620 W Carrillo Street Unit A
Our favorite part of the job! Just closed on this charming Spanish style 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom condo near Downtown Santa Barbara and the Mesa!
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Photography: Jesse Kaplan
Not just a local's bias any more. It's official. UCSB really is in the Top 10 of the country. U.S News and Worldwide Report deemed UCSB the 8th top public university Nationwide. Read what Andrea from the UC's blog "The current" had to say:
"In its 2017 listing of the “Top 30 Public National Universities” in the country, U.S. News & World Report has ranked UC Santa Barbara number 8.
Among the “Best National Universities” ranking, which includes both public and private institutions, UCSB placed number 37. Within the University of California system, only UC Berkeley and UCLA ranked above UCSB. Other UC campuses in the Top 30 include Irvine, Davis and San Diego.
In addition, UCSB placed number 13 among public universities in the “Least Debt” section of the magazine’s ranking of student debt load at graduation. UCSB’s College of Engineering is ranked number 18 among public universities on the U.S. News & World Report list of “Best Programs at Engineering Schools Whose Highest Degree is a Doctorate.”
The magazine has just released its annual college rankings online at usnews.com/colleges. The print edition of “Best Colleges 2017” guidebook can be purchased online beginning today or in stores Oct. 4.
“We are proud of this national recognition, which places us at No. 8 among the country’s top public universities and further emphasizes our leading role in higher education,” said Chancellor Henry T. Yang. “A reflection of the preeminent stature of UC Santa Barbara, this ranking is the result of the dedication and enormous efforts of our world-class faculty, and the academic distinction of our diverse student body.
“Our greatness,” Yang added, “is the sum of the combined commitment of our students, faculty and staff to academic excellence, diversity, access and affordability.”
To rank colleges and universities for the Best Colleges 2017 guidebook, U.S. News & World Report assigns institutions to categories developed by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching. UCSB’s category of national universities includes only institutions that emphasize faculty research and offer a full range of undergraduate majors, plus master’s degrees and doctoral programs.
UCSB, which this year experienced the most competitive admissions process in campus history, continues to attract the best of the best. Among prospective freshmen and undergraduate transfer students, academic qualifications and diversity remain exceptionally high. For the 2016-17 academic year, the average high school grade-point average of applicants admitted is 4.21, and the average total score achieved on the required SATR test is 1994 out of a possible 2400.
Of the admitted freshmen, 30 percent are members of underrepresented minority groups (African-American, American Indian and Chicano and Latino students). In addition, 30 percent of admitted freshmen are first-generation college students.
The rankings in the Best Colleges 2017 guidebook are based on data U.S. News & World Report collects directly from colleges and universities, as well as from other sources. This year, the magazine reported that 93.5 percent of the 1,374 colleges and universities it surveyed responded to its request for statistical information. Additional data was obtained from the American Association of University Professors, the National Collegiate Athletic Association, the Council for Aid to Education and the U.S. Department of Education’s National Center for Education Statistics. The magazine evaluates and analyzes data on various indicators of academic quality and assigns a weight to each factor based on its relative importance. It then tabulates composite scores and ranks institutions against others in the same peer group.
Complete U.S. News & World Report rankings are available at www.usnews.com/colleges.
UCSB has performed exceptionally well in a variety of other recent national and international rankings. It remains one of the world’s top 10 universities worldwide in terms of research impact, as listed by the 2016 Leiden Rankings. In addition, on Washington Monthly magazine’s list of the nation’s top universities, UCSB placed number 9 among public institutions and number 17 overall. Also, UCSB came in at number 25 among schools with 10,000 or more undergraduates in Teach for America’s 2016 Teaching Corps."
Source: http://www.news.ucsb.edu/2016/017115/excellence-affirmed
If you are keeping up with the Rey Fire happenings you may have seen many photos or videos taken by eye witnesses. We saw our friend and videographer Matthew Hawk captured this eerie, heart-wrenching - yet beautiful sight of the fire blazing from the Santa Barbara Mission and wanted to share. Even when paradise is in trouble, we are reminded of her beauty.
For frequent updates on the Rey Fire and containment visit: http://www.independent.com/news/2016/aug/23/update-five-days-rey-fire/
🍃 Tucked away in Montecito's hedgerow....
A Mid-Century Modern Ranch near Lower Village and Beaches. Situated on a flat and usable .42 acres, this well maintained single level home offers 3 bedrooms and 3 full bathrooms with floor to ceiling walls of glass and soaring vaulted ceilings.
Features:
4 fireplaces; one in each of the formal dining room, living room, family room and Master bedroom, which is replete with sitting area, large walk-in closet, en-suite bathroom and french doors to the patio. Attached 3 car garage has installed a lift able to store 3 additional cars; sure to please the auto enthusiast. The grounds are an entertainer's dream with lush lawns, spacious patios, gardening areas and large water feature.
Extremely central location in Montecito near shops, Montecito Union Elementary, private schools, beaches, YMCA and more!
It's that time again...
Voting for the annual Santa Barbara Independent Best Of Santa Barbara Issue has begun!
You can vote for jake ralston & kat hitchcock by voting "Ralston & Hitchcock real estate" in the category “Best Real Estate Team”
& "Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices" in the category “Best Real Estate Company”
VOTE NOW
Each county offers places for spending the “golden years”! Southern California has long been a magnet for people who want to spend their retirement in a mild, pleasant climate. But climate isn’t the only factor that goes into deciding where to live out the “golden years.” Cost of living, taxes, access to healthcare, shopping, entertainment, recreation, and transportation are some other considerations for retirees before settling on their ideal community.
We looked at data for each of the five counties we serve, and came up with a recommended community for each, from south to north. Every retiree’s situation is different, of course, and there are plenty of cities to check out within the region. But you can’t go wrong with these SoCal favorites.
San Diego County
Encinitas
With more than 350 physicians, over 325 amenities for seniors, and an exceptionally low crime rate, this beachside city offers homes ranging from chic modern condos to expansive Mediterranean-style villas. Boating, fishing, and swimming at the beach are daily activities, along with golf at the Encinitas Ranch Golf Course. The San Diego Botanical Garden features rare bamboo groves, desert gardens, a tropical rainforest, California native plants, Mediterranean climate landscapes, and more. Annual events include the outdoor Encinitas Arts Festival, a wonderful venue for meeting new people, enjoying local talent, and sampling scrumptious cuisine.
Orange County
Mission Viejo
One of the largest master-planned developments in the U.S., Mission Viejo has won many “Safest City” awards thanks to its extremely low crime rate. The Irvine Company created a master plan that placed roads in the valleys and houses on the hills, contoured to the geography of the area. Houses and shopping centers in the city are almost all designed in a Spanish mission style, with adobe-like stucco walls and barrel-tile roofs. Many homes and condos are built around private Lake Mission Viejo, which offers boating, beaches, and fishing. An active public library and Saddleback College provide cultural opportunities. The Norman P. Murray Community and Senior Center caters to older residents. There are about two parks per square mile and three golf courses: Mission Viejo Country Club, Casta del Sol Golf Course, and Arroyo Trabuco Golf Club.
Los Angeles County
Pasadena
The City of Roses, just northeast of Los Angeles is most famous as the home of the Rose Bowl and the Tournament of Roses Parade. It is the cultural center of the region, with several colleges, including the California Institute of Technology, and many leading museums such as the Norton Simon and the nearby Huntington Library and Gardens. Getting around the downtown area, with its many shops, antique stores, and restaurants, is easy. The city has a high walk score of 67.7 from walkscore.com. The city has many interesting neighborhoods to live in including Bungalow Heaven, a neighborhood of 800 small Craftsman homes built from 1900 to 1930. The Gamble House, an American Craftsman masterpiece, was built in 1908 by architects Charles and Henry Greene, is open to the public as an architectural conservancy and museum.
Ventura County
Ventura
Last year, the U.S. Department of Agriculture named Ventura County the most desirable place to live in America. The reasons include mild, sunny winters, temperate summers, low humidity, topographic variety, and access to the ocean and lakes. The city of Ventura is the largest in the county, and is famed for its beaches, compact downtown with loads of antique shops, and great scenery, such as the sweeping 360-degrees from Serra Cross Park. The nearby Channel Islands are among the least-visited national parks, despite being one of the most stunning and ecologically diverse. The quiet city is just far enough from the attractions of Los Angeles to the south, and is a great jumping-off point to the scenic wonders to the north, such as Highway 1, Hearst Castle, and Carmel.
Santa Barbara County
Santa Barbara
Retirees like living in this coastal city because of its unusually beautiful setting and excellent climate. The downtown area is walkable and prosperous downtown, and the city’s strong economic base offers plenty of opportunities for work–paid or volunteer. Retired folks can live in a house or apartment near downtown, or an apartment or freestanding house farther out in a development. There also are many assisted living and continuing care facilities. Cultural life abounds, including the Santa Barbara Museum of Art, University Art Museum on the UC Santa Barbara Campus, Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History, Santa Barbara Maritime Fiesta; Santa Barbara Arts & Crafts Festival, Arlington Theatre, and Lobero Theater. Many musical groups and a symphony orchestra are on hand to entertain.
For more information visit Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties.
These Southern California neighborhoods are for those who love to work and play. We know that millennials and young business professionals are looking for more than just a place to lay their head at night when it comes to buying a home. Community, nightlife, and affordability are all top of mind, plus proximity to work and other job opportunities. We selected our top picks for young business professionals when it comes to living in Southern California. You’ll find that these communities boast the perfect blend of work and play.
San Diego County
Little Italy
Little Italy is known for its diverse selection of restaurants, craft beers, and energetic nightlife. Its close proximity to the airport makes it a hot spot for young professionals both on the go and here to stay, and it’s just a short Uber ride to downtown San Diego’s Gaslamp Quarter, restaurants, and shopping. Though Little Italy’s residences are fairly new, the careful city planning and marketing that went into them have quickly made it a magnet for professionals and millennials.
Think you’ll love Little Italy? Search for your perfect home right now.
Orange County
Newport Beach
Though it is one of the pricier communities in Orange County, Newport Beach is full of top-earners who love to work hard and play hard. The community is perfect for those who keep an outdoor lifestyle, but is still accessible to thousands of major area employers that are just minutes inland. If you love the sun and sand, funky restaurants, and being near professionals who share the same tastes, then Newport Beach is the place for you. We suggest Balboa Peninsula, where you’ll find a variety of upscale and affordable for-sale and rental housing. If you talk to one of the agents in our Newport Beach office, we guarantee you won’t be able to resist making the move to Newport Beach.
Search for homes in Newport Beach today.
Los Angeles
Los Feliz
This community is full of young, smart, and driven professionals. You will find a mix of townhouses and luxury homes on the safe streets of Los Feliz. You may even find Ryan Gosling, who is a permanent resident of this trendy neighborhood. In addition to having quick access to downtown via the subway, Los Feliz is close to Griffith Park, where you’ll find hiking and horseback riding trails, Griffith Observatory, the Los Angeles Zoo, and Greek Theatre. When you’re not working or playing, you’ll likely be eating, and Los Feliz is home to many delicious and unique restaurants, with many boasting gluten-free and vegan menu options, and you may find that some are even within walking distance. Talk to an agent in our Los Feliz office today, and start searching for homes now.
Los Feliz homes are waiting for you here.
Santa Barbara County
West Santa Barbara
When you combine proximity to the beach, downtown, and city college, you’re bound to find tons of young professionals and recent graduates living in one area. Plus, rent and house payments have the potential to be relatively low, considering that you are living in Santa Barbara. You’ll find that buses and bikes are the main mode of transportation west of State Street. If you’re looking for more affordable housing, try the upper west side or downtown portion. If you’re a young professional already making the big bucks, though, you’ll find that West Beach and the lower west are much more affluent areas. Talk to one of our Santa Barbara agents today to see if West Santa Barbara is right for you.
Convinced that West Santa Barbara is right for you? Get started on your home search now.
Ventura County
Westside
Also known as “The Avenue,” this eclectic and diverse neighborhood of Ventura attracts millennials and professionals, due to the booming art scene, delicious cuisine, and proximity to shops, galleries, and downtown Ventura. Recreational activities include going to the ocean, downtown, or hiking on one of several trails in the area. Plus, on the first Friday evening of every month, several Westside galleries are showcased along a two-mile walk. Start talking to an agent in our Ventura office today if you’re ready to call the Westside home.
Search every home in Ventura now.
Visit Berkshire Hathaway for more articles regarding Southern California neighborhoods.
New on the market! Fantastic opportunity to own 2 Craftsman homes on 1 lot just a few blocks to State Street! Built in 1915, each home has 1 bedroom & 1 bathroom, but are functional as 2 bedrooms. Featuring remodeled kitchens and bathrooms, 9ft. ceilings, beautiful Fir floors and on-site laundry. Strong rents and solid tenants. A+ location!
Offered at $1,150,000
Check out the photos below or go to http://www.jakeralston.com/listing/just-listed-125-129-w-pedregosa/ for more details.
Charming Family Home w/ 1bd Guest House!
4bd/4ba country home with in-laws apartment on a gated & fenced .46 acre
236 Toro Canyon Road | Carpinteria, CA
Offered at $2,195,000
MLS# 15-1375
Build Your Dream Home in Hope Ranch!
2.35 acre ocean-view parcel in exclusive Hope Ranch neighborhood
Via Esperanza | Hope Ranch, Santa Barbara
Offered at $2,000,000
MLS# 15-3777
Award-Winning Luxury Condo in the Heart of Downtown!
1bd/2ba + loft 1 mile from the beach & walking distance to local restaurants, shops & nightlife
121 W. De La Guerra #7 | Santa Barbara, CA
Offered at $1,450,000
MLS# 15-905
Available - Not in MLS!
3bd/3ba beachfront condo with panoramic ocean views, 2 blocks to downtown Ventura
Address & Price Available Upon Request
Ventura, CA
Available - Not in MLS!
Beach bungalow with separate 1bd/1ba apartment, 2 blocks to the beach
Address Available Upon Request
Carpinteria, CA
Offered at $3,000,000
Exclusive - Oceanfront Land on Oregon Coast!
4.52 acre building site along the Pacific Coast in scenic Oregon
Florence, OR
Offered at $1,990,000
Exclusive - Riverfront Oregon Vineyard & Event Center!
27+ acre property features a 19 acre vineyard, large event center, & tasting room
Myrtle Creek, OR
Offered at $1,900,000
Short term vacation rentals (lasting less than 30 days) are becoming more common throughout the Central Coast, along with home sharing (renting out a room or part of a unit while the primary resident is present). However, different areas have their own ordinances and regulations regarding renting out your home. Thinking of leasing your home temporarily? Check out these guidelines and requirements based on your location, provided by the Santa Barbara Association of Realtors.
Santa Barbara - Short term vacation rentals are prohibited in Santa Barbara, with certain exceptions that require you to get a business license. At the moment, the city is not issuing business licenses nor collecting Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT). A Home Sharing Rental Ordinance is currently in the works.
Goleta - The city of Goleta requires several steps to be taken aside from obtaining a short term vacation rental permit. Goleta's ordinance takes into account the property owner, the vacationer, and the neighbors. In addition to a permit, Goleta requires a Nuisance Response Plan, a Transient Occupancy Tax Application for Certificate Registration, a Surety bond, a Declaration of Notification, and a General Business License Application.
Carpinteria - Carpinteria allows short term vacation rentals, but only in PRD zones (beach and downtown areas). The city also requires a business license and TOT.
Santa Barbara County - For unincorporated areas, there are no existing rules regarding short term vacation rentals, although this will likely change. A new ordinance addressing these rentals is expected to go into place next year. Currently, to have a short term vacation rental you are required to have a business license.
Last Wednesday, UC Santa Barbara's beachside college town, Isla Vista, saw the opening of Amazon@IslaVista, an Amazon.com storefront that provides secure lockers for online orders. Amazon, the country's number one Internet retailer, is especially popular amongst college students, who order everything from snacks to clothes to college textbooks through the site. The new storefront is expected to increase security and reduce theft, a common occurrence in the small town where packages may be left unattended for hours at a time. Similar to long-term post office boxes, the Amazon storefront allows shoppers to select an Amazon locker for delivery rather than opting to receive a package delivery at home. Upon delivery, customers will receive a notification along with a personalized code for the locker. They then have up to five days to pick up the package before it is returned to the Amazon warehouse.
For students living on the UCSB campus or in Isla Vista, the new storefront will create a smoother and more secure shopping experience. This is especially true for students still living in on-campus dorms, whose packages are often left in common areas until the student returns to their room. For students with Amazon Student or Amazon Prime accounts, Amazon@IslaVista is also the first location to offer same-day delivery for eligible items - a game-changer for college kids who may have forgotten to order a textbook on time.
UCSB is one of several college campuses around the nation to provide a nearby Amazon storefront. While there are certain limitations to the store, such as restrictions on package size and weight, the store is expected to provide enhanced security and an easier shopping experience for the Isla Vista community.
Check out the November issue of Architectural Digest for an article on designer Madeline Stuart's impressive remodel of her historic Santa Barbara bungalow!
Santa Barbara's El Caserio, an alluring neighborhood known for its Spanish Colonial Revivals, arose in the 1930s as an artistic community and has been popular with artists ever since. Los Angeles-based interior designer Madeline Stuart first learned about the area when she and her husband thought about purchasing a Santa Barbara getaway. After visiting a beautiful El Caserio bungalow, Stuart immediately made an offer, and ended up with a new project.
Originally looking for a fun side task, Stuart quickly discovered that her new property had more issues than she had initially realized. Facing structural problems and questionable design choices, Casa Caserio underwent expensive renovations, including rerouting the entrance to the bedroom (which had originally meant walking through a bathroom) and designing all-new doors and windows that were still consistent with the authentic 1930s detailing.
Though costly and time-consuming, Stuart's hard work and dedication paid off. Featuring both modern accents and traditional Spanish charm, Stuart has transformed the historic bungalow while staying true to its Spanish Revival roots. Read the full article here and take a look at these stunning before and after photos!
Photos by Richard Powers / Architectural Digest.