Santa Cruz, CA Houses for sale Real Estate Statistics
| Average Price | $1.9M |
|---|---|
| Lowest Price | $3.5K |
| Highest Price | $11.5M |
| Total Listings | 208 |
| Avg. Price/SQFT | $856 |
Property Types (active listings)
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The downtown area is a hub of energy, filled with trendy eateries, unique shops, and a lively music and arts scene that appeals to the creative spirits of the community. Whether you’re grabbing a coffee at a local café or enjoying live music, there’s always something happening in Santa Cruz.
As you move further from the town center to the east and west, you’ll discover cozy family homes, many with ocean views and easy access to the beach. This makes it a great place for families looking for a friendly neighborhood vibe while still being close to the coast.
And let’s not forget about the University of California, Santa Cruz (UCSC). The campus brings a youthful energy and fosters cultural growth, enriching the community in countless ways.
Santa Cruz truly has something for everyone. Whether you’re dreaming of a luxurious seaside home, want to immerse yourself in the lively downtown scene, seek a family-friendly suburb, or prefer being near a vibrant educational institution, you’ll find a place that feels just right for you.
In Santa Cruz, the median sales price is increasing and the percentage of sales over list price is declining, while the median days on market is decreasing, and the average price per square foot is seeing a slight downward trend.
Why buy a house in Santa Cruz? How do the various neighborhoods in Santa Cruz cater to different lifestyles and preferences among its residents? Are there Santa Cruz homes for Silicon Valley commuters? Many of my clients are Silicon Valley professionals who want coastal living without giving up their commute. Santa Cruz sits just 45 minutes from San Jose via Highway 17, making it one of the best-kept secrets for tech workers seeking a better quality of life.
The Santa Cruz area has been home to Indigenous peoples for over 12,000 years. Indigenous homework people first inhabiting the area were of the Awaswas nation of the Ohlone people whose language referred to their tribal name and physically described the features around the area. This tribe had 1,000 individuals and resided in the land from Davenport to Rio Del Mar until the late 1700s, where Spanish colonists invaded the area. Though their language died out, remnants exist in place names; for example, Aptos, Soquel, and Zayante.
Santa Cruz History Despite the challenges brought by colonization, including disease and displacement, the Awaswas-speaking Uypi tribe still referred to this area as Aulinta, which means "place of the olives." Santa Cruz officially became a town in California in 1866 and earned its city charter in 1876. Over the years, it has been guided by various Mayors, Councils, and Commissioners, ultimately adopting a Council-Manager style of government in 1948, which continues to this day.
Santa Cruz has weathered its share of fires, earthquakes, and economic ups and downs, yet it remains a lively beach town, bursting with cultural heritage and a unique sense of community. Each neighborhood tells a story, catering to a variety of lifestyles, from laid-back beach vibes to bustling urban life, making it a truly special place to call home.
Beaches and Wharf
Cowell Beach, Its Beach (Partially-owned), Main Beach, Mitchell’s Cove. Beachfront and Ocean View Homes for sale in Santa Cruz.
City Parks and Open Space Page
Facilities
Beach Flats Community Center, Carmelita Cottages Citizens Opportunity (222 Market), Civic Auditorium, DeLaveaga Park-Audrey Stanley Grove, DeLaveaga Park- DeLaveaga Archery Range, DeLaveaga Park-DeLaveaga Disc Golf Course, DeLaveaga Golf Course, Depot Park Freight Building, Harvey West Park-Kids Kottage and Wagner Cottage, Harvey West Pool, Harvey West Scout and Clubhouse, Louden Nelson Community Center, Museum of Natural History, Pogonip Clubhouse, Santa Cruz Wharf, San Lorenzo Park Lawn Bowling, Senior Citizens Opportunity at 222 Market St., Surfing Museum
Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, is a legendary, historic, beachfront amusement park that is promising this season to deliver riders, gamers, and fun nonstop. There's the Giant Dipper Roller Coaster and Looff Carousel, two National Historic Landmarks, for the bigger adrenaline rush seekers. Family and kiddie rides, along with over 300 new and classic arcade games, are also awaiting visitors. They can play miniature golf at Neptune's Kingdom, engage in battle in laser tag, or head over to the nearby Boardwalk Bowl.
Those interested in learning more about the history of the park can take a self-guided walking tour or see the free exhibit, Boardwalk Historium, on the second floor of Neptune's Kingdom, which features photographs and memorabilia from the Boardwalk's first 100 years.
More inviting still are Santa Cruz's wide beaches and splashable waves. And more irresistible, with their colorful boardwalk featuring rides, games, and music. Since 1907, the beloved Santa Cruz Boardwalk has been a big part of summertime fun for families. Today, the entire boardwalk is a California Historic Landmark—and two of its rides carry the prestigious title of National Historic Landmarks.
The Giant Dipper—a wooden, classic rollercoaster first opened in 1924—remains a star attraction, having delivered Screams and thrills for decades. But it now shares billing with modern marvels like the 125-foot Double Shot tower for adrenaline seekers. For tamer tastes, there's the carefully restored Looff carousel from 1911, boasting hand-carved horses. Inside, find a huge arcade with laser tag, mini-golf, skeeball, and video games galore. Its dining goes from corn dogs to regional craft beers at Brews on the Beach.
Enjoy panoramic views from the overhead Sky Glider funicular. Be sure to check the events for free beach movies and concerts, and make your visit a longer stay at nearby hotels like retro Hotel Paradox or Ocean View Sea & Sand Inn.
Voted the world's best seaside amusement park, the park offers over 40 rides and attractions that guests can enjoy daily during the summer and weekends and select weekdays in spring and fall. Winter Wonderland joins the Park in Winter and is also the site of the largest arcade in the country, which is open daily throughout the year.
The inviting wide beach and splashable waves, combined with the lively boardwalk filled with rides, games, and music, make it very hard to pass by. For generations of families, this beloved beachfront amusement park has been a supplier of summertime tradition since 1907. Currently, the whole Santa Cruz Boardwalk is a California Historic Landmark, with two of its rides having reached National Historic Landmark status—most notably the Giant Dipper wooden rollercoaster, which has both thrilled and terrified riders since its debut in 1924.
Facility Address:
400 Beach Street, Santa Cruz, CA 95060, Phone: (831) 423-5590
Schools
The Santa Cruz City Schools district serves nearly 6,660 students across Santa Cruz County, from Davenport to Soquel. It is comprised of two districts governed by a shared Board of Education and administrative staff. The elementary district contains five schools with around 2,000 students, including a Dual Immersion Program. The secondary district has two middle schools, three comprehensive high schools, a continuation school, an independent studies program, and a home school program with approximately 4,660 students.
Located on the Monterey Bay in northern California, Santa Cruz is home to the esteemed University of California campus and a small yet vibrant community of 54,600 residents. With its scenic beaches, rolling hills, and thriving arts scene, this seaside city offers countless attractions for visitors and locals alike. The Santa Cruz City School District aims to prepare all students for college and career success while closing persistent achievement gaps between demographic groups.
- Elementary Schools: Bay View Elementary, DeLaveaga Elementary, Gault Elementary, Westlake Elementary
- Middle Schools: Branciforte Middle School, Mission Hill Middle School
- Comprehensive High Schools: Harbor High School, Santa Cruz High School, Soquel High School
- PreKindergarten: Bay View Elementary, DeLaveaga Elementary, Gault Elementary, Westlake Elementary
- Continuation High School: Costanoa
- Alternative Elementary School: Monarch, K-6
- Independent Studies Program: Ark Independent Studies
- Home School Program: Alternative Family Education
- 7000 Students, K-12
- 420 Certificated teachers, librarians, administrators
- 300 Classified staff
- Santa Cruz County population: 262,382
Watsonville/Aptos/Santa Cruz Adult School
319 La Fonda Ave. Santa Cruz, Ca 95062, Main Phone: (831) 786-2160, Dir. Adult Education: Nancy Bilicich
Secondary District
Branciforte Middle School, 315 Poplar Ave. Santa Cruz, Ca 95062, Main Phone: 831-429-3883, Principal: Debbi Puente x52311 , Asst. Principal: Sue Moen, x52306, Assistant: Lisa Orozco, x52318
Mission Hill Middle School
425 King St. Santa Cruz, Ca 95060, Main Phone: 831-429-3860, Principal: Derek Kendall, x53203, Asst. Principal: Sara Norris, x53204, Assistant: Amrik Nijor, x53200
Harbor High School
300 La Fonda Ave. Santa Cruz, Ca 95062, Main Phone: 429-3810, Principal: Amariah Hernandez, x1050, Asst. Principal: Dustin Carr, x1060, Asst. Principal: Shad Coffey, x1040, Assistant: Kelly Paulsen, x1020, Assistant: Laura Quintero, x1010
Santa Cruz High School
415 Walnut Ave. Santa Cruz, Ca 95060, Main Phone: 831-429-3960, Principal: Michelle Poirer, x50201, Asst. Principal: Casey Denning, x50202, Asst. Principal: Amine Bouchti, x50203, Assistant: Anna Miller, x50200
Soquel High School
401 Old San Jose Rd. Soquel, Ca 95073, Main Phone: 831-429-3909, Principal: Greg O'Meara, x49123, Asst. Principal: Erin Mongiello, x49125, Asst. Principal: Jose Quevedo, x49126, Assistant: Kelly Moker, x49124, Assistant: April Walls, x49132
Branciforte Small Schools
840 N. Branciforte Ave. Santa Cruz, Ca 95062, Main Phone: 831-429-3898, Co-Principal: Michelle McKinney, x55228, Co-Principal: Clyde Curley, x55229, Assistant: Gail Mabrouk, x55214
Monarch Elementary School, Costanoa High School, ARK Independent Study, Alternative Family Education
What role do trendy eateries and local shops play in shaping the community atmosphere of downtown Santa Cruz?
Santa Cruz Restaurant Directory
American, Burgers & Grills
| Restaurant Name | City | Address | Phone | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alderwood Santa Cruz | Santa Cruz | 155 Walnut Ave. | (831) 588-3238 | Website |
| Assembly | food + community | Santa Cruz | 1108 Pacific Ave. | (831) 824-6100 | Website |
| Back Nine Grill & Bar | Santa Cruz | The Inn at Pasatiempo | (831) 423-5000 | Website |
| Betty Burgers | Santa Cruz | 505 Seabright Ave. | (831) 423-8190 | Website |
| Betty's Eat Inn | Santa Cruz | 1222 Pacific Ave. | (831) 423-8190 | Website |
| Burger Santa Cruz | Santa Cruz | 1520 Mission St. | (831) 425-5300 | Website |
| Hindquarter Bar & Grille | Santa Cruz | 303 Soquel Ave. | (831) 426-7258 | Website |
| Jack's Hamburgers | Santa Cruz | 202 Lincoln St. | (831) 423-4421 | Link |
| Oswald Restaurant | Santa Cruz | 121 Soquel Ave. | (831) 423-7427 | Website |
| West End Tap & Kitchen | Santa Cruz | 334D Ingalls St. | (831) 471-8115 | Website |
Mexican & Latin American
| Restaurant Name | City | Address | Phone | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| El Palomar Restaurant | Santa Cruz | 1336 Pacific Ave. | (831) 425-7575 | Website |
| Cafe Brazil | Santa Cruz | 1410 Mission St. | (831) 429-1855 | Website |
| La Cabaña Taqueria | Santa Cruz | 2332 Mission St. | (831) 429-0848 | Link |
| Las Palmas Taco Bar | Santa Cruz | 55 Front St. | (831) 429-1220 | Link |
| Taqueria Los Pericos | Santa Cruz | 139 Water St. | (831) 469-7685 | Link |
| Taqueria Vallarta | Santa Cruz | 608 Soquel Ave. | (831) 457-8211 | Website |
| Tacos Moreno | Santa Cruz | 1053 Water St. | (831) 429-6095 | Link |
| Jalapenos Taqueria | Santa Cruz | 1201 Soquel Ave. | (831) 457-0159 | Link |
Italian & Pizza
| Restaurant Name | City | Address | Phone | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lillian's Italian Kitchen | Santa Cruz | 1116 Soquel Ave. | (831) 425-2288 | Website |
| La Posta | Santa Cruz | 538 Seabright Ave. | (831) 457-2782 | Website |
| Tramonti | Santa Cruz | 528 Seabright Ave. | (831) 426-7248 | Website |
| Kianti's Pizza And Pasta Bar | Santa Cruz | 1100 Pacific Ave. | (831) 469-4400 | Website |
| Engfer Pizza Works | Santa Cruz | 525 Seabright Ave. | (831) 429-1856 | Website |
| Woodstock's Pizza | Santa Cruz | 710 Front St. | (831) 427-4444 | Website |
| Bantam | Santa Cruz | 1010 Fair Ave. | (831) 420-0101 | Website |
Seafood
| Restaurant Name | City | Address | Phone | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Riva Fish House | Santa Cruz | 31 Municipal Wharf | (831) 429-1223 | Website |
| Stagnaro Bros Restaurant | Santa Cruz | 59 Municipal Wharf | (831) 423-2180 | Website |
| The Crow's Nest Restaurant | Santa Cruz | 2218 E Cliff Drive | (831) 476-4560 | Website |
| Johnny's Harborside | Santa Cruz | 493 Lake Avenue | (831) 479-3430 | Website |
| Firefish Grill | Santa Cruz | 25 Municipal Wharf | (831) 423-5200 | Website |
Asian, Specialty & Ethnic
| Restaurant Name | City | Address | Phone | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Akira | Santa Cruz | 1222 Soquel Ave. | (831) 600-7493 | Website |
| Laili Restaurant | Santa Cruz | 101B Cooper Street | (831) 423-4545 | Website |
| Sabieng Thai Cuisine | Santa Cruz | 1218 Mission St. | (831) 425-1020 | Website |
| Charlie Hong Kong | Santa Cruz | 1141 Soquel Ave. | (831) 426-5664 | Website |
| Mobo Sushi | Santa Cruz | 105 S River St. | (831) 425-1700 | Website |
| Shogun | Santa Cruz | 1123 Pacific Ave. | (831) 469-4477 | Link |
| Pearl Of The Ocean | Santa Cruz | 736 Water Street | (831) 457-2350 | Link |
Breakfast, Cafes & Dessert
| Restaurant Name | City | Address | Phone | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Penny Ice Creamery | Santa Cruz | 913 Cedar St. | (831) 204-2523 | Website |
| Zachary's Restaurant | Santa Cruz | 819 Pacific Ave. | (831) 427-0646 | Website |
| The Walnut Avenue Cafe | Santa Cruz | 106 Walnut Ave. | (831) 457-2307 | Website |
| Harbor Cafe | Santa Cruz | 535 7th Ave. | (831) 475-4949 | Website |
| Hoffman's Bistro | Santa Cruz | 1102 Pacific Ave. | (831) 420-0135 | Closed |
| The Picnic Basket | Santa Cruz | 125 Beach St. | (831) 427-9946 | Website |
Use our advanced search features when you're interested in purchasing a single family home, townhouse, condo or property in Santa Cruz.
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Partnering with Paul, DRE#01955563, means alignment with a 15-year industry veteran whose practice is anchored in the elite tradition of David Lyng Real Estate 50 years of service to the community. For you, this deep experience translates into a seamless, stress-free transaction; Paul expertly anticipates and mitigates escrow surprises before they ever manifest. Operating with a "Strategic Partner" mindset, his focus is always on your long-term financial health rather than a quick commission. This dedication to defending your home’s value through high-end marketing and masterful negotiation is proven by his track record:
"There’s a reason Paul is so highly rated! We’ve used him twice to buy a home. With our most recent purchase, he helped us get it at under asking along with a seller repair credit! He a true professional and responsive. I’d recommend him to everyone!" Jake K;
and closing a complex sale
"We worked with Paul in selling one of our homes and he sold it very quickly and for more than expected. He coordinated the remodeling work, and helped with our lot line adjustment so we could sell the property. We would use Paul again” Jansie F.
When you work with Paul, your risk is minimized, your investment is protected, and your real estate goals are meticulously realized.
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Paul Burrowes, CRS, CCEC, SFR, NHCP, LHC | David Lyng Real Estate | DRE# 01955563
15 plus years serving Santa Cruz, Silicon Valley & Monterey buyers | (831) 295-5130

