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. Ranked Realty pairs verified local data with the agents who know Isla Vista best.
About the area
Living in Isla Vista, CA
Widely regarded as one of the most densely populated communities in the United States west of the Mississippi River.
The housing market
Homes in Isla Vista
- 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.
- The median home value is about $1,241,700.
Landmarks and lifestyle
What makes Isla Vista home
Del Playa Drive
Oceanfront bluff street that serves as the community's social hub
University of California, Santa Barbara
Public research university bordering the community to the east
Coal Oil Point Reserve
UC natural reserve protecting Sands Beach and the Devereux Slough
Isla Vista Recreation & Parks District
Local district managing community parks and open space since 1972
Neighborhoods
Isla Vista areas to know
Isla Vista proper
One of the three original 1920s subdivisions forming the community
Ocean Terrace
One of the three original 1920s subdivisions
Orilla del Mar
One of the three original 1920s subdivisions
For agents
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Local facts on this page are verified against public sources as part of the AppWT local-data project. Data reflects the most recent available figures.