Santa Cruz

The Ultimate Coastal Living Destination

Welcome to Santa Cruz

Explore Santa Cruz, CA

 

Welcome to Santa Cruz, CA—a vibrant coastal city celebrated for its stunning beaches, lush redwood forests, and rich cultural heritage. Located along the northern edge of Monterey Bay, Santa Cruz is a diverse and dynamic community that offers an unparalleled quality of life. Whether you're a nature lover, a foodie, or an adventure seeker, Santa Cruz has something for everyone.

 

Prime Coastal Location

 

Situated just 75 miles south of San Francisco, Santa Cruz is easily accessible via Highway 1 and Highway 17. This prime location allows residents and visitors to enjoy quick trips to Silicon Valley, the Santa Cruz Mountains, and the wider Bay Area while relishing the serene coastal environment.

 

Iconic Beaches and Outdoor Recreation

 

Santa Cruz is renowned for its breathtaking beaches and world-class surf spots. Cowell Beach and Steamer Lane are iconic surfing destinations that attract enthusiasts from around the globe. For a more relaxed beach day, visit the family-friendly Main Beach, adjacent to the historic Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, where you can enjoy classic seaside amusement rides and games.

 

Nature enthusiasts will find paradise in the nearby Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park and Wilder Ranch State Park, offering miles of hiking, biking, and equestrian trails. These parks showcase the region's towering redwoods and diverse wildlife, providing endless opportunities for outdoor adventures.

 

Vibrant Downtown and Cultural Scene

 

Downtown Santa Cruz is a bustling hub of activity, featuring an eclectic mix of boutiques, restaurants, and entertainment venues. Pacific Avenue, the city's main thoroughfare, is lined with unique shops, art galleries, and eateries offering everything from gourmet cuisine to casual fare.

 

Santa Cruz boasts a rich cultural scene with numerous annual events, including the Santa Cruz Film Festival, Cabrillo Festival of Contemporary Music, and the O'Neill Coldwater Classic surfing competition. The city's commitment to the arts is evident in its numerous theaters, live music venues, and public art installations.

 

Real Estate in Santa Cruz, CA

 

The Santa Cruz real estate market is diverse and competitive, with options ranging from charming beach cottages and historic Victorian homes to modern oceanfront estates. Homebuyers are drawn to the area for its scenic beauty, excellent schools, and the promise of a laid-back yet vibrant lifestyle.

 

With its blend of coastal charm and urban amenities, Santa Cruz is a sought-after destination for those looking to buy or invest in property.

 

Ideal for Families and Professionals

 

Santa Cruz is an ideal place for families, offering top-rated schools such as Santa Cruz High School and the University of California, Santa Cruz (UCSC), which is renowned for its cutting-edge research and beautiful campus. The city's thriving tech scene and proximity to Silicon Valley make it an attractive option for professionals seeking a balance between career opportunities and coastal living.

 

Experience the Best of Santa Cruz, CA

 

Santa Cruz, CA, is more than just a beach town—it's a vibrant community with a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural richness, and modern amenities. From its pristine beaches and majestic redwoods to its bustling downtown and thriving real estate market, Santa Cruz offers an exceptional quality of life for residents and visitors alike. Discover the charm and allure of Santa Cruz today. 

 

For more information on real estate opportunities and community events in Santa Cruz, CA, contact our local experts who are ready to help you find your perfect home in this coastal gem.

 

Overview for Santa Cruz, CA

62,714 people live in Santa Cruz, where the median age is 29 and the average individual income is $46,720. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.

62,714

Total Population

29 years

Median Age

High

Population Density Population Density This is the number of people per square mile in a neighborhood.

$46,720

Average individual Income

Around Santa Cruz, CA

There's plenty to do around Santa Cruz, including shopping, dining, nightlife, parks, and more. Data provided by Walk Score and Yelp.

84
Very Walkable
Walking Score
100
Biker's Paradise
Bike Score
46
Some Transit
Transit Score

Points of Interest

Explore popular things to do in the area, including Chefany's Cakes, Paradise Dogs, and LG Meats Capitola.

Name Category Distance Reviews
Ratings by Yelp
Dining · $$ 0.27 miles 16 reviews 5/5 stars
Dining · $ 1.11 miles 24 reviews 5/5 stars
Dining 4.7 miles 10 reviews 5/5 stars
Dining 4.49 miles 11 reviews 5/5 stars
Active 1.87 miles 5 reviews 5/5 stars
Active 1.48 miles 8 reviews 5/5 stars

Demographics and Employment Data for Santa Cruz, CA

Santa Cruz has 22,067 households, with an average household size of 2.37. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau. Here’s what the people living in Santa Cruz do for work — and how long it takes them to get there. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau. 62,714 people call Santa Cruz home. The population density is 4,922.59 and the largest age group is Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.

62,714

Total Population

High

Population Density Population Density This is the number of people per square mile in a neighborhood.

29

Median Age

49.07 / 50.93%

Men vs Women

Population by Age Group

0-9:

0-9 Years

10-17:

10-17 Years

18-24:

18-24 Years

25-64:

25-64 Years

65-74:

65-74 Years

75+:

75+ Years

Education Level

  • Less Than 9th Grade
  • High School Degree
  • Associate Degree
  • Bachelor Degree
  • Graduate Degree
22,067

Total Households

2.37

Average Household Size

$46,720

Average individual Income

Households with Children

With Children:

Without Children:

Marital Status

Married
Single
Divorced
Separated

Blue vs White Collar Workers

Blue Collar:

White Collar:

Commute Time

0 to 14 Minutes
15 to 29 Minutes
30 to 59 Minutes
60+ Minutes

Schools in Santa Cruz, CA

All ()
Primary Schools ()
Middle Schools ()
High Schools ()
Mixed Schools ()
The following schools are within or nearby Santa Cruz. The rating and statistics can serve as a starting point to make baseline comparisons on the right schools for your family. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.
Type
Name
Category
Grades
School rating

Work With Us

Discover the advantage of working with The Portola Group for your Santa Cruz real estate needs. Our deep-rooted understanding of local markets, meticulous attention to detail, and passion for empowering clients ensure a positive and fulfilling experience every step of the way.