The Mesa
Bluff-top homes, ocean trails and a neighborhood village feel.
The Mesa is a raised plateau on Santa Barbara's west side, bordered by ocean bluffs, Shoreline Park and the Douglas Family Preserve.
Many Mesa homes were built in the 1950s and 1960s, and a steady wave of renovations and rebuilds has brought modern design to the neighborhood. Cliff Drive and the streets closest to the bluffs hold the best ocean views, while the interior streets are quieter and more affordable.
Residents love the Mesa for its outdoor life: Shoreline Park, Leadbetter Beach, the Mesa Lane stairs, and the dog-friendly Douglas Family Preserve. The Mesa Shopping Center and Meridian Village have cafés, a grocery and Lazy Acres.
For buyers who want Santa Barbara living near the ocean without a Montecito price, the Mesa is often the answer, especially for families with young children and for those adding an ADU.
Living in The Mesa
Shoreline Park
Bluff-top lawns, whale watching in spring and stairs to Leadbetter Beach.
Douglas Family Preserve
70 acres of oak woodland and ocean bluff, loved by dogs and their owners.
Mesa village
Cafés, a farmers market spirit and neighbors who know each other.
Market snapshot
Twelve-month figures for single-family homes in The Mesa. Sample figures for illustration.
- Median sale price
- $2.2M
- Change year over year
- +5.6%
- Median days on market
- 29
- Homes sold
- 42
Estates in The Mesa
Search The Mesa
Questions buyers ask about The Mesa
Very. Lot sizes and city rules make the Mesa one of the best areas for adding an ADU, and several of our listings include a permitted one.
For homes directly on Cliff Drive's ocean side, yes. We obtain geology reports and review setback history.
