There aren’t many places that have such consistently good weather that there is virtually no ‘off’ season. And while other ‘beach towns’ are quaint, they can be sleepy, too, especially at night. But Santa Barbara is a destination spot with MUCHO amenities – an abundance of restaurants, theater, shopping, outdoor activities, festivals, concerts, movies, wine tasting, beaches, mountains… it’s a small town with big city amenities. And if you do happen to get bored, just take a walk downtown. There’s nearly always something happening. 
That’s how I first discovered the outdoor movies in the Courthouse gardens. (“Where are all these people going with their lawn chairs, blankets and picnic baskets?”). Not only is this event held in one of Santa Barbara’s most gorgeous settings, it’s also free.
But I digress. I was going to explain why having a vacation rental here can be a great idea. Especially if you like to visit here but you don’t or can’t live here. Or if you’re thinking of living here in the future. Prices are somewhat deflated from where they used to be and Santa Barbara attracts tourists all year round, many of whom are looking for something more than a hotel for their visit. Vacation rentals are a big business here. With today’s lower prices, it’s an ideal time to buy in before prices go up again, which they inevitably will. Santa Barbara sits in a natural ‘bowl’, with geographic limits on development and political limits on growth. We don’t have hurricanes like Florida, 100+ degree summers like Phoenix, Las Vegas and Palm Springs and we’re more accessible than Hawaii.
Many people own second homes in Santa Barbara, and rent them out when they’re not here. While summer is the busiest season and commands the highest rental rates, our weather can actually be sunnier in the fall and winter, when the fog is less of a factor. And with the LA market only an hour and a half away, weekends year round are busy.
If you’re thinking about moving here at some point, now might be the right time to get your foot in the door by buying a home that you can vacation in, and rent when you’re not here. Or, if you’d prefer to have your house to yourself and still bring in income, consider buying a home with a guest house that you can rent out. 
If you’d like more info about vacation rentals in Santa Barbara or the real estate market in general, contact me at:
Karen Blackburn, Realtor
KELLER WILLIAMS REALTY
1435 Anacapa St., Santa Barbara, CA 93101
805-470-1002
Living in Santa Barbara 