Orcutt, CA

31 Apartments for Rent

Orcutt is quite famous for its barbecue, its beans, its wine and its strawberries. What more could you want?

As an incorporated town in Santa Barbara County, this named “census-designated place,” (don’t you just love those government labels?) along with its neighbor Santa Maria, make up the largest population center in the county. Yup, more people than Santa Barbara--victory! The town is a good place to lay your head, and maybe even fall in love with (if that's your thing).

Prepare to Search

If you hope to find an apartment in Orcutt, prepare to act quickly, because even in Old Orcutt, they may be in short supply. There are some modern complexes with floor plans ranging from studios to 3-bedrooms, but they usually don’t last long; if you’re looking for amenities such as a pool or fitness equipment, or even walking trails or green space, you pay the price as well.  Rents really begin around a grand, and can go much higher.  You’ll want to have good credit, and be prepared to fork over a hefty security deposit as well.

At any given time there may be only a couple handfuls of home rentals available, including old and new, duplexes and townhouses, so you would be wise to begin your search as early as you can.  The other option is to expand your looking to nearby Santa Maria, or brace yourself for a longer commute.  

Once You Settle In

When you settle in to the Orcutt life, just what is there to do? There are a couple of choice places to check out, with the added bonus of knowing there will almost never be "out-of-towners" there (except maybe you?).  Adamo Winery Tasting Room offers some food as well as wine-sipping – always a bonus. This is real food, although appetizers and pizza are big on the menu;  there are also some good Italian dinner choices.  

A long-time local chef has now jumped ship and gone north to Santa Maria, but if you’re up for the trip, check out Chef Rick’s place for lunch.  Ask a local where it is.  

Hungry for More?

Then there’s the barbecue.  Santa Maria’s claim to fame.  President Ronnie (Reagan, you know) reportedly loved it so much that several times he ordered it served on the White House lawn for a few hundred of his closest friends.  The beef is a local tradition, not a closely-guarded secret, mind you.  Seasoned with pepper, salt and garlic salt, it’s slow-grilled over a wood fire in a particularly prescribed way; then diners enjoy it with piquito beans (also locally-grown), local wine and strawberries.  No, the strawberries are for dessert!

If you enjoy experimenting, try your own. It’s allowed. You can even download the recipe for the semi-official Santa Maria barbecue sauce.

There’s also plenty of local wine to try, some of it quite amazing.  When all else fails, head for Rooney’s Pub.  Even if you’re new to town, you’ll be sure to find a friend there.  As they say, once you meet those strangers, they’ll all be friends.