6703 Del Playa Dr A-1

Wedged between the sculpted mountain peaks of the Santa Ynez Mountains and the crashing waves of the Pacific Ocean, Goleta lives up to its nickname, "The Good Land." Once known for its lemon orchards, today Goleta provides an alternative to its busier neighbor, Santa Barbara. It offers multiple farmers markets, an inspiring Butterfly Preserve, and easy access to the Santa Barbara Municipal Airport. It is also minutes away from the University of California, Santa Barbara, which sits just south of the city.

Renting an apartment in Goleta, you'll get the best of everything: exploring the Playgrounds hiking trail in the mountains, fun-filled days at Goleta Beach, easy access to Santa Barbara (a short, 10-mile drive), and a downtown bursting with shops and restaurants. And while some residents commute, many work in the city at companies such as Deckers Brands -- a footwear company founded by two UC Santa Barbara grads in Goleta in 1973.