Last Updated on: 1st August 2023, 01:34 pm
Nestled along the picturesque coast of Santa Barbara County, Goleta, nicknamed “the Good Land,” is a charming city that offers a wonderful balance of coastal living and small-town charm, as well as a close position to the famous UCSB. Goleta is known for its idyllic climate, stunning beaches, and thriving community, Goleta has become a sought-after destination for those looking to relocate to Southern California. If you are considering a move to this beautiful city, you certainly won’t be disappointed with its attractions, beauty, and community. If you want to make one of the most beautiful areas of California your home, moving to Goleta is the right choice for you!
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Table of Contents
Where Is Goleta, CA?
Goleta is in Santa Barbara County, nestled right in the center of Santa Barbara’s metropolitan area and making up one of a few suburban components of the city. It’s one of the closest cities near Santa Barbara. Goleta is directly north of University of California, Santa Barbara, and Isla Vista. It’s 8.5 miles from Goleta, CA to Santa Barbara, CA.
Goleta, CA Population & Demographics
The population of Goleta is 32,677, distributed over 7.9 miles at a population density of about 4,100 people per square mile. The median age here is 35, and 23.7% of residents are foreign born, 53% of whom come from Latin America. 48% of Goleta’s population has a bachelors degree or higher certification, an unsurprisingly high figure for a city with one of California’s most prestigious universities right next to it.
Celebrities and notable people who live in Goleta include pop star Katy Perry, blues singer Kim Wilson, and professional baseball player Danny Duffy.
The demographics of Goleta’s population are diverse, with 60.9% White (47.5% non-Hispanic). The second largest demographic is Hispanics, making up 36.9% of Goleta’s population. Goleta’s male/female sex ratio is slightly weighted towards men, at 51%.
Goleta is a safe place to live! The Goleta crime rate is 11% lower than the national average with 2,074 crimes annually per 100,000 people. The property crime rate is 3.9% lower than the national average, while the violent crime rate is 50% lower. The community of Goleta is served by the Goleta Police Department.
Cost of Living in Goleta, CA
California is not an affordable state in the slightest, and living in one of the most beautiful and sought-after areas of the state will come with its price hike. The cost of living index for Goleta is 78.2% higher than the national average. Based on a figure from the Economic Policy Institute, a family of four will need a yearly income of $122,397 to live in Goleta.
The median home price in Goleta is $1,277,500, more than double the average California home price of $573,200. If you want to make yourself a part of this community, check out the latest listings for Goleta CA homes for sale.
According to RentCafe, the average rent in Goleta and nearby areas is around $2,949 per month for 783 square feet.
Goleta, CA Everyday Expenses
Want to know what sort of daily expenses you’ll be paying in Goleta? Check out these everyday expenses for Goleta, provided by Numbeo.
- Gallon of Milk – $4.57
- Loaf of Bread – $4.50
- Gallon of Gasoline – $5.48
- Average Goleta Utilities per Month – $371 (per Doxo)
- Internet per Month – $96.49
Where to Live in Goleta, CA
Want to know about the general layout of Goleta? Goleta is more-or-less considered a neighborhood of Santa Barbara, so it doesn’t have neighborhoods to call its own, per se – however, there’s still plenty to know about real estate in the area!
According to Redfin, the most expensive property in Goleta is actually located in the western sections of the city limits, where land becomes more rural, and properties vastly grow in size, becoming the Spanish-style villas the area is known for. “Affordable property” is relative in a city like this, but lower-cost, more compact real estate tends to be located in the eastern regions, where the city meets with Isla Vista and Santa Barbara itself.
Goleta, CA Climate & Weather
According to the Koppen Climate Classification, Goleta is a warm-summer Mediterranean climate. Goleta’s climate is everything people desire in California’s climate – warm weather, little rain, no humidity, and the wonderful Mediterranean climate of the coast. You can expect lows of 43 degrees Fahrenheit during the winter months and highs of 73 degrees Fahrenheit during the summer months. The best times to visit Goleta, in terms of comfort rating, are July and August.
Goleta gets significantly less than the average amount of rainfall for the United States, with 18 inches per year. Goleta does not experience snow. Goleta and Santa Barbara are generally sheltered from most natural disasters, but earthquakes and wildfires are known to affect the area.
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Things to Do in Goleta
Wondering about the best things to do in Goleta, CA? Be sure to check out great shopping in the community, like the Calle Real Shopping Center and the Camino Real Marketplace! You should also check out some of the best things to do in the Goleta, CA area below.
Goleta Beach Park
Easily among the most beloved of Goleta’s attractions, the Goleta Beach Park is a beautiful beach with a 1,500-foot pier and great surfing.
5986 Sandspit Rd, Goleta, CA 93117, (805) 568-2461
Lake Los Carneros Park
Set around the beautiful Lake Los Carneros, this park is a must-visit for a relaxing day outdoors with family in Goleta.
N Los Carneros Rd, Goleta, CA 93117, (805) 961-7500
Gaviota State Park
Three thousand acres in size, the Gaviota State Park stretches from Goleta’s iconic beaches all the way to the beautiful SB mountains. This is one park you won’t want to miss!
1595 US-101, Goleta, CA 93117, (805) 968-1033
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Additional Attractions in Goleta
Goleta is served by the Goleta parks & recreation department. See upcoming events and attractions on the Goleta event calendar.
Restaurants in Goleta
This community has a wide variety of excellent eateries! Check out some of the best places to eat in Goleta, California below.
Los Agaves
Set in an airy and upscale environment, Los Agaves provides the very best authentic Central American food in Goleta.
7024 Market Pl Dr, Goleta, CA 93117, (805) 968-4000
Pepe’s Mexican Food
If Los Agaves more fancy setting isn’t quite your speed, the widely-beloved Pepe’s Mexican Food may be just your thing, a favorite among Goleta locals.
254 Orange Ave, Goleta, CA 93117, (805) 967-0313
Cajun Kitchen Cafe
A local mini-chain in the Goleta area, Cajun Kitchen Cafe specializes in New Orleans fare, bring the taste of the South out west!
6831 Hollister Ave A, Goleta, CA 93117, (805) 571-1517
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Jobs in Goleta, CA
Right in the center of a tech hub, and next to one of the best universities in the state, job opportunities are many in the Goleta area! The most popular positions in Goleta are Mechanical Engineer, Manufacturing Engineer, and Software Engineer. The most popular employers in Goleta are Raytheon Co., University of California, Santa Barbara, and Ametek, Inc.. The average salary for a worker in Goleta is $85k a year, while the average hourly wage is $21.12, according to Payscale.
See the latest openings for jobs in Goleta here. Check out City of Goleta jobs here.
Goleta, CA Schools
Goleta is served jointly by the Santa Barbara Unified Public School District and the Goleta Union Public School District, together maintaining around a dozen primary and secondary schools within city limits. Of the schools in the Goleta area, the most notable is the Goleta Valley Junior High School, which provides one of the top high school experiences in the area.
Of course, any description of education in the Goleta area would be remiss not to mention the outstanding University of California, Santa Barbara that stands just south of the campus. UCSB is one of the top universities in the state, and in the country generally.
Students and others residing in Goleta are served by the Goleta Valley Public Library.
Goleta, CA Statistics & Information
- County: Santa Barbara
- Goleta Area: 7.92 square miles
- Goleta Zip Codes: 93111, 93116–93118, 93160, and 93199
- Goleta Area Codes: 805
- Goleta Elevation: 20 feet
- Goleta Time Zone: Pacific Standard Time (PST)
- Goleta’s Closest airport: Santa Barbara Airport (SBA), 0.9 miles from Goleta
Map of Goleta, CA
Explore Goleta’s large variety of things to do, places to eat, and more with this map!
Wanting to get started on your journey to moving to Goleta, California? A professional moving team is a must for challenging relocations, so you should call Martian Movers at 805-779-3844! Martian Movers’ is proud of our excellent team of professional and 5-star Goleta movers! Call now or fill out our form for a free quote.
