Santa Barbara Opens 48-Unit Bella Vista Housing

The subsidized development at 200 North La Cumbre Road offers one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments for local families.

Updated on Nov. 2, 2026 in Apartments

Santa Barbara Opens 48-Unit Bella Vista Housing

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The Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara opened Bella Vista, a 48-unit subsidized housing development, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. All units are subsidized through Section 8 Project-Based Vouchers, and residents pay 30% of their income toward rent.

Why it matters

The development adds affordable rental housing to Santa Barbara, where HACSB purchased the 1.34-acre property in 2019 to expand affordable housing opportunities for local families.

Bella Vista offers 48 subsidized rental units on a 1.34-acre site with 68 parking spaces, and residents pay 30% of their income toward rent. The extraction does not report waitlist size or the number of units already leased.

The players

Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara (HACSB)

The local public housing agency that purchased the property and operates the subsidized Bella Vista development.

2nd Story Associates

A development partner that worked with the city and housing authority on the Bella Vista project.

The details

Bella Vista includes one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments, community rooms, on-site laundry facilities and outdoor courtyard areas. The buildings use all-electric systems and photovoltaic panels, and the project was developed with 2nd Story Associates, the City of Santa Barbara and several other partners.

2019: HACSB purchases the 1.34-acre property at 200 North La Cumbre Road.
November 1, 2026: Bella Vista grand opening ribbon-cutting ceremony is held.

Market Landscape

Bella Vista applies the Section 8 Project-Based Voucher model to a newly built 48-unit development, tying subsidy to the property rather than to individual tenants. The project's all-electric systems and photovoltaic panels also reflect the newer building-efficiency standards now common in affordable housing developments.

Households income-qualifying for subsidized housing may apply for Bella Vista units, with rent set at 30% of income. Applicants should contact the Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara for application details, which the extraction does not specify.

The takeaway

Subsidized housing tied to a specific property can give local families stable, income-based rent in a newly built community. Prospective residents should check current eligibility and availability directly with the housing authority.