Santa Maria is a beautiful California wine-country city with an estimated 100,000 citizens. The largest city in Santa Barbara county, Santa Maria is renown for great barbecue, gorgeous weather, and internationally-acclaimed wine. An industry-rich city with a strong economy based on wine, agriculture, and oil, Santa Maria has also become home to military and manufacturing industries as well.
Housing Statistics As of now, the average home sale price in Santa Maria is roughly $252,000. However, the average listing price is nearly $50,000 higher, so you should be ready to do some negotiating if you find a place. If you're looking for a rental apartment or a rent to own home instead, you can expect to pay (on average) about $1,650 a month. There are routinely over 400 apartments, condos, and houses listed as available to rent or own in Santa Maria, so be sure to spend your time looking at more than one or two before you settle.
Transportation and Commutes 101, the most picturesque drive in all of the West Coast, travels directly through the Santa Maria Valley, connecting it to the rest of California, Oregon, and Washington's coastal cities. The drive to and from Santa Maria will also take you through much of Southern California's wine country, including Paso Robles and Santa Barbara.
Nightlife There are plenty of great places in Santa Maria to find dinner and drinks. The many over-18 venues that operate throughout the week offer a friendly, sociable atmosphere that is decidedly more low-key than the average Southern California bar or nightclub. If you're looking for somewhere to spend a fun evening with friends, check out Shaw's Restaurant or SizzlinGogi for drinks and some Korean fare. Jocko's Steakhouse and the Maverick Saloon have top-rated steaks and regular sales on craft beers.
Arts and Culture Santa Maria is probably best known for its particular style of barbecue. People come here from all over California to taste the tri-tip and Santa Maria-style spiced meats grilled over read oak wood and served with beans, garlic bread, and salad. This city has been hailed as the best BBQ town in the west.
Local Sports While a bit of a drive, you can't beat the entertainment you'll get with Santa Clara University nearby. It's the home of the Broncos, a pretty popular local football team. To top it off, the University's basketball teams also attract a lot of local fans who regularly come out to support both the men's and women's teams. If you're looking for something a bit more local, though, the Santa Maria Skate Park in Fletcher Park is very popular and free.