Santa Cruz, CA | Neighborhood Guide

Welcome to Santa Cruz

A prominent coastal city surrounded by redwood forests and world-class beaches that have helped to cultivate a renowned surfing community

The friendly, urban city of Santa Cruz is the county seat and largest city in Santa Cruz County. A prominent coastal city, residents appreciate access to the beautiful Pacific Ocean, which has helped foster one of the world’s most famous surf communities. Besides the water, Santa Cruz is surrounded by lush redwood forests and boasts a near-perfect Mediterranean climate year-round.

Santa Cruz hosts some of the best schools in the state, including the University of California, Santa Cruz is a premier research and educational institution that has helped the surrounding area transform into a lively college town with several exemplary public schools. Additionally, the rich farmland and natural beauty have helped foster an organic agricultural movement that locals enjoy at the bevy of acclaimed local restaurants. With pristine beaches, parks, hiking trails, and easy access to the nearby mountains, Santa Cruz offers an abundance of outdoor recreational opportunities.

What to Love

Perfect weather year-round with 250 days of sunlight each year
No shortage of outdoor activities, home to a huge surfing community
Dozens of beautiful beaches, parks, and trails

People and Lifestyle

While best-known and cherished for its incredible surf community and world-class beaches, Santa Cruz has plenty to offer. The ocean is easily accessible, as are the well-maintained parks, the creative and artistic community, and the redwood forests. Study at some of the best local schools or watch the sunset from one of the many impressive rivers, canyons, or cliffs.

Each year, Santa Cruz has almost 250 days of sunshine, making it a year-round playground for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. The community is active, welcoming, and enthusiastic with plenty of chances for fresh air. Plus, the beach boardwalk is the only seaside amusement park on the west coast and an essential part of the city’s heritage. When it comes to the locals, there are a lot of families, young professionals, and retirees living here.

Dining, Shopping, and Entertainment

Zoccoli’s Delicatessen – Neighborhood deli where you can get gourmet sandwiches, pasta, and salads.
Soif – Dine on fresh California cuisine at this casual, cozy restaurant downtown and then shop for wines at the attached retail store.
Alderwood – Restaurant with a seasonally-driven menu and wood-fired cuisine with French undertones.
Stagnaro Bros – This seaside eatery plates classic seafood dishes like chowder and fish ‘n’ chips while you enjoy views of the water.

Things to Do

Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk – This free amusement park known for its vintage rides and entertainment is a city landmark and the only major seaside amusement park on the West Coast.
Natural Bridges State Beach – Spreading across 65 acres, this state park gets its name from the natural bridge that formed across a section of the beach. It also offers an exceptional vantage point to view shorebirds, migratory whales, and the occasional seal.
Santa Cruz Surf Museum – Tucked near the renowned surfing hotspot Steamer Lane, this fascinating museum documents the history of surfing.
Roaring Camp Railroads – Popular tourist attraction that allows guests to explore the ancient redwoods from a vintage train.
Woodies on the Wharf – Fun annual event to celebrate the local chapter of the national Woodies Club, allowing people to show off their automobiles in an idyllic location. There is usually a raffle, cruise, and parade!

Schools

Santa Cruz is home to many excellent schools, public and private, along with top-notch universities like UC Santa Cruz, Cabrillo College, and Five Branches University.

Pacific Collegiate Charter (public, charter, 7-12)
Holy Cross School (private, Catholic, PK-8)
Bay View Elementary (public, K-5)
Santa Cruz High (public, 9-12)
Brook Knoll Elementary (public, K-5)

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.

86

Very Walkable

Walking Score

100

Biker's Paradise

Bike Score

34

Some Transit

Transit Score

Points of Interest

Explore popular things to do in the area, including Balanced Health & Fitness, Paradigm Sport, and Elaine's Dance Studio.

Name	Category	Distance	Reviews	Ratings by Yelp
Visit the Balanced Health & Fitness page on Yelp Search 4245 Capitola Rd on Google Maps	Active	4.05 miles	5 reviews	5/5 stars
Visit the Paradigm Sport page on Yelp Search 120 Dubois St on Google Maps	Active	0.85 miles	31 reviews	5/5 stars
Visit the Elaine's Dance Studio page on Yelp Search 2525 Soquel Dr on Google Maps	Active	3.53 miles	7 reviews	5/5 stars
Visit the Jenny Putt, PT CMP page on Yelp	Active	1.93 miles	7 reviews	5/5 stars
Visit the IMS Academy page on Yelp Search 609 Soquel Ave on Google Maps	Active	1.06 miles	9 reviews	5/5 stars
Visit the California Ocean Adventures page on Yelp Search 1720 Commercial Way on Google Maps	Active	3.19 miles	11 reviews	5/5 stars
Visit the Eskape Sea Kayaking page on Yelp Search 740 30th Ave on Google Maps	Active	3.59 miles	5 reviews	5/5 stars
Visit the Santa Cruz Coastal Fishing Charters page on Yelp Search 333 Lake Ave on Google Maps	Active	1.98 miles	8 reviews	5/5 stars
Visit the Chartle Charters page on Yelp Search 135 5th Ave on Google Maps	Active	2.05 miles	19 reviews	5/5 stars
Visit the Cristiano's Personal Training Studio page on Yelp Search 2800 South Rodeo Gulch Rd on Google Maps	Active	3.76 miles	5 reviews	5/5 stars
Visit the Rebecca Wecks Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork page on Yelp Search 406 Mission St on Google Maps	Beauty	0.23 miles	5 reviews	5/5 stars
Visit the A Room of Her Own page on Yelp Search 720 Capitola Ave on Google Maps	Beauty	4.61 miles	6 reviews	5/5 stars
Visit the Adorn Apothecary page on Yelp Search 1013 Cedar St on Google Maps	Beauty	0.43 miles	6 reviews	5/5 stars
Visit the Casa De NV Hair & Wax Lounge page on Yelp Search 1007 41st Ave on Google Maps	Beauty	3.91 miles	5 reviews	5/5 stars
Visit the Femme & Fellow page on Yelp Search 1420 41st Ave on Google Maps	Beauty	3.93 miles	11 reviews	5/5 stars
Visit the Tamar Leffert CMT page on Yelp	Beauty	4.72 miles	16 reviews	5/5 stars
Visit the Industry Hair Studio page on Yelp Search 601 Capitola Ave on Google Maps	Beauty	4.53 miles	23 reviews	5/5 stars
Visit the Soquel Beauty Bar page on Yelp Search 2501 Rosedale Ave on Google Maps	Beauty	4.81 miles	18 reviews	5/5 stars

Demographics and Employment Data for Santa Cruz, CA

Population Households Employment

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

Santa Cruz

Property Listings

$1,930,000

$1,650,000

$15,725,000

$7,750,000

$6,650,000

$5,970,000

$4,650,000

$5,888,000

$4,500,000

Welcome to Santa Cruz

What to Love

People and Lifestyle

Dining, Shopping, and Entertainment

Things to Do

Schools

Overview for Santa Cruz, CA

62,714

29 years

High

$46,720

Around Santa Cruz, CA

86

Very Walkable

100

Biker's Paradise

34

Some Transit

Points of Interest

Demographics and Employment Data for Santa Cruz, CA

62,714

High

29

49.07 / 50.93%

22,067

2.37

$46,720

Schools in Santa Cruz, CA

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