Riviera

The Riviera features beautiful views and access to Downtown Santa Barbara

Welcome to The Riviera

One of the most desirable Santa Barbara neighborhoods to call home

Located just north of Downtown Santa Barbara, Riviera is one of the most sought-after communities to reside. It bridges the two-mile gap between Sycamore Canyon and Mission Canyon. There’s plenty of appealing qualities that draw individuals here, including great views, great weather, and close proximity to towns. Speaking of views, residents can enjoy views of downtown Santa Barbara, the Pacific Ocean, and the Channel Islands here. 

This neighborhood got its start at the beginning of the 20th century when Santa Barbara constructed what is now known as the Riviera Campus. What was once a desolate and barren hillside now attracted developers, sparking a period of intense development. Riviera received its name based on its close resemblance to the Mediterranean coasts of France and Italy. Since its humble beginnings, Riviera has become one of the most desirable communities to call home. 

Riviera features a mixture of architectural styles, but the most common style you’ll find here is Spanish colonial. The majority of these homes were built in the 1920s to 1950s. Some of the homes are built with a south-facing front side and views of downtown Santa Barbara and the glittering Pacific in the distance. The other homes were built on the back end with stunning views of the Santa Ynez Mountains.

What to Love

  • Unbeatable views of mountains, the ocean, and Santa Barbara 
  • Close proximity to Santa Barbara
  • Plenty of parks and access to nature

People & Lifestyle

The lifestyle in this Santa Barbara neighborhood can best be described as laid-back and picturesque. Riviera is filled with 100-year-old oak trees, an abundance of Spanish-style architecture, and homes nestled on the cliffside. Riviera has a population of approximately 4,600, offering residents a small-town charm that is hard to find elsewhere.

This community is home to individuals from all backgrounds and walks of life, resulting in a diverse group of individuals. Professionals, families with young children, retirees, and long-term residents make up the population here.

Dining, Entertainment & Shopping

Start your weekends off with brunch at Bossie’s Kitchen, located just blocks away from Riviera. This casual restaurant features local and seasonal farmer’s market menu offerings as well as craft beer and wines. Dining on the outdoor patio is the perfect way to enjoy a sunny day! La Super-Rica Taqueria is a celebrated hole-in-the-wall spot that serves everything from fish tacos to tamales.

If you’re looking for shopping, head over to nearby State Street. This bustling street is jam-packed with restaurants, retailers, boutiques, and options for entertainment. You can also catch the latest art and foreign films at the Riviera Theatre. This historic theater is the host of the Santa Barbara Film Festival, an annual event that occurs in the spring. This highly attended 11-day film festival has been a part of the community since 1986 and attracts thousands of film lovers from across the globe. In June 2016, the festival acquired the beloved Riviera Theater, marking the entrance of a new era.

Things to Do

If you’re looking for somewhere to enjoy a staycation, make reservations at the Belmond El Canto hotel. This immaculate five-star hotel comes with a plethora of top-notch amenities, including a spa that promises a sublime escape.

Spend your weekends at Franceschi Park. This 15.78-acre public park was built in 1893 by Francesco Franceschi, a 19th-century Italian immigrant. Between 1894 and 1913, Franceschi expertly imported over 900 species of plants to Santa Barbara’s mild Mediterranean climate. By doing this, he radically transformed the landscape of southern California.

Schools

Riviera is home to a home of excellent schools. Top educational institutions found here include:

  • Santa Barbara Middle School 
  • Marymount School
 
 
 

Overview for Riviera, CA

3,305 people live in Riviera, where the median age is 60.3 and the average individual income is $98,259.97. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.

3,305

Total Population

60.3 years

Median Age

High

Population Density Population Density This is the number of people per square mile in a neighborhood.

$98,259.97

Average individual Income

Demographics and Employment Data for Riviera, CA

Riviera has 1,642 households, with an average household size of 2. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau. Here’s what the people living in Riviera do for work — and how long it takes them to get there. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau. 3,305 people call Riviera home. The population density is 586.19 and the largest age group is Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.

3,305

Total Population

High

Population Density Population Density This is the number of people per square mile in a neighborhood.

60.3

Median Age

51.13 / 48.87%

Men vs Women

Population by Age Group

0-9:

0-9 Years

10-17:

10-17 Years

18-24:

18-24 Years

25-64:

25-64 Years

65-74:

65-74 Years

75+:

75+ Years

Education Level

  • Less Than 9th Grade
  • High School Degree
  • Associate Degree
  • Bachelor Degree
  • Graduate Degree
1,642

Total Households

2

Average Household Size

$98,259.97

Average individual Income

Marital Status

Married
Single
Divorced
Separated

Commute Time

0 to 14 Minutes
15 to 29 Minutes
30 to 59 Minutes
60+ Minutes

Around Riviera, CA

There's plenty to do around Riviera, including shopping, dining, nightlife, parks, and more. Data provided by Walk Score and Yelp.

12
Car-Dependent
Walking Score
16
Somewhat Bikeable
Bike Score
27
Some Transit
Transit Score

Points of Interest

Explore popular things to do in the area, including Get Hooked Seafood, Luna Cakes by Cinthia, and HelloHarvest.

Name Category Distance Reviews
Ratings by Yelp
Dining 1.42 miles 11 reviews 5/5 stars
Dining 0.72 miles 10 reviews 5/5 stars
Dining · $$ 1.8 miles 8 reviews 5/5 stars
Dining · $ 2.64 miles 19 reviews 5/5 stars
Shopping 1.45 miles 11 reviews 5/5 stars
Active 1.8 miles 9 reviews 5/5 stars

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