100 Best Apartments in Isla Vista, CA (with reviews)

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Average rent in Isla Vista, CA

$3,162/mo Isla Vista, CA average rental price, November 2023

The average monthly rent of apartments in Isla Vista, CA is $3,162.

Isla Vista, CA apartment rent ranges

Isla Vista, CA rent trends

Check out the average rent prices in Isla Vista by neighborhood.

Compared to the national average rent of $1,718, the average rent in Isla Vista, CA is $3,162.

Getting around in Isla Vista, CA

81 /100

Very Walkable

100 /100

Biker's Paradise

Walk Score®: 81, Bike Score®: 100

Frequently asked questions

When were prices and availability in Isla Vista, CA last updated?

Prices and availability in Isla Vista, CA were last updated on 21 Nov 2024.

What are the best apartments in Isla Vista, CA?

The best apartments in Isla Vista, CA are: 6520 El Colegio Road, 6686 Del Playa Drive, Canadian Test Property, 6585 El Colegio Road and 6542 Del Playa Drive.

What is the average rent in Isla Vista, CA?

The average rent in Isla Vista, CA is $2,131. Start your search for apartments in Isla Vista, CA now.

What is the price range for a studio apartment in Isla Vista, CA?

The price range for a studio apartment in Isla Vista, CA is between $1,000 and $24,000. View all studio apartments in Isla Vista, CA.

What is the price range for a 1-bedroom apartment in Isla Vista, CA?

The price range for a 1-bedroom apartment in Isla Vista, CA is between $100 and $2,000. Browse all available 1-bedroom apartments in Isla Vista, CA now.

What is the price range for a 2-bedroom apartment in Isla Vista, CA?

The price range for a 2-bedroom apartment in Isla Vista, CA is between $800 and $10,000. Browse and find a 2-bedroom apartment in Isla Vista, CA.

What is the price range for a 3-bedroom apartment in Isla Vista, CA?

The price range for a 3-bedroom apartment in Isla Vista, CA is between $2,500 and $5,000. Browse all available 3-bedroom apartments in Isla Vista, CA.

What type of rental buildings are in Isla Vista, CA?

In Isla Vista, 99% of the residents are renting compared to 1% owning a home, according to data from the U.S. Census Bureau. Large-scale apartment buildings with more than 50 units represent 23% of Isla Vista’s rentals, 72% are small-scale complexes with under 50 units, and 5% are single-family rentals.

What do typical apartment communities look like in Isla Vista, CA?

The age and size of multifamily buildings are among the most visible characteristics of the rental market in a city.  In this case, the apartment buildings in Isla Vista are about 40 years old, on average. Of these, 35% have been built since 2000, representing the newer options on the market and typically offering more amenities. Rental buildings in the city have an average height of 2 stories. About all of the rental communities here are low-rise, garden-style communities, none are mid-rises, and none are high-rise buildings. These are true especially for large-scale multifamily buildings with over 50 apartments.

What apartment floorplans are common in Isla Vista, CA?

Rental apartments in Isla Vista come in a range of sizes and floorplans. Studio apartments represent 10% of units for rent, ideal for singles, renters on a budget and people who value central locations more than space. Rentals with 1-bedroom floorplans make up 42% of the total apartments in the city, while 2-bedroom floorplans represent around 39% of all rentals in Isla Vista. The rest are larger floorplans with 3 bedrooms or more, typically preferred by families, larger households or roommates sharing space.

Living in Isla Vista, CA

Isla Vista, California, is a small, unincorporated community located in Santa Barbara County, adjacent to the Pacific Ocean and near the city of Santa Barbara. This proximity offers residents breathtaking ocean views and easy access to larger urban centers. The community thrives mainly due to its association with the University of California, Santa Barbara, which significantly influences local demographics and economic activities.

The area is known for its parks and outdoor recreational spots, especially the Isla Vista Beach and Anisq'oyo' Park, where residents can engage in activities like biking, volleyball, and beach outings. The arts scene is closely tied to the university, with various cultural events, music festivals, and art exhibitions occurring throughout the year.

Historically, the town has a vibrant history connected to the Chumash people and later developments during the 20th century. Isla Vista boasts a diverse array of neighborhoods, each with distinct characteristics influenced by the university population.

Local cuisine mirrors this diversity, offering a range of dining options from quick student-oriented eateries to more refined dining experiences. The proximity to the ocean also means seafood features prominently in local dishes.

Educational opportunities are primarily dominated by the University of California, Santa Barbara, but the area also has access to several public schools governed by the Santa Barbara Unified School District, providing education from elementary through to high school.

Renting in Isla Vista, CA

Rental options in Isla Vista are predominantly aimed at students and university staff, with a range of apartments, shared houses, and studio options. The architectural styles are varied, from modern apartment complexes equipped with amenities to older houses that have been converted into student accommodations.

The neighborhood near the university campus is particularly popular due to its close proximity to academic buildings and libraries, making it ideal for students and faculty members. Family-oriented rentals are also available, primarily on the outskirts of Isla Vista, where quieter environments are more conducive to family living.

Shopping in Isla Vista, CA

Isla Vista offers a compact but comprehensive shopping experience primarily catered to the university community. The Isla Vista Market is a popular spot, providing groceries and essentials. For more extensive shopping needs, residents often travel to nearby Santa Barbara, where larger shopping centers like La Cumbre Plaza and Paseo Nuevo can be found.

Local shops in Isla Vista tend to cater to immediate needs, including bookstores, bicycle shops, and convenience stores. There are also several cafes and eateries, which double as social spots for students and locals.

Transportation in Isla Vista, CA

Transportation in Isla Vista is heavily oriented towards bicycles and pedestrian traffic, with numerous bike paths and walking trails throughout the community. Public transportation is available through services provided by Santa Barbara Metropolitan Transit District, which offers bus routes connecting Isla Vista with surrounding areas, including Santa Barbara and Goleta.

For regional and international travel, the Santa Barbara Airport is nearby, offering flights to major cities across the United States. The community's layout and the prevalence of bike and pedestrian paths make it easy to get around without a car, aligning with the environmentally conscious ethos of the local population.

Look for apartments near me

Are you looking to land that one apartment near you that ticks all the boxes? Now you can browse through available RentCafe apartment listings in your area, rated and reviewed by verified residents. Comparing the size, price, amenities and location of apartments for rent near you is easier than ever. Do you feel like expanding the search beyond your neighborhood and ZIP code? Browse apartments for rent in your city and state to find the best fit, wherever you are in the U.S. Somewhere out there is the perfect apartment just waiting for you.

Whether you're looking for a studio, an apartment with one or more bedrooms, or maybe you're upgrading to a luxury apartment or need to acommodate a pet, RentCafe allows you to easily search for a rental near you based on your criteria, anywhere in the U.S. So, let's find your new home today!

RentCafe is your one-stop shop for finding a great new apartment in Isla Vista, CA. Easily search through a wide selection of apartments for rent in Isla Vista, CA, and view detailed information about available rentals including floor plans, pricing, photos, amenities, interactive maps, and thorough property descriptions. Property owners and managers are one click away, so feel free to contact them and find out all you need to know about the apartment you’re interested in. Browse Isla Vista, CA apartments with rents starting from $450 and submit your rental application today!

Finding a home nearby is easier than you think. Check out our Apartments Near Me page and take your pick!

STUDIO	$1,000
1 BED	$1,400
2+ BEDS	$2,200

1 BED	$450+
2 BEDS	$800
4 BEDS	Ask for Pricing

1 BED	$1,850
2 BEDS	$2,900

2 BEDS	$1,400
3 BEDS	$3,500

Apartments for Rent in Isla Vista, CA 85 Rentals Available

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