Available now
Studio
Based on income · subsidized (≈30% AMI)
Affordable living a short walk from the beach
Affordable homes
by the beach
Income-qualified studios, lofts, and one-bedroom apartments in Goleta — a quarter-mile from Ellwood Beach, minutes from UC Santa Barbara
¼ mile to the beachWalk to Ellwood Beach along the bluff trail
Minutes from UCSB & jobsClose to campus, shopping, and the 101
Move-in ready homesFreshly renovated studios & lofts available now
How to apply — in three steps
We keep it straightforward. The Housing Authority of the County of Santa Barbara runs these homes — call and a real person will help you.
- 1
Tour a home
Call (805) 973-9861 or email us to book a visit — the office is open by appointment, so we’ll set a time that works for you.
- 2
Check eligibility
The homes open right now are for extremely-low-income households — up to about $38,215 a year for 1 person, $43,710 for 2, or $49,170 for 3.
- 3
Apply
Fill out a simple application and bring a photo ID, proof of income, and your latest bank statements. When a home is ready, sign your lease and move in.
Apartments available
68 homes total — a mix of studios, two-story lofts, and one-bedrooms.
✨ The homes available right now are subsidized. You pay about 30% of your household income — a Project-Based Voucher covers the rest, and you don’t need a voucher of your own to apply.
Two-story
Studio Loft
Based on income · subsidized (≈30% AMI)
More space
One-Bedroom
Based on income · subsidized (≈30% AMI)
Unit mix: 20 studios · 24 lofts · 24 one-bedrooms.
Do you qualify?
Sandpiper offers income-restricted homes — rent is set below market for households within certain income limits. The apartments open right now are subsidized (Project-Based Voucher) homes for extremely-low-income households — rent is about 30% of your income, and the subsidy is attached to the apartment, so you don’t need your own voucher to apply.
| Apartment | Monthly rent | Max household income |
|---|---|---|
| Available now — subsidized (30% AMI) | ≈30% of your income | $38,215 (1) · $43,710 (2) · $49,170 (3) |
| Studio or Loft — tax-credit | $1,593–$1,912 | $63,750–$76,500 (1) · $72,850–$87,420 (2) |
| One-Bedroom — tax-credit | $1,707–$2,049 | $72,850–$87,420 (2) · $81,950–$98,340 (3) |
Income limits are the most your household can earn per year; the number in parentheses is household size (1, 2, or 3 people). Tax-credit rent depends on the apartment’s income set-aside (50% or 60% of area median). Not sure if you qualify? Ask us — we’ll check for you in a few minutes.
Good to know
- Studios and lofts fit up to 2 people
- One-bedrooms fit up to 3 people
- Section 8 / Housing Choice Vouchers welcome
- No pets — assistance and emotional-support animals welcome as a reasonable accommodation
- Security deposit required — call for the amount for your home
What’s included
Comfortable, move-in-ready homes with the essentials covered.
Full kitchen
Heating
On-site parking
On-site laundry
Loft layouts
On-site management
Beach bluff trail
Resident support services
Take a look inside
Recently renovated and professionally staged homes.
Where you’ll live
Sandpiper sits in a quiet pocket of Goleta, steps from the Ellwood bluffs and a short walk down to the beach. You’re close to UC Santa Barbara, grocery stores, parks, and Highway 101.
Address: 375 Ellwood Beach Dr., Goleta, CA 93117
Office hours: By appointment only — email us to set up a visit.
Frequently asked questions
Who can live at Sandpiper?
Households earning within the income limits for each apartment. Studios and lofts fit up to 2 people; one-bedrooms up to 3. The apartments open right now are for extremely-low-income households — up to about $38,215/year for 1 person, $43,710 for 2, or $49,170 for 3.
How much is rent?
The homes available right now are subsidized: you pay about 30% of your household income and a Project-Based Voucher covers the rest — no voucher of your own needed. To qualify, a household can earn up to about $38,215 (1 person), $43,710 (2), or $49,170 (3) per year. (Non-subsidized tax-credit homes rent from about $1,593 to $2,049/month, depending on the apartment and your income, for households earning up to roughly $76,500–$98,340.)
Do you accept Section 8 vouchers?
Yes — Housing Choice Vouchers are welcome and can lower your share of the rent. Ask us and we’ll explain how it works.
What do I need to apply?
Bring a photo ID, proof of all household income (recent pay stubs, or an employer letter, plus any benefit award letters), and your most recent bank/asset statements. Ask us and we’ll walk you through the full checklist.
Is it safe and well-managed?
Sandpiper is professionally managed by the Housing Authority of the County of Santa Barbara, with on-site management and resident support services. The community has been newly renovated and is under new management.
Find your new home today
Tell us a little about yourself and we’ll reach out to check if you qualify and book your tour.
375 Ellwood Beach Dr., Goleta, CA 93117
Call us. A real person will pick up.
(805) 973-9861
(805) 973-9861
Office open by appointment only