Santa Ynez

A number of historical buildings from that era still stand.

Welcome to Santa Ynez

 
With its vast ranch estates, rolling golden hills studded with gnarled valley oaks, and the dramatic backdrop of the rugged San Rafael and Santa Ynez mountains, one can feel like they have slipped into a California of the past or the location for an old Western film. And it was less than a hundred years ago that Highway 154, the main route through the valley, was an important stagecoach trail over the mountains to Santa Barbara and the coast. Several historical buildings from that era still stand, including Mattei’s Tavern, Cold Springs Tavern, and the old Spanish Santa Ynez Mission.
 
Much of the area remains as pristine as it was in those days, though the landscape has more recently been decorated with a profusion of vineyards and wineries, the area’s sunny dry climate being perfect for growing excellent wine grapes. Consequently, one of the premier attractions for visitors and locals alike is wine tasting and picnicking on the grounds of the many gold medal wineries. The meandering scenic back roads are perfect for bicycling between vineyards, stopping along the way in the quaint towns of Los Olivos, Ballard, and Santa Ynez to explore the many galleries, gourmet restaurants, and shops.
 
Other recreational opportunities abound, including horse-back riding, glider rides, camping, and eagle-spotting boat trips on Lake Cachuma and in the spring, driving up Figueroa Mountain to photograph the fields quilted with wild purple lupin and golden California poppies. For a taste of Disneyland, there is Solvang, a Danish village complete with Scandinavian architecture, horse-drawn trolleys, an outdoor Shakespearian theater, and a Danish sidewalk café that serves genuine Danish pastries with coffee.
 
The slower pace of Santa Ynez Valley is perfect for those who are interested in being part of a very active and involved community and living a lifestyle of balance with nature.
 
The large ranch homes are, like the “cowboy chic” culture of the Valley, a blend of sophisticated and rustic. Long one-story haciendas built to blend into the hills with natural adobe or stucco and wood, most also have swimming pools and gourmet kitchens, guest houses, and stables with corrals and many have been designed or remodeled by famous architects.

Overview for Santa Ynez, CA

4,679 people live in Santa Ynez, where the median age is 50.1 and the average individual income is $52,587. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.

4,679

Total Population

50.1 years

Median Age

High

Population Density Population Density This is the number of people per square mile in a neighborhood.

$52,587

Average individual Income

Around Santa Ynez, CA

There's plenty to do around Santa Ynez, including shopping, dining, nightlife, parks, and more. Data provided by Walk Score and Yelp.

3
Car-Dependent
Walking Score
34
Somewhat Bikeable
Bike Score

Points of Interest

Explore popular things to do in the area, including The Hideaway LO, The Juicy Life, and Terre Et Sang.

Name Category Distance Reviews
Ratings by Yelp
Dining 3.61 miles 23 reviews 5/5 stars
Dining 0.87 miles 17 reviews 5/5 stars
Dining 3.66 miles 7 reviews 5/5 stars
Dining 3.58 miles 11 reviews 5/5 stars
Dining · $$ 3.94 miles 5 reviews 5/5 stars
Active 3.01 miles 7 reviews 5/5 stars

Demographics and Employment Data for Santa Ynez, CA

Santa Ynez has 1,806 households, with an average household size of 2.59. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau. Here’s what the people living in Santa Ynez do for work — and how long it takes them to get there. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau. 4,679 people call Santa Ynez home. The population density is 968.68 and the largest age group is Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.

4,679

Total Population

High

Population Density Population Density This is the number of people per square mile in a neighborhood.

50.1

Median Age

51.55 / 48.45%

Men vs Women

Population by Age Group

0-9:

0-9 Years

10-17:

10-17 Years

18-24:

18-24 Years

25-64:

25-64 Years

65-74:

65-74 Years

75+:

75+ Years

Education Level

  • Less Than 9th Grade
  • High School Degree
  • Associate Degree
  • Bachelor Degree
  • Graduate Degree
1,806

Total Households

2.59

Average Household Size

$52,587

Average individual Income

Households with Children

With Children:

Without Children:

Marital Status

Married
Single
Divorced
Separated

Blue vs White Collar Workers

Blue Collar:

White Collar:

Commute Time

0 to 14 Minutes
15 to 29 Minutes
30 to 59 Minutes
60+ Minutes

Schools in Santa Ynez, CA

All ()
Primary Schools ()
Middle Schools ()
High Schools ()
Mixed Schools ()
The following schools are within or nearby Santa Ynez. The rating and statistics can serve as a starting point to make baseline comparisons on the right schools for your family. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.
Type
Name
Category
Grades
School rating

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