA 93463, (805) 688-4815
Additional Mission Hills Attractions
Still aren’t sure what to do in Mission Hills? Check out the CDP calendar to find out about community events in the area.
Mission Hills Restaurants
Residents living in Mission Hills CA have easy access to a wide variety of local restaurants. From delicious Mexican cuisine to casual American eats, there’s something for everyone in the CDP. Here are a few of the best restaurants in Mission Hills.
Taqueria La Mision
Taqueria La Mision is a favorite among locals living in Mission Hills CA. This authentic Mexican restaurant serves up delicious tacos, homemade chips, and cold margaritas.
1410 Burton Mesa Blvd, Lompoc, CA 93436, (805) 741-7733
Stop by this contemporary hotel restaurant to enjoy craft cocktails and classic American eats like chicken wings and ribeye.
1201 N H St, Lompoc, CA 93436, (805) 735-1880
Dave’s Place is a local favorite for delicious coffee and breakfast. Menu staples include the breakfast burrito and waffle fries.
3955 Apollo Way, Lompoc, CA 93436, (805) 733-5511
Jobs in Mission Hills CA
When living in Mission Hills CA, you'll find ample opportunities for Mission Hills jobs. Because the CDP is mostly residential, most people living in Mission Hills CA commute to Lompoc for work. A few top employers in the area include Vandenberg Space Force Base, Lompoc Valley Medical Center, and Lompoc Unified School District. Vandenberg SFB is an exciting place to work, and it launches rockets, satellites, and more into space regularly.
According to Payscale, the average salary for residents living in Santa Barbara County is $90,000. If you’re looking for jobs in Mission Hills, try doing a quick search on Indeed to find opportunities in the area.
Schools in Mission Hills California
Are you moving to Mission Hills with school-aged children? When living in Mission Hills CA, you’ll be served by the Lompoc Unified School District, which serves just under 10,000 students across 15 schools and an adult learning center. This Mission Hills school district is highly ranked and serves Lompoc, Mission Hills, Vandenberg Village, and Vandenberg Air Force Base.
The closest schools to Mission Hills include Los Berros Elementary School and Mission Valley School, which offer independent study options for children to learn from both at home and in person.
For higher education options, your closest bet is the Allan Hancock College Santa Ynez Valley Center in Solvang.
Mission Hills Statistics & Information
- County: Santa Barbara County
- Mission Hills area: 1.217 square miles
- Mission Hills zip code: 93436
- Mission Hills area code: 805
- Mission Hills elevation: 325 feet
- Mission Hills time zone: Pacific Time Zone (UTC -8 and -7)
- Closest airport to Mission Hills: Lompoc City Airport (LPC), 3.1 miles away
Map of Mission Hills CA
Is Living in Mission Hills CA Right for You?
Mission Hills offers a rich history, an abundance of green space, and a peaceful lifestyle. So, is moving to Mission Hills in your future? If living in Mission Hills CA sounds great to you, then get in touch with our expert Mission Hills movers. Give Movegreen a call today at (866) 684-7336 for a free quote.
