Retire in Santa Barbara
About Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara, California, is a popular tourist and retirement destination. This picturesque mission city on the Pacific, located 85 miles north of Los Angeles, has done an outstanding job of conserving its legacy while building a pleasant, contemporary city.
From the famous Mission Santa Barbara to the first Motel 6 here in town, the beautiful adobe architecture of the Spanish Mission style can be found everywhere. The Santa Ynez Mountains, which rise 4000 feet to the east, create a breathtaking background.
The downtown area has excellent high-end shopping. There are no billboards allowed in town, and all other signage must be tiny. With several museums and institutions, Santa Barbara boasts a vibrant cultural scene (UC Santa Barbara and others).
There are around 15 significant parks in the area, some of which are fairly big. The population of the city is 86,000 people. The cities of Goleta and Carpinteria, as well as the villages of Montecito, Summerland, Isla Vista, and Hope Ranch, make up the broader metropolitan region, which has a population of over 200,000 people.
Arts in Abundance
Retirees will like living here. "Santa Barbara's historical beautiful downtown offers unparalleled art and culture for this size community," says Anne Monroe, Social Services Director for Valle Verde senior living community. Valle Verde is one of Santa Barbara's 34 senior living communities.
The University of California Santa Barbara, Monroe notes, is a major contributor to the city's thriving arts and entertainment scene, hosting free talks, performances, and film screenings, as well as continuing education programs through its Extension office. The Arlington Theatre, which holds the annual Santa Barbara International Film Festival, the Lobero Theatre, which organizes smaller concerts, and the Granada Theater in downtown Santa Barbara are all located in Santa Barbara.
High-quality healthcare
Seniors' health and wellness are key quality-of-life concerns, according to Grubb, and Santa Barbara is no exception.
"In addition to several home care providers, Santa Barbara has three 55+ communities and 34 senior living complexes. There are also two cutting-edge hospitals and an excellent public transit system for seniors to go to and from doctor's appointments", she stated, "Six times a week, there are local farmers markets, a public market, and conveniently accessible retail centers."
Lovely weather
Santa Barbara boasts a near-perfect climate, with temperatures primarily in the 70s all year. There are many cultural activities to attend, including a symphony, museums, and various gorgeous theatres. There is also good shopping in the downtown area and an abundance of dining options since Santa Barbara is one of the cities in the United States with the most restaurants per capita.