City Living

More people every day are foregoing life in suburbia for a more connected, varied, and mobile urban lifestyle. And it is small, sophisticated cities that are getting most of the attention. Santa Barbara, with extraordinary cultural and entertainment options, offers a sophisticated, small-city lifestyle second to none.

There are, of course, official city boundaries, yet, for me, the “City” is smaller than that; tree lined sidewalks, early 20th-century craftsman and Mediterranean architecture, parks, and walking to the vibrant State Street corridor and the beach. Should you be considering a more urban lifestyle, these are four new listings to consider.

Ladera and Montecito Street

This 2-bedroom, 2 full-bath, westside condo, enjoys a private garage, a dedicated parking space, a washer and dryer, an updated kitchen, and private deck. It is just blocks to the beach, the Funk zone, and City College. $594,000

Chapala and Gutierrez

The Sevilla luxury condo development enjoys tiled courtyards, coastal, Riviera views, and a walk score of 96. It is one block to the State Street restaurants and theatres, two blocks to the Funk Zone, and an easy walk to Stearns Wharf and the beach. Just listed is a spacious, rare corner unit 1-bedroom with walnut hardwood floors, high ceilings, a great kitchen, an in-unit laundry room and office, and a gated underground garage with a dedicated parking space. Double French doors lead to a private patio. $1,180,000

Chapala and Cota

Just down the block from the Sevilla is the El Andaluz, a Mediterranean-Moroccan-inspired complex by the uniquely talented Santa Barbara architect Jeff Shelton also enjoys the many cultural and entertainment offerings the downtown corridor provides without getting in your car. An elevator takes you directly to this 1-level, open floor plan, 2,600-sq.-ft., 2-bedroom, 2.5-bath condo with a media room, living room, and master bedroom with fireplace, dining room, a gourmet kitchen, 2 private balconies, and a private 2-car garage. $2,895,000

Santa Barbara and Islay

Built in 1904, the historic Huning Mansion is perfectly situated at East Islay and Santa Barbara streets in the heart of the upper east. Wonderful attention to detail is evident in the handcrafted wood-panelled appointments, coffered ceilings, and intricately patterned floors. With surrounding, historic tree-lined streets evidencing the heyday of early 20th-century Santa Barbara architecture, it is a wonderful walk to both the State Street corridor and the Mission. This impeccably restored 5,600-sq.-ft., 5-bedroom, 4-bath with 5 fireplaces includes a big formal craftsman feel and all the conveniences of modern living. $4,795,000