THE RIVIERA

Location:
Bridging the two mile span that separates Mission and Sycamore Canyons, the sylvan uplift which padres knew as the "mission ridge" has for the past 65 years been known as "the Riviera", oweing to its resemblance to the hills along the Mediterranean coast of France and Spain. Those lucky enough to live on this ridge above downtown Santa Barbara attach premium value to their homes because of their unsurpassed views of the city, mountains, ocean, and islands.

Characteristics:
The Riviera is famous for its semitropical appearance. The flowing curves of the West end of the main thoroughfare of Alameda Padre Serra (APS) today mark the old streetcar right of way, the curves allowing for a manageable gradient electric cars could negotiate.

One of the older and more stablilized neighborhoods in the city, the Riviera also boasts a beautiful old hotel, the El Encanto, its own neighborhood theatre, and a delightful business park that was once the original campus of UCSB. Residents don't have to go to Europe to enjoy the Riviera lifestyle, claiming, "We have a better Riviera right here in Santa Barbara."

Price Range:
$650,000 to $3,500,000