Originally posted by @Branden Smith:
Hey everyone I may be relocating to Vandenberg. I am hoping to hear something in the next couple weeks. I do not plan on buying anything at the moment just looking for some info on the cities of Lompoc, Santa Maria, Goleta, Buellton and any other areas around Vandenberg AFB. I am looking for the good/bad of the areas. Overall my plan is to buy and hold properties. I will be renting my first house here shortly in California. I am going to start researching some out of state cities because I do not plan on buying another rental in the CA market.
Thank you!
Hi Branden! Firstly, a potential welcome to the area! I live in Lompoc. If you will be working on base, Lompoc is a close/ convenient and affordable option. If you live in town, you can get to the front gate in 10 to 15 minutes and if you're in Vandenburg Village, you can typically get to the gate in 5 minutes once you get on the 1. If you are considering in town, I'm happy to recommend some areas to get into or stay away from. Lompoc to Santa Maria drive time is about 45 minutes, and Lompoc to Santa Barbara is about 1 hour. Shopping wise, you can definitely get anything you need in Lompoc- but SB and SM are not too far away if you want to spend a whole day out shopping. I personally like living in Lompoc, and if you head this way I'd be glad to meet you!
Another area to consider that is convenient to working on base is Guadalupe. Hop on the 1 and you're there in typically 30 minutes or less. Guadalupe is rural (much less to do than Lompoc), but also closer to Santa Maria for shopping and activities. Best of luck!