Santa Ynez Valley

A guide to the Santa Ynez Valley’s most beautiful towns.

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Santa Ynez Valley Real Estate

Composed of the areas known as Santa Ynez, Solvang, Los Olivos, Ballard, and Buellton, the Santa Ynez Valley is a stunning jewel located just north of Santa Barbara. The valley’s beautiful countryside features majestic rolling hills, crystal blue lakes, and vibrant vineyards.

The Santa Ynez Valley is known as wine country—there are approximately 120 wineries located in the valley’s picturesque towns. You can expect to pay close to $1 million for a home in the valley if not well into the millions. Valley homes are sprawling and renovated, and many date back to the 1920s; Solvang, in particular, features stunningly remodeled historic homes. Gorgeous vineyard estates can be found throughout the valley, particularly in Los Olivos. Speak to our experienced Santa Ynez Valley real estate agent if you want to learn more about properties in this beautiful area.

What to Love

  • Plenty of privacy
  • Great restaurants and wineries
  • Private airport nearby
  • Close to the beautiful Lake Cachuma

People & Lifestyle

With all of its scenery and charm, it’s no wonder that the Santa Ynez Valley is a popular tourist destination. People flock to the fantastic restaurants in Buellton, the stunning wineries of Los Olivos, and, of course, the European-inspired aesthetic of Solvang. Santa Ynez Valley residents love the sheer volume of fun activities and delicious restaurants to try—life in the valley is never dull!

Families tend to love the picture-perfect small town of Ballard, which boasts a tiny population of roughly 467 and is home to an actual Little Red Schoolhouse that still educates local children. Los Olivos is perfect for homebuyers who want to feel like they’re truly living in the west; the laid-back atmosphere and fun annual events bring the community together in this picturesque country town.

Dining, Shopping, & Entertainment

The Santa Ynez Valley is home to some of California’s best shopping, dining, and, of course, wineries. Explore the Danish-style architecture of Solvang by browsing a variety of boutiques selling everything from antiques to accessories, or dine on rustic Italian cuisine at Toscana Pizzeria. Nearby Ballard is home to the Ballard Inn & Restaurant, a AAA 4-Diamond rated country inn that’s regarded as one of the most romantic in the country.

Things to Do

Visit the Los Olivos Jazz & Olive Festival each June to try some fabulous wines and listen to talented musicians and bands or celebrate the holidays at Olde Fashioned Christmas. For all the freshest produce and goods, the Solvang Farmers’ Market offers everything you’ll need.

Schools

The Santa Ynez Valley is known for its excellent educational opportunities. Children in the valley attend schools in a variety of districts, including: 

  • Santa Ynez Valley Union High School District
  • Solvang Unified School District
  • Los Olivos School District
  • Buellton Union School District

Other neighborhoods you might want to check out

• Montecito
• Santa Barbara
• Hope Ranch
• Goleta
• Carpinteria
• Summerland

Featured Ynez Valley Neighborhoods

Overview for Santa Ynez Valley, CA

4,679 people live in Santa Ynez Valley, where the median age is 50.1 and the average individual income is $52,587. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.

4,679

Total Population

50.1 years

Median Age

High

Population Density Population Density This is the number of people per square mile in a neighborhood.

$52,587

Average individual Income

Around Santa Ynez Valley, CA

There's plenty to do around Santa Ynez Valley, including shopping, dining, nightlife, parks, and more. Data provided by Walk Score and Yelp.

5
Car-Dependent
Walking Score
32
Somewhat Bikeable
Bike Score

Points of Interest

Explore popular things to do in the area, including DaFoe Wines, The Juicy Life, and Terre Et Sang.

Name Category Distance Reviews
Ratings by Yelp
Dining 3.7 miles 9 reviews 5/5 stars
Dining 0.83 miles 17 reviews 5/5 stars
Dining 3.78 miles 5 reviews 5/5 stars
Dining · $$ 4.05 miles 5 reviews 5/5 stars
Dining 3.73 miles 23 reviews 5/5 stars
Dining 4.62 miles 11 reviews 5/5 stars

Demographics and Employment Data for Santa Ynez Valley, CA

Santa Ynez Valley has 1,806 households, with an average household size of 2.59. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau. Here’s what the people living in Santa Ynez Valley do for work — and how long it takes them to get there. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau. 4,679 people call Santa Ynez Valley home. The population density is 968.68 and the largest age group is Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.

4,679

Total Population

High

Population Density Population Density This is the number of people per square mile in a neighborhood.

50.1

Median Age

51.55 / 48.45%

Men vs Women

Population by Age Group

0-9:

0-9 Years

10-17:

10-17 Years

18-24:

18-24 Years

25-64:

25-64 Years

65-74:

65-74 Years

75+:

75+ Years

Education Level

  • Less Than 9th Grade
  • High School Degree
  • Associate Degree
  • Bachelor Degree
  • Graduate Degree
1,806

Total Households

2.59

Average Household Size

$52,587

Average individual Income

Households with Children

With Children:

Without Children:

Marital Status

Married
Single
Divorced
Separated

Blue vs White Collar Workers

Blue Collar:

White Collar:

Commute Time

0 to 14 Minutes
15 to 29 Minutes
30 to 59 Minutes
60+ Minutes

Schools in Santa Ynez Valley, CA

All ()
Primary Schools ()
Middle Schools ()
High Schools ()
Mixed Schools ()
The following schools are within or nearby Santa Ynez Valley. The rating and statistics can serve as a starting point to make baseline comparisons on the right schools for your family. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.
Type
Name
Category
Grades
School rating

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