Situated in a thriving agricultural area, Santa Maria gives you a front-row seat to the best produce our region offers. It is the perfect home base for exploring the Central Coast with its affordable housing and close access to everything you need.
Climate
On average, there are 280 sunny days per year in Santa Maria. The July high is around 74 degrees. The January low is 40. Santa Maria experiences a cool Mediterranean climate.
Santa Maria welcomes economic growth and new development, so new stores and shopping opportunities crop up often. There are many things to explore: wineries & vineyards, Discovery Museum, Museum of Flight, PCPA, Boomers, Drive-In Theater, Raceway, and the Historical Society. Annual events include the Elks Rodeo, Strawberry Festival, BBQ Festival, and the Fair.
As the largest city in Santa Barbara County, Santa Maria has 43 primary and secondary schools with an average class size of 22-25 students. About half score average or above according to greatschools.com. There are 9 private schools with a class average size of 15:1. There are five colleges within 50 miles of Santa Maria.
The median home value in Santa Maria is $376,598, well below the Santa Barbara County median home value of $587,600. Home values increased 5.5% over the past year, and Zillow predicts they will rise 3.6% within the next year.
This area is known worldwide for its famous Santa Maria-style barbecued tri-tip and Santa Maria Valley Wineries. And the strawberries grown here are shipped internationally. You’ll find the local produce at farmers’ markets and stands as well as stores worldwide. And if you want to dine, you’ll discover a wide assortment of restaurants, tasting rooms, and local breweries.
