Westside Neighborhood
Surfers, remote workers, UCSC faculty, families
The Neighborhood Vibe: Coastal, active, laid-back
The Westside is classic Santa Cruz: surf breaks, bike paths, craft breweries, and quiet residential pockets near the cliffs. Homes range from bungalows to renovated modern houses. It's highly desirable for its mix of nature and convenience.
Why People Choose It: Beach access and West Cliff Drive
Zoned Schools:
- Westlake Elementary
- Mission Hill Middle
- Santa Cruz High
Median Home Price: $1.2M–$2M+
Similar Neighborhoods:
-Ocean Beach (SF)
-Encinitas (SD County)
Seabright Neighborhood
Young professionals, surfers, families
Why People Choose It: Walkability to the beach, restaurants, and Boardwalk area
A true beach neighborhood with cafés, local bars, and easy access to both Seabright Beach and the Harbor. Houses are smaller but full of character. Great for people who want to live near the water without giving up convenience.
Zoned Schools:
- Gault Elementary
- Branciforte Middle
- Harbor High
Median Home Price: $900k–$1.5M
Similar Neighborhoods:
-Capitola Village
-Venice (LA) but calmer
Downtown / Central Santa Cruz
Students, young professionals, long-time locals
The Neighborhood Vibe: Walkable, artistic, mixed housing types
Downtown has apartments, small homes, historic Victorians, and mixed-use buildings. It’s lively during the day and relaxed at night. Great for people who want walkability.
Why People Choose It: Proximity to shops, cafés, and transit
Zoned Schools:
- Gault or Bay View Elementary (depending on address)
- Mission Hill Middle
- Santa Cruz High
Median Home Price: $800k–$1.4M
Similar Neighborhoods:
-Downtown San Luis Obispo
-Telegraph Ave–adjacent areas in Berkeley
Midtown Santa Cruz Neighborhood
Families, young couples, remote workers
The Neighborhood Vibe: Quiet and practical. Midtown sits between Downtown and Seabright. It's calm, close to shopping, and has easy access to beaches and the Harbor.
Why People Choose It: Close to beaches without Westside pricing
Zoned Schools:
- DeLaveaga Elementary
- Branciforte Middle
- Harbor High
Median Home Price: $850k–$1.3M
Similar Neighborhoods:
-Linda Mar in Pacifica
-South Redondo (LA County)
Live Oak Neighborhood
Families, first-time buyers, remote workers
The Neighborhood Vibe: Suburban, diverse mix of homes
Live Oak stretches between Santa Cruz and Capitola. It has a wide range of housing types, from older bungalows to new homes. Good option for families priced out of Westside and Seabright.
Why People Choose It: More space and more affordable options
Zoned Schools:
- Live Oak Elementary
- Shoreline Middle
- Harbor High
Median Home Price: $800k–$1.1M
Similar Neighborhoods:
-Eastside Santa Barbara
-Soquel outskirts
Capitola Village (technically its own small city, but part of the same housing market)
Retirees, young professionals, hospitality workers
The Neighborhood Vibe: Colorful, walkable, beachfront
Capitola feels like a mini-resort town, complete with cafés, beaches, and colorful cottages. Great for people who want charm and walkability.
Why People Choose It: Waterfront living and a charming downtown
Zoned Schools:
- Soquel Elementary
- New Brighton Middle
- Soquel High
Median Home Price: $900k–$1.7M
Similar Neighborhoods:
-La Jolla Cove, but smaller
-Carmel Village
Aptos (unincorporated community)
Families, commuters, retirees
The Neighborhood Vibe: Quiet, wooded, suburban-coastal
Aptos offers bigger homes, wooded neighborhoods, and quiet beaches like Seacliff. Many families choose Aptos for schools and calmer routines.
Why People Choose It: Strong schools and quieter beaches
Zoned Schools:
- Rio Del Mar Elementary
- Aptos Junior
- Aptos High
Median Home Price: $1M–$1.7M
Similar Neighborhoods:
-Montara
-Coastal Marin pockets like Muir Beach (but with more housing)