349 movers in Santa Barbara
United Transportation Moving & Storage
Jeremy said: I would use them again without hesitation. The crew showed up ready and got straight to work. They handled the loading and unloading without making it chaotic. Nothing felt rushed, but they also didn't waste time. The team worked well together and kept things moving the whole day. The whole process was under control. Read more at: https://moveadvisor.com/movers/united-transportation-moving-and-storage-2154
Alex Moving & Storage
"DO NOT USE THIS COMPANY! They did not provide the service we paid for. We moved from CA to GA; however we needed to store our entire household for 7 months. It was our understanding that our belongings would be loaded into large crates, stored in ..."
Pro Moving & Storage LLC
"DO NOT USE THIS COMPANY !!! Worst experience of our lives . (GM) [NAME EDIT] , Salesman [NAME EDIT] , Foreman/Dispatcher [NAME EDIT] ( piece of crap) are all Liars, Thieves and the most unprofessional group of individuals you will ever meet. Our m..."
Best Rate Moving and Storage
"I used this company to move during a snow storm!! They were prompt proffessional and had strong work ethics. I would use them again based on their work ethics and attitudes."
Household Goods Moving Experts
"After contacting American Way Moving they contracted with this company. Horrible experience. Not only did the price keep going up they kept moving the delivery day out. The foreman that picked up our belongings told us to have a cashier check read..."
Dirt Cheap Mover
"I’m finally ready (after a few months) to write this review. I’ve been so livid at Steve Niedziela, the i-won’t-shut-the-heck-up-because-i-just-can’t-get-enough-of-my-own-b.s. owner, that I haven’t been able to write this without an abundance of w..."
Nelson Moving & Storage
"They say that it is easy to be excellent when everything is going well but the test of character is when there’s adversity. I am going to explain my experience with Nelson Moving starting with the bad. The very bad. We moved interstate from Califo..."
Gentle John's Moving & Storage
"Their great nice people make you feel very comfortable and takes care of your stuff as if it’s theirs"
Jack & Jeff Transfer
"My wife and I employed Jeff and Jack Transfer (“JJT”) of Visalia, CA to move our household goods from our Exeter, CA home and to enter them into storage, anticipating a duration (for an overseas assignment) of several years. After our return to th..."
Southern Cal Moving
"I can only make this short and sweet for anyone looking to hire a moving service. There are SO MANY out there, do yourselves a favor and pick someone else. Southern Cal movers hired our move out to Iglesias Trucking and while our move was comple..."
Courtesy Moving and Storage
"This company is a subsidiary of Wheaton World Wide. They moved me on August 1, 2018, from Fresno to Vallejo, CA. I purchased Full Value Protection insurance.. I have substantial damage to many pieces of furniture. I have sent photos and requested ..."
What to know when moving to Santa Barbara, CA
Santa Barbara at a Glance
- The Vibe:
- A highly educated area where 41.1% of residents hold a bachelor's degree and 78.2% are renters.
- The Major Draw:
- Median household income is $79,868, providing a comfortable living standard.
- The Reality Check:
- The median gross rent is $2,109, which is relatively high.
- Commute:
- Only 3.2% of residents use public transit.
- Top Tip:
- Prepare for 33.5 inches of rain annually, with the wettest months in winter.
The 'Vibe' Check: Who Thrives Here?
Santa Barbara has a population of 30,496, characterized by a significant renter presence at 78.2%. While the median household income is a solid $79,868, nearly 17.1% of residents live below the poverty line. The area has a relatively high education level, with 41.1% of the population holding a bachelor's degree or higher. The climate brings about 33.5 inches of precipitation a year, with most rain falling during the winter.
Probably not your spot if you are looking for affordable housing, as the median gross rent stands at $2,109.
Your Money: Housing & Cost Snapshot
- Median gross rent is $2,109, which can strain a budget, especially for renters.
- Median home value is $1,122,200, indicating a high cost of homeownership.
- 41.1% of residents have a bachelor's degree or higher, reflecting a well-educated community.
- The poverty rate is 17.1%, suggesting economic challenges for some residents.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Data Profiles.
Crime & Safety: What the Numbers Say
Crime data for California indicates a mixed picture; while property crime has decreased by 26.1% from 2022 to 2025, the state annual rate for property crime in 2025 stands at 1,764 per 100,000 people, which is 14% higher than the national average. Violent crime has also dropped by 17.4% in the same period, with a rate of 415.5 per 100,000, 27.7% higher than the national rate.
- Violent crime: 415.5 per 100k vs. national 325.3 per 100k.
- Property crime: 1,764 per 100k vs. national 1,546.9 per 100k.
- Notable trend: Homicide rate down 44.9% since 2022.
Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer (state-level summarized data for California).
Schools & Higher Ed
Santa Barbara has access to several higher education institutions, contributing to its educated population.
- Total postsecondary institutions: 7
- With College Scorecard data: 7
- Local options include University of California-Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara City College, and Westmont College.
Source: NCES Postsecondary School Locations, U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard.
Weather & Getting Outside
Santa Barbara experiences an annual high of 81°F and an average low of 47°F, with 33.5 inches of rain spread throughout the year, particularly in winter. The area enjoys 333 days of sunshine, making it favorable for outdoor activities.
- Arroyo Burro Beach County Park: 4.7 stars (3,331 reviews)
- Shoreline Park: 4.8 stars (2,508 reviews)
- Goleta Beach Park: 4.5 stars (3,047 reviews)
Sources: NOAA Climate Data Online, Google Places.
Jobs & the Local Economy
Santa Barbara County has a labor force of 221,450, with an unemployment rate of 4.9% as of December 2025.
- Unemployment rate: 4.9%
- Employed: 210,704
- Labor force: 221,450
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Local Area Unemployment Statistics.
