A Greate Place to Live, Work, and Play.
Located on the Central Coast in Santa Barbara County, Santa Maria is home to several wineries and is known for its Santa Maria Style BBQ.
Why Do People Move To Santa Maria?
Established businesses are prospering and expanding, and new businesses continue to arrive and make investments in the community. The growing area enjoys excellent weather, affordability, close proximity to the mountains and beaches, wineries, shopping, good jobs, good schools.
Santa Maria remains a more affordable location to buy or rent a home than other locations on the Central Coast. Its median home sales price was a record $460,000 in 2021, up 11.9 percent from the prior year, according to the Santa Maria Association of Realtors.
Check Out The Amazing Developments Happening Today.
Residential and commercial development activity remains brisk. Development activity resulted in $97 million in valuation for 2020 and $88 million in 2021. In 2022, there is significant residential construction activity and the city may see more than 5,000 units in the next five years.
Santa Maria has a diverse economy based on agriculture, commercial, and manufacturing, in addition to education, health care, tourism, oil production and government. In recent years, the City has experienced positive trends in most economic segments led by consumer spending, construction spending, and increased property values. Construction activity has increased significantly.
Downtown Fridays, in its sixth year as of 2022, draws thousands of people downtown to shop and find live entertainment. Retail construction includes new stores at Enos Ranch West, just off Betteravia Road – an arterial road from Highway 101. Tenants include an Aldi’s grocery store, Raising Cane’s chicken restaurant, Chipotle, Boot Barn, Guitar Center and more.
Less than one mile east on Betteravia Road and overlooking Highway 101 is the A.T. Still University of Health Sciences, inside the new Coast Hills building, helping to meet the region’s skilled workforce needs. Allan Hancock College continues to modernize its Santa Maria campus, using the remaining $180 million approved by voters in 2006. Tesla built a supercharging station at the Santa Maria Town Center. Many new apartments have been built and more are on the way.
The City Invests In Its Youth.
The Mayor’s Task Force on Youth Safety provides e-sources and programs to youth to deter their involvement in criminal activity, drug use, and gangs. Efforts include granting free bus passes to teens, organizing field trips, promoting the Abel Maldonado Community Youth Center as a safe place, and offering job exploration, leadership, and employment opportunities. The Santa Maria Public Library has numerous programs for youth and teens.
A Strong Education System
Supported by All.
The Santa Maria-Bonita School District is the largest school district in Santa Barbara County, with about 17,000 students in pre-school through the eighth grade. The district is comprised of 17 elementary schools, four junior high schools, and one combined elementary and junior high. The Santa Maria Joint Union High School District has about 9,133 students at its four high schools and in 2021 opened its technical education center and agricultural farm. Allan Hancock College claims about 25,000 students each year.
Common Questions
There is plenty to do in Santa Maria. Being so close to the ocean, mountains, and wine country makes the city a great place!
What is Santa Maria known for?
Santa Maria is known for its Santa Maria-style barbecue (it’s trademarked), strawberries, and now its wine country. The Legend of Zorro was based on the lie of Solomon Pico, a bandit who camped in the Santa Maria hills. From 1962-1963, John Madden was the head coach of Santa Maria’s Allan Hancock College football team. The 1923 Cecil B. DeMille silent movie “The Ten Commandments” was filmed in the nearby Guadalupe-Nipomo Dunes Preserve.
What's there to do in Santa Maria?
Santa Maria Valley Discovery Museum, Pacific Conservatory Theater – PCPA, Natural History Museum, Santa Maria Museum of Flight, Santa Maria Fair Park, wine tasting, Downtown Fridays, Boomers. Santa Maria is located within 30 minutes of many beaches, and the Los Padres National Forest, and within an hour of several lakes.
Are there any annual events?
Annual events include:
- Downtown Fridays (April-September)
- Annual Strawberry Festival (April)
- The west Coast Kustoms Car Show and Cruise (May)
- The Annual Elks Rodeo and Parade (June)
- Santa Barabara County Fair (July)
- Serve Santa Maria (August)
- PCPA – Pacific Conservatory Theatre
- Annual Christmas Parade
How many parks are in Santa Maria?
Santa Maria has 28 parks including more than 234 acres of turf, trees, and play fields, and also owns and operates the 1,774-acre regional open space called Los Flores Ranch Park, located about eight miles south of Santa Maria.
“You should do as much research as possible in regards to the city you plan to work as a police officer. You may be asked to tell the interview panel what you know about the city of Santa Maria.“
