I don't know much about Santa Barbara, so I can't really say whether it's a good place to live.
If beauty doesn't matter to you and you like where you live, that's great for you.
I enjoy living in Utah, but I am definitely keeping my eyes open for opportunities elsewhere. I grew up in Illinois and have always liked the area around Chicago.
I'm not sure if you were talking about Utah real estate prices, or prices outside of Santa Barbara in general. I live in a nice, quiet town about 45 miles south of Salt Lake and about 5 miles south of Provo, and I own a nice 2,500 sq. foot home on just under a half acre nestled at the foot of the mountains, and my house payment is under $700. I could go on and on about Utah unemployment and crime rates, but I really don't care if people like this place or not. It is what it is.
One other thing . . . nature "bores" you. I don't think I've ever heard anyone say that. What about nature is boring to you?