Santa Barbara County, California
Isla Vista Real Estate and Local Guide
A densely built, student-dominated beach community next to UC Santa Barbara, known for its bluff-top housing and youth culture.
Living in Isla Vista
Widely regarded as one of the most densely populated communities in the United States west of the Mississippi River. Source: goletahistory.com
IncomeAbout $24,428 median household
EducationAbout 40.8% hold a bachelor's or higher
CountySanta Barbara County
Homes in Isla Vista
Median home valueAbout $1,241,700
- About 1% of housing units are owner-occupied, reflecting a nearly all-renter student population.
- Only about 5% of homes are single-family detached houses, with most housing in apartments and multi-unit buildings.
Source: ACS 2023
What makes Isla Vista home
Del Playa Drive
Source: en.wikipedia.org
Oceanfront bluff street that serves as the community's social hub
University of California, Santa Barbara
Source: en.wikipedia.org
Public research university bordering the community to the east
Coal Oil Point Reserve
Source: en.wikipedia.org
UC natural reserve protecting Sands Beach and the Devereux Slough
Isla Vista Recreation & Parks District
Source: en.wikipedia.org
Local district managing community parks and open space since 1972
Isla Vista areas to know
Isla Vista proper
Source: en.wikipedia.org
One of the three original 1920s subdivisions forming the community