Santa Ynez Valley

Known for its bucolic ranches and world-famous wine tourism, the Santa Ynez Valley is just a half hour from downtown Santa Barbara.  Home prices are about 20%-30% less than for comparable Santa Barbara properties, but much of the Santa Ynez Valley real estate is of a different type: 1-2 acre homesteads, 5-20 acre ranchettes and several large ranches in some of the most beautiful California countryside.  Many of larger properties include horse facilities both recreational and commercial, as well as vineyards and wine production.  The valley includes the Danish town of Solvang and the quaint boutique community of Los Olivos.