Montecitans, you're a lot richer than you were last year.
At least according to bean-counters at Worth magazine.
A year ago, its "250 Richest Towns" survey dunked proud Montecito down in chopped-liver 19th place.
It dissed Montecito with a median home price of a shockingly pitiful $1,350,000. I couldn't figure out why, what with all those multimillion-dollar buys.
But in its current edition, Worth magically elevates Montecito to the third-richest town in America, based on home prices.
In just 12 months, Montecito's median shot up to $2,937,500.
"About 20 houses sold for more than $5 million last year -- apparently the greatest number ever -- with Oprah snapping up one of the last substantial chunks of land for about $50 million," Worth said.
Little Summerland, once a sleepy little low-rent town but now fringed with McMansions, was crowned the 139th richest town in the land. Median home price: $695,000.
Santa Barbara, as usual, was off the radar screen. We're not even the 250th richest town.
In first place again was little Jupiter Island, Fla., a tiny resort enclave of 620 people. Median home price: $3.9 million. But is it a real town?
Barney Brantingham's column runs Wednesdays through Sundays. You can reach Barney at 564-5105 or by e-mail at bbrantingham@newspress.com.
