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Goleta is the city directly adjacent to UCSB on the north and west, sitting between Isla Vista and Santa Barbara along Highway 101. It functions as UCSB's overflow housing market for students who want more space than Isla Vista offers at slightly lower prices than downtown Santa Barbara. The city has grown with more apartments and development in recent years. Biking to UCSB from most of Goleta is straightforward, and the beach is close. It is a quieter, more suburban alternative to the density and noise of I.V.
Goleta's commercial center — a few apartments, some walkability to local shops, and quick bike access to UCSB. More affordable than I.V. for comparable unit quality.
Quieter and closer to the Ellwood Mesa nature preserve. Mix of apartment complexes and house rentals. Popular with upperclassmen and grad students who want I.V. proximity without I.V. noise.
Here's what you need to know about getting around Goleta.
MTD buses connect Goleta to UCSB and Santa Barbara with reasonable frequency. The bike path along Cathedral Oaks Road connects most of Goleta to campus without riding on the highway.
Biking is the primary transportation mode for most UCSB students in Goleta. The Obern Trail and Hollister corridor provide car-free connections to campus. Walking is less practical for most daily needs — the distances are longer than in I.V.
Generally easier than I.V. — most apartments include a space and street parking is more available. Having a car is more practical here than in Isla Vista.
Common questions from students searching for housing.
Goleta typically runs $850-$1,200/mo per person — cheaper than downtown Santa Barbara and roughly comparable to or slightly less than Isla Vista for similar unit quality. You often get more space per dollar than in I.V.