It is generally believed that Montecito, Hope Ranch, the Upper East and the "Old Riviera" are Santa Barbara's most prestigious neighborhoods. The "Upper East" is defined by its location east of State Street and above Valerio Street, and it eventually merges into the Mission Canyon neighborhood and the Riviera foothills.

The Upper East is a wonderful walking neighborhood, though residents often don't get too far for the frequency with which they run into friends to chat with along their way. Because the topography is flat to gently sloping, a healthy walk to downtown is very doable, as is a stroll through the nearby and much loved Mission rose gardens. Residents especially enjoy the convenience of being minutes from the city stores, museums, library and theaters. The newly reconstructed and very highly regarded Roosevelt School serves the Upper East and many of its students walk the few blocks to and from school each day.



The homes of the Upper East are varied: many are splendid cottages or bungalows, others are unique and elegant mansions built by scions like the Crockers and the Hoffmans. An atmosphere of quality and stability remains in the tree lined Upper East to this day.