Q: Marsha, I recently moved to Santa Barbara, and my wife and I are looking to purchase a home in the city. The one area we keep going back to is San Roque. It is so charming and different from other locations. What can you tell us about San Roque?
A: You are right about San Roque; it’s a prized section of Santa Barbara and has a unique personality. While Hope Ranch and Montecito are recognized as enclaves for our wealthier denizens, San Roque has traditionally been more middle class and attainable.
When I first moved to Santa Barbara and visited friends in San Roque, I was charmed by all the pedestrians. I thought, “What a delightful place, everyone is casually walking on the streets!” Then it dawned on me: There were no sidewalks in San Roque. Today you will find more sidewalks but there are still many streets that lack this amenity.