Carpinteria

Laidback and peaceful seaside community just South of Santa Barbara.

Welcome to Carpinteria

Experience the best of beach life here

Situated just 12 miles southeast of Santa Barbara, Carpinteria is the quintessential beach town. With a population of around 13,000, Carpinteria exudes a small-town charm that endears residents and visitors alike. 

Carpinteria or “The Carpenter Shop” was originally used by the soldiers of the Gaper de Portola Exhibition of 1769. The town received its name after the canoe-building carpentry enterprises of the Chumash tribe who resided in the area. Known as “Carp” by locals, this tranquil community has transformed into a vibrant place to call home.

What to Love

  • An active lifestyle
  • Family-oriented community
  • A rich and fascinating history

People & Lifestyle 

Carpinteria is known for being a laid-back, friendly beach community. Its amicable nature attracts a diverse array of residents here, from surfers to artists to even the occasional celebrity. Families with young children are drawn to the parks and excellent schools. Carpinteria is also a great option for those who want to trade the endless noise of the city for the serene nature of a small town. 

The walkable layout of the city allows residents to easily stroll to the beach or window-shop at the quaint shops lining Linden Street.

Dining, Entertainment & Shopping

Kick your mornings off with a cup of joe from Lucky Llama Coffee. This local coffee shop offers coffee drinks and a selection of baked goods in a comfortable atmosphere. The outdoor patio is a great place to catch up with a friend or bring a book to read. If you’re looking to enjoy a casual dinner, head over to Corktree Cellars. This wine bar and bistro features globally inspired main and small plates along with wine tastings. Enjoy dining in the intimate, woodsy-chic cafe!

Whether you’re ready to tackle some serious shopping or simply wanting to window shop, head over to Linden Avenue. This bustling boulevard is lined with an assortment of restaurants, retailers, antique shops, and services. Don’t forget to check out Heritage Goods and Supply, which is located in Lucky Llama Coffee! This home goods store has a variety of exciting products, from products to men, women, and children.

Things to Do

Carpinteria offers residents plenty to do, regardless of what their interests are. Spend your Thursday afternoons from 4 to 7 PM at the farmers' market. Located on the 800 block of Linden, here you will find an assortment of fresh produce, bouquets of flowers, and baked goods. After you’ve stocked up on goods at the farmer’s market, consider catching the sunset at Rincon Beach County Park. This Carpinteria beach is a popular spot for surfing, swimming, bird-watching, or simply enjoying the sunshine. If you want to go on an overnight adventure, consider camping at Carpinteria State Beach with your friends or family.

Get your heart rate up while hiking at the Franklin Trail Trailhead. This popular local hiking spot comprises 5.2-miles of hiking with scenic views of the valley, salt marsh, ocean, and even the Channel Islands in the distance. This hike is sure to feel you feeling rejuvenated and reconnected to nature.

Schools

Carpinteria is home to a number of public and private schools: 

  • Alisos School 
  • Cate School
  • Howard School
 
 
 

Overview for Carpinteria, CA

14,900 people live in Carpinteria, where the median age is 41.8 and the average individual income is $48,790.14. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.

14,900

Total Population

41.8 years

Median Age

High

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

$48,790.14

Average individual Income

Demographics and Employment Data for Carpinteria, CA

Carpinteria has 5,597 households, with an average household size of 3. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau. Here’s what the people living in Carpinteria do for work — and how long it takes them to get there. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau. 14,900 people call Carpinteria home. The population density is 2,359.9 and the largest age group is Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.

14,900

Total Population

High

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

41.8

Median Age

49.9 / 50.1%

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
5,597

Total Households

3

Average Household Size

$48,790.14

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

Schools in Carpinteria, CA

All ()
Primary Schools ()
Middle Schools ()
High Schools ()
Mixed Schools ()
The following schools are within or nearby Carpinteria. The rating and statistics can serve as a starting point to make baseline comparisons on the right schools for your family. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.
Type
Name
Category
Grades
School rating
PUBLIC
K - 5th
3/5
PUBLIC
6th - 8th
3/5
PUBLIC
9th - 12th
4/5
PUBLIC
K - 5th
4/5
PRIVATE
PreK - 8th
No rating available
Canalino Elementary
PUBLIC
K - 5th
2/5

Around Carpinteria, CA

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

1
Car-Dependent
Walking Score
26
Somewhat Bikeable
Bike Score

Points of Interest

Explore popular things to do in the area, including Lost & Found Cafe, SPARK45 Fitness, and Christie's Chateau.

Name Category Distance Reviews
Ratings by Yelp
Dining 1.5 miles 6 reviews 5/5 stars
Active 1.77 miles 5 reviews 5/5 stars
Beauty 1.39 miles 9 reviews 5/5 stars

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