Homes for Sale in The Mesa

The Mesa is a prominent area in Santa Barbara, consisting of three neighborhoods: Alta Mesa, East Mesa, and West Mesa. Once considered an undesirable and foggy area, it has now transformed into an exclusive residential neighborhood with luxurious homes, many offering breathtaking ocean views.

For more information about local homes for sale or to schedule a private tour of any property, don't hesitate to contact us today. Be sure to register for a free account to get alerts when new homes come on the market. For additional local inventory, view all Santa Barbara real estate listings.

The Mesa Listings

About The Mesa

The history of The Mesa is varied, having served as an airstrip, oil field, and even the site of a religious commune before the housing boom following World War II. The development of the residential community on Marine Terrace (East Mesa) gained momentum in the 1950s, accommodating the postwar population surge with modest homes on small lots. Throughout the years, many of these original homes have been updated or extensively remodeled.

The architectural styles of homes on The Mesa encompass a range of influences, including Spanish Colonial, Victorian, Mediterranean, California Ranch, and shingled Nantucket cottages reminiscent of Cape Cod.

The climate on The Mesa is characterized by cooler air temperatures compared to the rest of Santa Barbara, often accompanied by fog during May and June. However, for residents, this unique coastal environment epitomizes the true Santa Barbara lifestyle: a small, laid-back, intimate beach-side community.

The Mesa is a haven for those seeking a high quality of life and easy living, with its close proximity to the beach, parks, and open spaces. Local residents are deeply passionate about their lifestyle and are dedicated to preserving it. A strong sense of community prevails, and many individuals contribute their efforts to help one another.

Numerous organized groups support and promote the arts, education, and local businesses. Additionally, the community upholds architectural standards and advocates for sustainable neighborhood planning and nature conservancy.

What's more, The Mesa offers an array of amenities within its borders. These include a community college, three public elementary schools (Washington, McKinley, and Monroe Elementary), as well as its own commercial business and shopping district. These offerings surpass what one might expect from a typical small beach town.

The neighborhood is also home to several parks, such as Escondido, Hilda Ray, Hondo Valley, and La Mesa Park. Shoreline Park, situated atop a 15-acre bluff overlooking the ocean, is a major attraction on The Mesa. Eilings Park, located on the opposite side, is a private, non-profit park spanning 230 acres and featuring baseball fields, a BMX track, and a hang gliding launch point.

The Douglas Preserve, also known as the Wilcox property, covers 70 acres of undeveloped ocean-front land and represents the largest expanse of coastal open space within Santa Barbara's city limits.

The Mesa boasts three stunning beaches: Ledbetter Beach, positioned west of the Marina; Hendry's Beach ("The Pit"), formerly known as Arroyo Burro Beach, located adjacent to the Douglas Family Preserve to the east and Hope Ranch to the west; and Mesa Beach, situated directly below Shoreline Park.

Santa Barbara Realtors®

If you'd like to buy a house in The Mesa, contact our Santa Barbara real estate agents; we're the LOCAL experts and can answer all of your home buying and neighborhood questions.

Please contact us if you're considering selling your home in The Mesa or in the Santa Barbara area. Our listing agents can provide dates and prices of recently sold properties nearby and up-to-date Santa Barbara real estate market information.