Isla Vista Apartment Renter's Guide
Isla Vista Apartment Renter's Guide
Jack Johnson once claimed to have written all of the songs on his "Brushfire Fairytales" album in Isla Vista. If you're looking to get a bit creative, this is clearly the place to be!
Isla Vista is home to a vast array of people from around the state and across the nation
Jack Johnson once claimed to have written all of the songs on his "Brushfire Fairytales" album in Isla Vista. If you're looking to get a bit creative, this is clearly the place to be!
Isla Vista is home to a vast array of people from around the state and across the nation. The mild year-round climate makes the seaside relaxation, volleyball games and afternoon cookouts just a few of the many things happening on a daily basis. The Isla Vista apartment complexes are many, so your search for apartments should be short. The area is graced by a mostly Mediterranean climate, and on clear days, the Channel Islands can be spotted off in the distance. Whichever area of Isla Vista you choose to live in, the dense population holds promise that you will soon be making new friends. The community as a whole embraces innovators and progressive thinkers. The very first Kinko's copies (now run by FedEx) was opened in Isla Vista in 1970 by entrepreneur Paul Orfalea.
A Popular Place to Move to
Most leases are six months long, so you may want to start looking for a place to live several months in advance. There are numerous one bedroom apartments for rent and luxury apartments that are currently occupied but will soon become available. The condensed population means that parking can be a challenge. Remember this when you are searching for a residence and be sure to ask if the lease includes a designated parking spot. Some leasing companies require a co-signer such as a parent or relative with decent credit so you should be prepared to recruit a helpful, older family member. The area experiences a considerable rate of residential turnover, so a short term lease should not be a hard thing to find. There are lots of two bedroom apartments for rent, so the prospect of finding roommates might have to be part of your moving strategy. You can do so by searching community bulletin boards or placing a few online ads.
The Neighborhoods of Isla Vista
The four neighborhood districts seamlessly meld together, so when you cross from one into another it is not always obvious. There are plenty of friendly faces around to offer directions if you get turned around. The best part is that getting around amid these areas is done easily by bicycle or on foot.
Isla Vista: This primarily residential area is comprised of apartment complexes and rental properties. It sits between Del Playa Road to the south and El Colegio Road to the north. Camino Pescadero marks the Eastern border of this neighborhood while Camino Corto borders it to the west.
Orilla Del Mar: The northwest sector of Isla Vista includes the Camino Corto Open Space area and gives way to a residential district characterized by ocean views and access to superb bird watching at the Devereux Slough. Residences in the area are primarily large single-family homes.
Ocean Terrace: This neighborhood sits to the east of Camino Pescadero between Pardall Road and El Colegio Road to the south and north, respectively. One and two story residences are abundant in this area, so if you are looking for an apartment to rent - start here. This neighborhood is just north of downtown Isla Vista and close to major commuting and travel routes.
Downtown Isla Vista: Downtown Isla Vista is located in the southeastern sector of town. Embarcadero Del mar extends south from El Colegio Road through Ocean Terrace, wraps 180 degrees around People's Park and Perfect Park and turns into Embarcadero Del Norte. This area is a mix of local businesses and residential buildings. People living here have immediate walking access to restaurants specializing in pizza, Korean food, sandwiches and coffee. The parks in the center of town offer convenient outdoor areas for enjoying fresh food, a tasty beverage or a good book.
Sunshine and Fun Times by the Pacific Ocean
Isla Vista residents get around on scooters, bikes, skateboards and on foot. Shopping for basic essentials such as groceries, toiletries and dry goods can be done locally at one of three stores in the downtown area. Other necessities such as clothing, furniture and appliances can be found at retail outlets in nearby Goleta or Santa Barbara - both accessible by car. The Santa Barbara Sheriff's Office deploys the Isla Vista Foot Patrol daily to provide safety among the residents and to address issues by interacting with the population.