Is living in Solvang CA your next move? Solvang, which is Danish for "sunny field", is known as "The Danish Capital of America" due to its beautiful, Danish-style architecture. It’s sometimes known as Little Denmark. Buildings throughout the city exhibit the half-timbered style of Danish rural houses. Solvang attracts over one million visitors a year to see the architecture, the Danish windmills, the statues of Hans Christian Andersen and The Little Mermaid replica, and the Danish rural church.
Danish music and folk dancing, as well as several restaurants and pastry shops that serve Danish specialties, add to the city’s appeal as a tourist destination. Solvang also has many wineries, great schools, festivals, such as the annual Solvang Danish Days event, museums, parks, and more. Living in Solvang CA comes with many great aspects!
Where Is Solvang, CA?
Solvang is a city in Santa Barbara County, situated in the Santa Ynez Valley. Solvang Downtown is about 33 miles northeast of Santa Barbara and about 15 miles north of the Pacific Ocean. Its location in the heart of the Santa Ynez Valley makes it a gorgeous place to reside in Southern California. You can take State Route 246 or Mission Drive to go through Solvang.
Map of Solvang CA
Living in Solvang CA? Check out this map of the famous Dutch town in California!
Solvang CA Population and Demographics
The Solvang population is 6,126, according to the latest Census Bureau public number. Danish Americans first settled in the area in 1911, and Danish influence can be seen everywhere in the city, including half-timbered buildings, windmills, Danish bakeries, and replicas of famous Danish landmarks. Living in Solvang CA feels like living in another country.
The annual Danish Days festival celebrates Danish culture with traditional music, folk dancing, parades, and authentic Danish cuisine. Julefest, held throughout December, celebrates Danish-style Christmas traditions, including the Nisse Adventure, where guests search for hidden elf-like creatures, a Tree Lighting Ceremony, holiday-themed performances, and a traditional Christmas Market. Keep all of this in mind when you’re living in Solvang CA!
Race & Ethnicity
- White alone 72.7%
- Black or African American alone 0.5%
- American Indian and Native Alaskan alone 0.0%
- Asian alone 3.3%
- Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander alone 0.3%
- Two or more race 16.1%
- Hispanic 22.1%
- White alone, not Hispanic or Latino, 67.7%
Solvang's Demographics
- Population density: 2,500 per square mile
- Average household size: 2.3
- Median age: 50.6
- Sex ratio: 46.0% males, 54.0% females
- Median household income: $118,208
- Educational attainment: 92.8% high school degree or higher, 38.5% bachelor's degree or higher
- Foreign-born population: 17.9%
- Veteran population: 348
Is Solvang Safe?
Solvang is a very safe place to live. When living in Solvang CA, you do not have to worry about much crime. The Solvang Station of the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office provides quality law enforcement by serving and protecting the citizens of Solvang through innovation, hard work, dedication, and partnership.
The crime rate in Solvang is 41% lower than the national average. There are 1,370 crimes per 100,000 people. Violent crime rates are 46% below the national average. There are 201 violent crimes per 100,000 people, well below the state average of 500 violent crimes per 100,000 people.
Solvang CA Cost of Living
The cost of living in Solvang CA is 75% higher than the national average, although it is only 35% higher than the California state average, according to the latest Census Bureau info. Housing costs make up the biggest portion of the Solvang cost of living. Housing costs in Solvang are 120% higher than the state average.
The median sale price of a home in Solvang is $820,000, and the average price per square foot is $521. Check out the many current homes for sale in Solvang CA. The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Solvang is $2,391 a month for an 831-square-foot apartment, according to RentCafe. Residents in Sacramento pay about $1,898 a month in rent, as a comparison. You can find apartments for rent and homes for rent in Solvang CA on RentCafe.
Typical Solvang Living Expenses:
- Meal, inexpensive restaurant: $23.50
- Domestic beer: $8.00
- 1 gallon of milk: $4.53
- Dozen eggs: $4.42
- 1 pound of chicken: $5.69
- Average Solvang monthly utility bill: $183.32
Source: Numbeo, Santa Barbara
The Best Neighborhoods in Solvang
The communities in Solvang are mostly made up of single-story homes with tiled roofs and stucco exteriors. Many of the homes were built from the 1960s to the 1990s. Common home types in the city include traditional ranch-style homes, condominiums, and townhomes to choose from when living in Solvang CA.
Some new construction homes are also available, as are large, custom-built grand estates. Solvang communities have access to nearby parks, which are sprinkled throughout the city, as well as the Los Padres National Forest. Hans Christian Andersen Park, named after the prolific Danish author Solvang Park, and Nojoqui Falls Park are some of the popular parks that residents can enjoy.
Shopping is also conveniently close with local shops and a Wednesday afternoon farmers market. Nearby dining ranges from quick local bites to Danish bakeries to upscale restaurants. With over 100 wineries in the area, you’re never far from a wine-tasting opportunity when living in Solvang.
Solvang CA Weather & Climate
Solvang features a mild Mediterranean climate that brings warm, dry summers and cool, wet winters. The average yearly temperature in Solvang ranges from the high 50s to the mid-70s. Extreme temperature variations are very rare. Summer highs reach 83 degrees, while January lows drop to 39 degrees. Rainfall typically amounts to light sprinkles in the winter months. The average rainfall per year is 19 inches. Solvang gets a lot of sunshine per year, averaging 287 sunny days, due to its location in between the ocean and mountains. The US average is 205 sunny days. You won’t have to worry about snow while living in Solvang CA.
What Is the Best Time to Visit Solvang?
The best time to visit Solvang is from late June to late September.
Things to Do in Solvang CA
Need to know what to do in Solvang CA? Solvang offers plenty of fun and entertainment, whether you like museums, outdoor activities, or sightseeing. The city is home to 6 windmills. The first one was constructed in 1922. In addition, enjoy convenient shopping at Old Mill Shopping Center, Pieces of the Past Vintage and Antiques Collective, and Solvang Village Square. Here are some of the top Solvang CA things to do:
The museum, dedicated to Hans Christian Andersen, one of the greatest children’s authors of all times, offers a look into the life and work of the author. Visitors can take a tour of his works and learn a bit more about him and his writing at mini Lectures. Check it out if you’re living in Solvang CA.
1680 Mission Dr, Solvang, CA 93463, (805) 688-2052
The Elverhøj, pronounced “Elverhoy”, documents the history of the village of Solvang, celebrates Danish culture and the Danish-American immigrant experience, and promotes fine art and local artists. The many museum exhibits include photos, artifacts, and video displays.
1624 Elverhoy Way, Solvang, CA 93463, (805) 686-1211
The popular Hans Christian Andersen Park spans 52 acres and is covered with large live oak trees. The park includes a skate park with huge half pipes, a small wooden playground, a large playground with tall slides, and picnic tables. Hiking trails in the park are great for walking or biking.
633 Chalk Hill Rd, Solvang, CA 93463, (805) 688-7529
Additional Attractions in Solvang, CA:
Is Solvang, CA Worth Visiting?
Solvang California is definitely worth visiting, especially for Solvang Danish Days. It’s also exciting to be living in Solvang CA! It's also a beautiful place to visit Santa Ynez Valley. Since Santa Ynez Valley has some of the best wine tasting in California, it's a great destination for wine tasting in some of the top tasting rooms.
Wondering what to see in Solvang CA? Visitors come to town from all over the world to tour the heart of the town. Solvang Danish Days is a festival you won't want to miss! Solvang at Christmas is very beautiful as well. While you're here, also check out the beautiful Bethania Lutheran Church.
Solvang CA Parks
While living in Solvang CA, you’ll have several parks to choose from. Solvang is home to several parks, including Hans Christian Anderson Park, Solvang Park, and Sunny Fields Park, which feature playgrounds, picnic areas, and lots of open spaces. In addition, Solvang Parks & Recreation hosts events throughout the year, such as an annual Easter Eggstravaganza, with the biggest Easter egg hunt in the area, a haunted house in October, a mother-son Hawaiian-style luau with music, games, and dancing, and Movies in the Park on Friday nights. Keep this in mind when moving to Solvang!
Solvang CA Restaurants
As the European town in California, there are some very good local restaurants and eateries in Solvang, but don’t forget about the Solvang Danish village bakeries while living in Solvang CA! Here are some of the most popular dining establishments near Solvang:
The Solvang Restaurant serves traditional Danish and American Food. They feature Aebleskiver, a puffy Danish pancake ball. Traditionally served during the Christmas and Easter holidays in Denmark, you can get one all year round at the Solvang restaurant. Menu highlights include Danish Sausage, Belgian Waffles, and Viking burgers.
1672 Copenhagen Dr #2759, Solvang, CA 93463, (805) 688-4645
One of Solvang’s top restaurants, Mad & Vin, features mouth-watering wine country-inspired cuisine. Every dish is made with fresh, seasonal ingredients from California's central coast. They also serve traditional and craft cocktails, beer, and the best locally produced wine.
1576 Mission Dr, Solvang, CA 93463, (805) 697-7048
The menu at Paula’s features a variety of Danish pancakes and traditional American breakfast fare. Everything is prepared in-house using only the freshest local ingredients. Stop in at lunchtime for a burger or sandwich.
1531 Mission Dr, Solvang, CA 93463, (805) 688-2867
Jobs in Solvang CA
The major industries in Solvang include accommodation and food services, professional, scientific, and technical services, health care and social services, retail, and manufacturing. The town’s proximity to Sacramento offers many employment possibilities. One of the major employers in Solvang is Alisal Guest Ranch & Resort. Covering 10,500 acres, the ranch offers guests a modern taste of the old West with horseback riding, mountain bike riding, golf, rodeos, and more.
Alisal Ranch employs about 331 people. Other top employers near Solvang include Atterdag Village, New Frontiers Market, Santa Ynez Valley Cottage Hospital, and Solvang Unified School District. If you’re looking for a job in Solvang, take a look at job openings on Indeed, the City of Solvang Employment Opportunities, and other job search sites while living in Solvang CA.
Schools in Solvang CA
The Solvang School District serves students in Solvang from K-8 at Solvang School. High school students typically attend Santa Ynez Valley High, which is one of 2 high schools in the Santa Ynez Valley Union High School District. Both school districts are A-rated and have great schools. The core values at Santa Ynez High are academic and organizational excellence, integrity, opportunity, community, and innovation. The rigorous and broad academic programs strive to engage social, emotional, and physical well-being in a positive and supportive learning environment while living in Solvang CA.
Solvang has some great private school options as well. A few of the top private schools in Solvang include Midland School, Dunn School, and Santa Ynez Valley Christian Academy.
Are you looking for further educational opportunities? Great options near Solvang include the University of California Santa Barbara, California State University Northridge, Allan Hancock College, and East Los Angeles College.
If you’re looking for a nice, relaxing day, the Solvang Library Branch of the Santa Ynez Valley Libraries offers books, magazines, ebooks, movies, music, and fun events and programs for kids.
What Movies Have Been Filmed in Solvang, California?
Some notable films shot in Solvang include:
- Sideways (2004) – This critically acclaimed comedy-drama, centered around a wine-tasting road trip through California’s wine country, features several scenes filmed in Solvang and nearby Santa Ynez Valley. Solvang is the Sideways movie location.
- The Ugly Truth (2009) – Some scenes from this romantic comedy, starring Katherine Heigl and Gerard Butler, were filmed in Solvang.
- Kiss the Girls (1997) – This thriller, starring Morgan Freeman and Ashley Judd, features a few scenes set in and around Solvang.
- Danish and Blue (1970) – A lesser-known adult film set in Solvang, notable for its unique setting rather than mainstream appeal.
Solvang CA Statistics & Information
- County: Santa Barbara County
- Area: 2.43 square miles
- Solvang zip code: 93463, 93464
- Area code: 805
- Elevation: 505 feet
- Time zone: Pacific Time Zone (UTC-7 and -8)
- Closest airport: Santa Barbara Airport
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