One of L.A.’s most unique (and redeeming) qualities is its close proximity to the beach, desert, wine country, mountains and everything in between. Living in this coastal SoCal city means being able to hop in the car and transport yourself to an entirely new world in less than three hours—a much-appreciated perk when you’re paying some of the highest taxes in the country. To the north of Los Angeles lies Santa Barbara, also known as the America…