The SB Residency: Steady as She Goes
Santa Barbara isn't rushing anywhere, and neither should you. Here's what's actually happening in the city market, three homes worth a second look, and what's had my attention off the clock.
The Nitty Gritty
This issue's market, by the numbers.
Santa Barbara City, Single-Family Homes (August 10 to September 9, 2026, via FLEX MLS)
- Median close price: $1,865,000, up about 5% from the prior 30 days.
- Median days on market: 23
- Active inventory: 217 single-family homes
Nothing dramatic here, and that's the story. Prices are ticking up a little, homes are moving at close to the same pace they were a month ago, and inventory's holding steady. No frenzy, no slowdown, just a market that knows what it's doing.
Stats reflect single-family homes in the City of Santa Barbara only, not condos, not the wider county.
Window Shopping
Some listings that caught my eye this issue.
1510 Franceschi Road: $3,595,000
Perched on the Riviera with south-facing views that run straight out to the Pacific. Vaulted ceilings, a chef's kitchen, and a private lower-level primary suite that opens right onto the gardens. 3 beds, 3 baths, 3,250 sqft on nearly half an acre. Listing courtesy of Chris Palme, Sotheby's International Realty. (MLS #26-3018)
Sand-front on Miramar Beach, which is about as rare as it gets. Currently set up as a duplex, two private 1-bed/2-bath homes each with their own entrance and ocean views, with the option to convert back to a single residence. 2 beds, 4 baths, 1,550 sqft. Listing courtesy of Emily Gaul, Christie's International RE SoCal. (MLS #26-3022)
304 Sherwood Drive: $2,870,000
Tucked into a bamboo grove with koi ponds, wraparound ipe wood decking, and an imported Balinese tea house. This one's a meditation retreat that happens to have 3 beds and 2.5 baths. 2,948 sqft on 0.45 acres. Listing courtesy of Ali Evans, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties. (MLS #26-3029)
Quick note: none of the above are my listings, just three that caught my eye this issue. Full credit to the listing agents and offices named above.
This Issue's Vibe
Local adventurers, storytellers, eats & other must-follows.
Follow: @ancoraosteria
New Italian spot from the Crestanelli brothers (the team behind S.Y. Kitchen) that just opened in Montecito's Upper Village. House-made pasta, Roman-style pinsa, and a wine list that runs from Italy to the Santa Ynez Valley. The meatballs alone are worth the drive.
Follow: @hacsbsantabarbara
The Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara does the unglamorous, essential work of keeping this town livable for the people who make it run. Worth a follow if you care about where SB is headed, not just what it's selling for.
House Radio
The soundtrack to the SB Residency, updated all the time.
Everything we're listening to here in Santa Barbara, updated all the time. Listen on Spotify
On repeat this issue: Sugar Water and Late Nights, both from Vatos Tristes. If you haven't come across them yet, they're an Elgin, Illinois band blending Midwest emo with Spanish hardcore and Latin influences (frontman Christian Cuellar calls it "Mexwestemo," which feels about right). The band started as a couple of guys jamming at community college and turned into a full lineup that's been packing rooms like Cobra Lounge and Lincoln Hall in Chicago. These two tracks are the ones I keep coming back to lately, good energy without being loud for the sake of being loud.
Currently Obsessed With: Camarones al Mojo de Ajo
Whatever's got my attention this cycle, tool, trend, or otherwise.
I've been on a real home cooking kick for a while now, and it's turned into one of my favorite parts of the week. There's something about standing at the stove after a full day of showings and calls that resets me. No rush, no phone, just garlic hitting hot oil.
This one's in heavy rotation lately. Garlicky, a little smoky from the dried chiles, finished with a good handful of cilantro right at the end. Pour it over Spanish rice so the rice soaks up all that sauce, and you've got a full dinner in about 25 minutes, start to finish. Every time I make this and post it, I get a couple DMs asking for the recipe, so figured I'd just make it official.
Here's the thing: most nights this beats going out. Less money, less waiting, and honestly better flavor since you control the heat and the garlic (a lot of garlic). But the real reason I keep making it isn't the shrimp. It's that cooking for my family is one of the easiest ways I know to show them I love them. Slow down, stand at the stove, put something good on the table. That's the whole game some nights.
Get the recipe → Camarones al Mojo de Ajo, Chili Pepper Madness
If you've got a recipe you swear by, send it my way. Always looking for the next one.
Ready When You Are
Buying, selling, or just curious what it's worth? I'm here.
Whether you're thinking about a move in Santa Barbara or just want a read on your own home's value, reach out. No pressure, just a straight answer.
Todd Shea · Santa Barbara
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