Montecito has 3,010 single-family dwellings.
The community is consistently ranked by Forbes magazine as one of the wealthiest communities in the United States. The Jon and Lillian Lovelace home reflect the artful style of Santa Barbara. The site of present-day Montecito, along with the entire south coast of Santa Barbara County, was inhabited for over 10,000 years by the Chumash Indians. It was near enough to Santa Barbara for essential services while still being secluded. Desirable weather and several nearby hot springs offered the promise of comfortable, healthy living, in addition to the availability of affordable land. The architect George Washington Smith is noted particularly for his residences around Montecito, and for popularizing the Spanish Colonial Revival style in early 20th century America, as is Lutah Maria Riggs, who started as a draftsman in Smith's firm, rose to partner, and later started her firm. Original image from Carol M. Highsmith’s America. Digitally enhanced by rawpixel.