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Upper East & Riviera Active Homes

Santa Barbara's Upper Eastside and the Riviera, two adjacent neighborhoods, offer many fine, old single-family homes. Together they encompass the central part of Santa Barbara, from State Street up to the foothills, and from Valerio Street to the Mission Canyon area. Alameda Padre Serra, which runs east to west through the lower foothills, is generally recognized as the border between the two neighborhoods.

The Upper Eastside contains many of Santa Barbara's Victorian-era homes, as well as many stately homes developed before the 1950s. Owners have carefully restored most of these classic older homes, within walking distance of downtown Santa Barbara.

The Riviera is located on the hills above downtown and the Upper Eastside. It was developed at the turn of the century when better roads and water were available to the area. Fine old homes and cottages characterize the lower Riviera, and newer, modern and Mediterranean style homes predominate as you go up the hills. The Riviera was the location of the original University of California, and its predecessor, Santa Barbara State Teachers’ College.

The climate is mild in the lower areas around Upper State and warmer as you go up the hill. Residents of both areas frequent downtown Santa Barbara businesses and shop along the State Street corridor. Supermarkets serving this area include Von’s and a beautiful new high-end Ralph's Market. For shopping and recreation see the section on Downtown Santa Barbara.

Schools serving Upper Eastside and the Riviera include Roosevelt and Franklin elementary schools, and Santa Barbara Junior High and Santa Barbara High School. School information can be found in the Resources page of this Web site. Please check the school district to find which schools service any address in these areas.