Is Santa Barbara Safe to Live In and Travel To? (2024)

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Is Santa Barbara safe? As travelers or those looking to move somewhere new, safety should always be a top concern. Fortunately, Santa Barbara is a very safe place to visit with low crime rates and a welcoming community. Whether you’re looking for a place to call home or just want to take a weekend trip along the coast, Santa Barbara is a great place to be!

As someone who has lived in Santa Barbara for over four years, here is a local’s take and deep dive into crime statistics and safety tips for this lovely coastal California city.

Jump to…
• Santa Barbara Crime Rates and Statistics
• How Safe Is Downtown Santa Barbara?
• Is Santa Barbara Safe at Night?
• Transportation Safety in Santa Barbara
• Natural Disaster and Wildlife Safety Concerns
• Is SB Safe for Solo and Female Travelers?
• LGBTQ Friendliness
• Traveler Insurance
• Safety for Living in Santa Barbara
• Student Safety

 

Is Crime High in Santa Barbara?

While Santa Barbara’s crime rate is higher than the national average, it’s actually quite low when compared to other major California cities like Los Angeles and San Diego. In fact, Santa Barbara’s violent crime rate is nearly 50% lower than Los Angeles. So, while visitors should always take precautions when traveling to any city, they can rest assured that Santa Barbara is a relatively safe place to explore.

To begin, we will take a look at Santa Barbara’s crime statistics, followed by specific safety information.

Santa Barbara Crime Rates and Statistics

Despite claims that crime is increasing in Santa Barbara, it has actually stayed pretty consistent, or lower, than the average crime rates of the past 5 years. There is very little gang activity and most crimes can be categorized into violent crimes or property crimes. (According to Santa Barbara Police Dept. Records)

As a whole, Santa Barbara can be considered a safe city and is one of the safer places to live as far as big cities go across the United States.

Violent Crime Rates in 2022

According to research from BestPlaces (backed by FBI data) on a scale of 1 (low crime) to 100 (high crime), violent crime in Santa Barbara is 18.2 while the national average is 22.7.

Violent crime includes these offenses: murder and nonnegligent manslaughter, forcible rape, robbery, and aggravated assault.

Property Crime Rates in 2022

Using the same scale, property crime in Santa Barbara is 42.4 while the national average is 35.4.

Property crime includes these offenses: burglary, larceny-theft, motor vehicle theft, and arson with no force or threat of force against the victims.

How Safe Is Downtown Santa Barbara?

Many people have the mistaken impression that downtown Santa Barbara is a dangerous place. However, this could not be further from the truth. In actuality, downtown Santa Barbara is a very safe part of the city.

The crime rate in this area is low, and there are plenty of police officers on patrol. In addition, there are several security cameras throughout the downtown area. As a result, you can feel confident knowing that you and your belongings are safe when you are downtown.

How Safe is State Street?

State Street is located downtown and is lined with shops and restaurants that are bustling at all hours of the day and into night. State Street is typically flooded with tourists and locals out enjoying the constant good weather.

The people I encounter in Santa Barbara are usually very friendly and welcoming. Exploring State Street is a very comfortable and enjoyable experience with little to no safety concerns or risks.

Is Santa Barbara Safe at Night?

Though any big city has its challenges at night, Santa Barbara is actually quite safe. Your biggest concerns will likely be drunk people and the homeless population (though more often than not they are harmless). As long as you stay in groups and avoid walking or taking a taxi alone if you can help it, you should be completely fine.

As a young woman, I pretty much always felt comfortable walking around Santa Barbara at night. Of course, it’s always best to err on the side of caution and stay extra aware of your surroundings after dark, but you shouldn’t have any major problems or concerns.

✨ P.S. need help planning your trip to California? ✨
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Simply send an email to janelle@makethetripmatter.com with the information you’re looking for and where you’re at in your trip-planning process.

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Transportation Safety in Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara is a beautiful and walkable city, perfect for exploring on foot. Downtown and the harbor area are especially pedestrian-friendly, with plenty of shops and restaurants to enjoy.

For those who live here, walking is a great way to get around your own neighborhood. And of course, biking is always an option in Santa Barbara – whether you’re cycling along the beach or cruising down one of the city’s many bike-friendly streets.

Exploring either on foot or by bike are both safe transportation options in Santa Barbara, just be mindful of cars when sharing the road and especially with the many one-way streets!

Is It Safe to Take Taxis?

Yes, there are plenty of reputable taxi companies in Santa Barbara that are safe to use. If you decide to take a taxi, be sure to use a reputable company and ask the driver for identification. This will help ensure that you have a safe and enjoyable experience getting around Santa Barbara.

However, I do recommend taking an Uber or Lyft over a taxi. They tend to be more widespread across the city by now. Plus, your ride is tracked in the app and there are features in place to ensure your ride is completed safely by each driver.

How Safe Is Santa Barbara’s Public Transportation?

Public transportation in Santa Barbara is quite safe and efficient. The buses and trains run on time and are well-maintained. The Amtrak is also a great option for longer trips out of the city. I recommend Amtrak over a Greyhound bus whenever possible, as they are a bit safer and more reliable.

As with any form of public transportation anywhere in the world, it’s always important to be aware of your belongings and take precautions to keep them safe. Pickpockets are known to target busy areas, so be extra mindful of your belongings when you’re on public transit.

Renting a Car

Renting a car can be a great option if you’re comfortable with California freeways and want the freedom to explore Santa Barbara and the surrounding area at your own pace. While you can definitely get by without a car, by walking and using Uber or other transportation options, having a rental car can be more convenient, especially if you’re planning on doing any day trips around Santa Barbara (HIGHLY recommended).

Luckily, the freeways around Santa Barbara are not too difficult or unsafe to navigate (nothing like the crazy freeways through Los Angeles!). Just make sure to familiarize yourself with the local traffic laws before hitting the road.

🚗 For the best rates across the leading car rental companies in Santa Barbara, check out Discover Cars.

This is the company I always use while traveling to find great deals. Just make sure to secure your car in advance, as they can book up quickly! ⬇️

 

Natural Disaster and Wildlife Safety Concerns

Santa Barbara is a beautiful place, that tends to be very safe from natural destruction and wildlife concerns. However, natural disasters can strike at any time, and residents (less of a concern for visitors) must be prepared for anything.

Wildfires are the most common type of natural disaster in Santa Barbara. They can destroy homes, block roads, and cause smoke damage. Wildfire season is usually in the fall after the hot summer has dried up the plants and vegetation. Visitors should take extra precautions and have a backup plan when visiting Santa Barbara during the wildfire season.

Mudslides are also a risk, especially when a storm hits after a big fire. They can cause serious damage to homes and infrastructure. Storms occasionally roll through Santa Barbara with high winds that can also cause some structural damage. However, most locals know (or learn) how to plan for these disasters and minimize the risk.

There is a very low risk when it comes to wildlife as well. The insects are not dangerous and the only real concern is for campers and hikers out in the backcountry potentially coming across rattlesnakes, mountain lions, coyotes, or bears. Though there have not been any serious reports from any of these critters in recent years.

Is Santa Barbara Safe for Solo Travelers?

Santa Barbara is a beautiful and popular tourist destination, known for its mild climate, stunning beaches, and vibrant community. While it is generally safe for solo travelers, there are some important things to keep in mind.

First, Santa Barbara is a busy place, and it can be easy to become overwhelmed by the crowds. However, the people are all generally very friendly, so it should be easy to make some friends to spend time with!

Be aware of your surroundings and be cautious when walking around at night. If you are swimming or taking part in a water activity on your own, there is always the potential for strong winds, waves, and potentially dangerous currents. Try to only be in the ocean when there is a lifeguard present, or let someone know to watch out for your return.

Finally, remember to stay hydrated and take breaks often if you are hiking or spending time in the sun. Many of the popular trails around Santa Barbara are marked and well-trodden. If you venture beyond the simple trails, be extra cautious alone in nature and have emergency precautions in place. By following these simple tips, you can enjoy a safe and memorable solo trip to Santa Barbara.

Is Santa Barbara Safe for Female Travelers?

Yes, Santa Barbara is also very safe for female travelers. Just like the advice given above, stay aware of your surroundings and personal belongings (especially at night) and you likely will not encounter any issues.

 

Places to Avoid in Santa Barbara

There are not really any specific places to avoid in Santa Barbara. The whole area is quite safe, and you will be fine wandering around and even getting lost. In general, avoid dark alleys or any areas that give you a bad feeling. Always use your intuition and best judgment when assessing your personal safety in a new city.

Is Santa Barbara LGBTQ Friendly?

Yes, Santa Barbara is LGBTQ friendly. The town tends to be pretty liberal, especially with the local university (UC Santa Barbara has been named one of the ‘Five-Star’ LGBT-friendly campuses) and ample college-aged and young adults living there.

There is no designated gay neighborhood or specific gay bars and clubs in Santa Barbara. However, the city as a whole is very welcoming. The town hosts a number of LGBTQ events throughout the year, including a Pride festival and frequent “Glitter Brunch Drag Shows” at Wildcat Lounge. The town is also home to a number of support groups and resources for the LGBTQ community. Overall, Santa Barbara is a welcoming place for all kinds of people.

Do You Need Travel Insurance When Visiting California?

Travel insurance is not required for visitors to the U.S. or California. However, you SHOULD still have travel insurance.

Travel insurance is always recommended for any time you travel in case of injury, accident, lost luggage, missed flight, etc. The best and most affordable travel/expat insurance is Safety Wing.

Not only will you be covered for trip interruption-related concerns, but this is also one of the few travel insurances that cover you in case of COVID-19-related issues. Plus, SafetyWing covers some emergency medical expenses as well, which is important in the U.S. due to the high cost of health care.

SafetyWing is typically extremely affordable, check below for your cost and coverage:

 

 

Is It Safe to Live in Santa Barbara?

Santa Barbara is a beautiful city with a lot to offer its residents. It’s no wonder that so many families choose to live here. While Santa Barbara is generally a very safe place to live, it’s important to be aware that crime does happen.

Most of the crime in Santa Barbara occurs around the university (often associated with visiting college kids and partying), so if you’re not a student or living in Isla Vista, you’re unlikely to be affected. That said, it’s always best to be cautious and take precautions to keep yourself and your home safe, no matter where you are living.

Is Santa Barbara a Good Place to Live?

Santa Barbara is a fantastic place to live! It’s known for its mild weather, beaches, and mountains. Santa Barbara is also home to some great schools. Just be prepared to pay a premium for the privilege of living there.

It’s expensive to live in Santa Barbara. The average home price is over $1 million and many of its inhabitants tend to be fairly affluent. However, a high cost of living does also contribute to the safety of the city for residents and there are still plenty of ways to find more affordable housing in safe areas. And if you’re looking for a place to raise a family, Santa Barbara is definitely a great choice with plenty of opportunities for your kids.

Safest Neighborhoods to Live In

All of the neighborhoods in Santa Barbara are safe to live in. However, for the absolute safest areas, check out: Hope Ranch, Mission Canyon, and Montecito.

If you’re looking to move here, check out my full article below on living in Santa Barbara.

Is Santa Barbara Safe for Students?

While Santa Barbara is generally very safe, most crime in the city does occur around Isla Vista, the college town adjacent to the University of California Santa Barbara. There is a higher concentration of drinking and parties in Isla Vista, which can lead to increased incidents of crime.

The biggest concern for most students is theft. Bikes often get stolen, so it’s best to have a high-quality lock on them. Plus, if students are aware of their surroundings and take precautions, such as not walking alone at night, not drinking in excess, and keeping their doors and important personal belongings locked, they can greatly reduce their risk of becoming a victim of crime.

Is UC Santa Barbara Safe?

Yes, as a whole UCSB is a very safe school. Especially students that live on campus or in university housing are at very low risk of being a victim of crime.

UC Santa Barbara takes precautionary measures to ensure the safety of its students both on campus and in Isla Vista such as making sure areas are well-lit at night and providing campus security and access to a safe escort to walk with you.

Conclusion: So, Is Santa Barbara Safe to Live In and Travel To?

Santa Barbara is a beautiful city that has a lot to offer its residents and visitors. The climate is mild, the scenery is gorgeous, there is plenty to do, and the people are friendly. Best of all, Santa Barbara is a very safe place to live and travel to. The crime rate is low, and there are plenty of resources available if you ever find yourself in a difficult situation. So whether you’re looking for a place to call home or just somewhere to visit for a weekend, Santa Barbara should definitely be at the top of your list.

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