New Cuyama, CA

Set in the high desert of northern Santa Barbara County, New Cuyama is a quiet, remote town surrounded by the rugged peaks of the Los Padres National Forest. The valley sits right where four counties converge, offering sweeping desert views, bright starry skies, and plenty of elbow room. Originally built as an oil boomtown in the early 1950s, New Cuyama has transformed into a calm, close-knit rural community that appeals to anyone craving peace and open space.

ATTRMikeGogulski / CC BY 2.5

Because it was planned from scratch by the Richfield Oil Company, the town retains its charming mid-century neighborhood layout, complete with ranch-style homes, a local school, a recreation center, and a small airstrip. Today, farming and ranching drive the local economy, though recent years have brought revitalized roadside spots and a small influx of artists and remote workers. Highway 166 runs right through town, linking residents to Santa Maria to the west and Bakersfield to the east.