The Historic Carriage District is one of Santa Maria's oldest and most charismatic neighborhoods. Have you seen my video about the Carriage District? Older homes aren't for everyone - they are truly a labor of love. I grew up in this neighborhood (on Palm Court Drive) and it resides in my heart. There is a significant amount of Santa Maria history in this neighborhood. The Carriage District lies on both sides of Speed Street, between Broadway and Miller and it is anchored by the Santa Maria Inn and Santa Maria High School's Ethel Pope Auditorium.
Located in southeast Santa Maria, Autumn Glen is a small community of newer townhomes built between approximately 2002 - 2004 located at the intersection of Bradley and McCoy. The Autumn Glen community offers convenient access to Highway 101, as well as major shopping outlets such as Home Depot, Wal-Mart, Staples, and Best Buy.
It has a private park and borders the Santa Maria Riverbed walking trail. The homes were built approximately 15 - 20 years ago and feature tile roofs and 2 car garages. The development is surrounded by other popular developments, Cherry Blossom Ranch, Essex at Willow Creek, as well as the gated community of Regency Estates.
Located in southeast Santa Maria, Arborwalk is a gated community of townhomes at the intersection of McCoy and Miller; it is near much of the new shopping and commercial development in south Santa Maria. And it is about a 20 minute trip from the main gate of Vandenberg AFB. Imagine walking to everything you need. Imagine living with all the conveniences of modern life easily within reach while living in a protected gated environment. Walking distance to grocery outlets Albertson's and Food Maxx, dining at Yanagi Sushi & Grill and Natural Café, and shopping at Target and Pier One. Arborwalk offers low HOA dues of $88 per month, a fitness trail, a huge greenbelt basin, and inviting rose gardens throughout.
The Mission Creek Condos and Oak Creek Villas were built by local builder, Inland Pacific, who also built Pacific Crest, Classics at Bradley Square and La Ventana. Oak Creek and Mission Creek offer the same basic floor plans and amenities; however, there are subtle differences for buyers to consider. Oak Creek Villas condos are slightly older; they were built beginning around 2001. Mission Creek condos are slightly newer as building began around 2004.
The Traditions at Bradley Square homes in southeast Santa Maria were built from 2003 - 2006, and are surrounded by newer shopping in the Bradley Square area, as well as other newer home developments. The Traditions at Bradley Square offer six floorplans, 3 two story models and 3 one story models. The floorplans begin at around 1800 square feet and end around 3000 square feet.
These homes are within walking distance to shopping centers which include popular new restaurants such as Panera Bread, Starbucks, Natural Cafe, and Yanagi Sushi. Also close are Albertsons, Food Maxx, Wal-Mart and Home Depot. The Traditions development is at the center of some of the best new shopping in Santa Maria.
River Oaks is a newer subdivision of homes located in northeast Santa Maria. Building began around 2001 and there are at least 5 different floor plans. The subdivision is home to Taylor Elementary School which lies at the center of the development, a man-made lake, and direct access to riverbed adjacent biking and walking trails. There are two one story plans, both are 3 bedroom 2 bath homes which range from about 1400 sq.ft. to 1600 sq.ft.; the two story plans begin at about 1900 sq.ft. and go up to at least 2700 sq. ft., depending on the options the original owner selected. Some of the two story models have 3 car garages, one plan has a downstairs master bedroom, and at least one of the other plans had a downstairs guest bedroom option.
Local developer, Inland Pacific Builders, began construction on Pacific Crest Estates homes in 2005. Pacific Crest is conveniently located on the south end of Santa Maria and is a short 20 minute drive to the main gate of Vandenberg AFB. The one and two-story homes include three to five bedroom plans, two to four car garages, grand master suites, spacious kitchens, and vaulted ceilings. The homes range from 1,200 to 2,500 square feet in size.
The most exciting news about the La Ventana development in Santa Maria is the fact that it will soon be a gated community. I think this is a good decision and will improve the desirability of the neighborhood overall. There are many buyers looking for a gated community in the Santa Maria and Orcutt area, and the La Ventana community has a lot to offer: a beautiful community club house and pool, generous floor plans, gorgeous luxury town homes, and a convenient location near Marian Medical Center.