Santa Cruz County is situated at the northern tip of Monterey Bay, approximately 65 miles south of San Francisco, 35 miles north of Monterey, and 35 miles southwest of Silicon Valley. The area is known for its pristine beaches, lush redwood forests, and rich farmland. Residents and visitors alike love its ideal Mediterranean climate with low humidity and sunshine 300 days a year.
There are four incorporated cities in the County. The largest is the City of Santa Cruz, with a population of 59,946. The homes for sale in Santa Cruz are set in a classic beach community, spanning from the Beach Boardwalk to the University and the Redwoods to the Sea.
Watsonville has a population of 51,199, Scotts Valley has 11,580, and Capitola has 9,918. Capitola by the Sea exudes the charm of a Mediterranean village with restaurants, shops, bakeries, and artist galleries. Scotts Valley, on the other hand, is considered as the gateway to the coastal redwoods and natural wonders of the area's State Parks.
Santa Cruz CA is truly a wonderful place to call home.
The county has 29 miles of coastline and includes numerous state parks and beaches. You’ll also find quaint shops and restaurants, along with a number of cultural and recreational activities, including sailing, fishing, golfing, surfing, kayaking, and hiking.
Santa Cruz’s strong local economy is anchored in industries such as technology, agriculture, and tourism. Its county government has a workforce of 2,470 employees in 20 agencies and departments.
Santa Cruz Homes for Sale
The homes in this area offer the ultimate comfort and lifestyle with prices that are absolutely to die for. The real estate market offers diverse options including gorgeous waterfront homes, secluded homes on acreage, and even golf properties. There are also luxury estates, condominiums, and townhomes.
Market Report for May-June 2018
This report covers Santa Cruz County from Bonny Doon to Watsonville in the price range of $700,000 to $2, 500,000. There were 520 homes listed in May 2018. There were 139 homes sold during May 1, 2018 to May 31, 2018.
Sellers accepted an offer while listed as coming soon on 12 homes. The average price for these homes is $1,323,417, while the average SF of these homes is 2,470 SF. The average price per square footage is $576.23. All the offers were over asking price.
Homes for sale in the city of Santa Cruz:
91 Homes Listed
39 Active- Average List Price $1,288,4
22 Contingent Release- Average List Price $1,336,182
8 Pending- Average List Price $1,088,625
22 Sold Homes- Average List Price $1,138,351
Homes for Sale in Capitola by the Sea:
88 Homes Listed
44 Active- Average List Price $1,456,924
10 Contingent Release- Average List Price $1,52,650
14 Pending- Average List Price $1,137,776
20 Sold Homes- Average List Price $1,095,023
Homes for Sale in Aptos:
88 Homes Listed
42 Active- Average List Price $1,264,505
14 Contingent Release- Average List Price $1,256.248
Call me, Sandy Wallace, at (831) 818-7099. I am here to assist you with all of your home buying and selling needs in Santa Cruz CA. I am committed to providing you with the best service possible.
Get to know one of California’s most desirable areas to live!
Santa Cruz County is a lovely area located on the Pacific coast of the state of California. It encompasses a total area of 607 square miles, of which 445 square miles is land and 162 square miles is water. It was one of the original counties of California, created in 1850 at the time of statehood.
Santa Cruz is home to more than 250,000 residents who enjoy its beautiful parks, beaches, biking trails, hiking trails, five greenbelt districts, and second-growth redwoods. The county’s strong local economy is anchored by technology, agriculture, and tourism. It has an ideal Mediterranean climate with low humidity and sunshine 300 days a year.
Known as the crowning jewel of the Golden State, many buyers looking for Santa Cruz CA homes for sale are drawn by the area’s captivating blend of nostalgia, natural beauty, and fascinating activities such as kayaking, sailing, hiking, surfing, and golf.
Santa Cruz County includes the incorporated cities of Capitola, Santa Cruz, Scotts Valley, and Watsonville. Some of the most popular communities include Aptos, Bonny Doon, Brookdale, Corralitos, Felton, Larkin Valley, La Selva Beach, Los Gatos Mountains, Rio del Mar, Scotts Valley, Seacliff, and Soquel.
Be surrounded by Santa Cruz CA’s pristine beaches, lush redwood forests, and rich farmland.
Santa Cruz County proudly serves as the gateway to the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, the largest US national marine sanctuary with a shoreline length of 276 miles (444 km). The Sanctuary is home to numerous mammals, seabirds, fishes, invertebrates and plants in a remarkably productive coastal environment. Santa Cruz also has numerous state parks and beaches.
Santa Cruz also has an array of art galleries, museum, festivals, and outdoor performances. There are premier cultural events such as Santa Cruz Shakespeare, Capitola Twilight Concerts, the Santa Cruz Film Festival, Scotts Valley Art and Wine, and Open Studios.
Real estate in Santa Cruz CA
Are you looking for a stunning waterfront home in Santa Cruz CA? Or are you in the market for a beautiful vacation home or second property?
You’ll be sure to find a variety of options. The real estate market in Santa Cruz is diverse and includes single family homes, waterfront houses on pristine beaches, condos, townhomes, apartment buildings, commercial development properties, golf properties, and land for sale.
Market Report for April 2018
Currently, there are 202 homes for sale in Santa Cruz CA. The price of the homes ranges from $ 700,000 to $ 1,500,000. The living space ranges from 560 square feet to 4,553 square feet.
Homes for sale in Santa Cruz CA
88 Active- Average List Price: $1,114,922
47 Contingent- Average List Price: $1,037,319
40 Pending- Average List Price: $1,052,670
27 Sold- Average List Price: $1,053,141
There have been 27 homes sold in Santa Cruz CA during the last 10 days. On average, a 1,800 square foot home sells for just over $1 million. 87 homes are pending with the same pricing for 1,800 square feet, about $600 per square foot. They are priced right around $1,000,000. The 88 active listings are priced $1,114,922 on the average. The average price per square foot is $690+/- for 1,818 square feet homes.
Call me, Sandy Wallace, at (831) 818-7099. I am here to assist you with all of your home buying and selling needs in Santa Cruz CA. I am committed to providing you with the best service possible.
Are you tired of your daily routine? Are you looking for something to make your life more interesting?
The daily cycle of getting up, going to work, and coming home can get repetitive and boring.
I know what you're going through, so let me tell you something I learned. Sometimes, all we need is a little twist to bring the fun back in our lives.
This is why I moved to Santa Cruz in 1998. I needed to change where I lived so I could change how I lived. Santa Cruz is the perfect spot to get both the intellectual zest of the city and the exciting and relaxing influence of a coastal lifestyle.
Keep reading to learn how to find the perfect oceanfront home for your needs! Be careful though, because it doesn't take much to convince someone to buy an oceanfront home for themselves!
Want to be happier and healthier? Move to Santa Cruz Oceanfront Homes!
Scientists at a number of institutions have found evidence that there is such a thing as “brain drain” when you are always exposed to the busy array of urban living.
According to a university study, those who took a walk along the crowded city street compared with those who walked in a park setting or a beach setting performed much worse on tests of attention and working memory.
Where and how you live is a strong predictor to your health and happiness.
Santa Cruz is an interesting mix of college town, beach town, and cultural center. It is famous for its boardwalk, wide sandy beaches, and beach amusements.
Living here, you’ll be constantly surrounded by beautiful nature and great surf. It’s simply a wonderful city.
You can’t deny that the ocean holds a certain attraction to many people. Just gazing at the sea can give a calm and peaceful feeling. Every day is an opportunity to enjoy, relax and have fun. You can go swimming, surfing, strolling or just simply take in the view.
Watch the video below to learn about the benefits of living near the ocean.
Questions to Ask before Buying a Santa Cruz Oceanfront Home
Ocean View homes are naturally appealing to buyers. Who wouldn't want to live right on the beach?
Before you start looking for Santa Cruz homes for sale, you want to know which questions to ask to make sure you do not make a purchase that you will regret.
Here are some questions you should consider:
1. Can you get a loan? Ocean view homes are often considerably more expensive than a similar home in a regular neighborhood. They require bigger loans so you need to check first to see that you can get the financing necessary to purchase a property.
2. What are you looking for in a home?
Ocean view homes can come in a surprising range of prices, conditions and access to amenities. Will this be your primary home, or a second home? Think about the things that are most important to you. They will help you narrow down the wide array of choices you have available.
3. Is the location right?
Before you go searching for a home, ask yourself what kind of lifestyle you want. This can help you determine where you should look for.
4. How do the neighbors like living there?
You can talk to the owners of the property that are near the home you are considering purchasing. They may be able to tell you a lot about what to expect when owning property in that area.
5. Does the property work for your lifestyle?
Consider your daily lifestyle routine. Will the home fit into your daily routine or would you need to make major adjustments in order to create the lifestyle you want?
6. What conveniences are nearby?
When buying a home with an ocean view, don’t just stop with the property. Take time to learn about the community. Find out about nearby hospitals, restaurants, police departments, shops, grocery stores, and other conveniences.
What to Look for in an Oceanfront Home
Buying a home with an ocean view is different from buying a property located on a tree-lined neighborhood street. It’s not just about purchasing a piece of real estate. When you buy a home with an ocean view, you’re also buying into a certain lifestyle.
If you’re thinking about buying an ocean view home in Santa Cruz, here are things that you should consider.
1. View
One of the great advantages of being close to the water is enjoying the beautiful views. It’s sure nice to be able to sit back in a chair and relax while watching the sun set over the ocean.
If the home you are considering has any view-obstructing trees or structures, you need to identify whose property they are on so that you can maintain your view.
2. Privacy
Privacy often corresponds to the amount of waterfront frontage the property has. If privacy is high on your list, you need a property with larger waterfront frontage.
3. Topography of the Land
Is the home you are considering on a level lot or a steep slope? Access to the water is easier on a flat lot.
4. The Size and the Floor Plan
Do you need a large home? Are you ready to pay higher heating bills and have higher taxes? How many bedrooms and bathrooms do you need? Think about how you’re going to use the space and whether it will fit your lifestyle now and in the future.
5. Good structure
When it comes to buying a home with an ocean view, you want to steer clear of major structural issues that will cost you big money to fix or will diminish your leverage when it’s time to sell if you haven’t fixed them. Never buy a house that has issues with the foundation.
6. Major systems
When viewing a home, examine the heating/air conditioner unit, hot water heater, and other major systems. These systems can be costly if they are left in disrepair for too long.
Activities that you can do when you live in Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz has a lot to offer! Aside from the exquisite and magnificent views from your home, there are many activities that await you.
1. Paint your own ceramics
Release your artistic prowess by painting your own ceramic at Petroglyph Ceramic Lounge. You just have to choose your piece, pick your paint, and create!
2. Weave with your folks
Do you want to upgrade your knitting and crocheting skills? Inspire others with your skills or be inspired by others’ products. Come in and show off your ability at Santa Cruz Knitting Meet-up.
3. Visit the galleries
Take a tour at Artisans’ Gallery showcasing the collaborative nature of American-made crafts. Santa Cruz also has a lot of galleries you can visit such as Eloise Pickard Smith Gallery, First Fridays Art, Frans Lanting Gallery, Mary Porter Sesnon Art Gallery, and Santa Cruz Art League.
4. Museum hopping
Next on the list is to visit the must-see museums. One is Santa Cruz Surfing Museum where you will get a flavor of one of the two cities claiming to be Surf City. Another is the Bigfoot Discovery Museum that has a collection of Bigfoot footprint casts, memorabilia, and clips from old movies. There is also a large list and map with Bigfoot sightings since the early 1900's.
5. Tour the stunning historical landmarks
Aside from those various museums, Santa Cruz also has other landmarks of historical attractions that will bring out the history buff in you. Find out what lime is and how it is made at Bonny Doon Kilns Upper Laguna Creek. And be captivated by the patios, gardens, and excellent views of the city at Santa Cruz Mission State Historic Park.
6. Movie and theater watching
Come and appreciate the distinct performing arts offered to you by the excellent theatre houses around Santa Cruz such as Art League Broadway Playhouse, Kuumbwa Jazz Center, Jewel Theatre, Santa Cruz Civic Auditorium, Theater Arts Center, Music Center Recital Hall, The Del Mar, Nickelodeon, Regal Cinemas Santa Cruz and the Riverfront Twin.
7. Engage with Santa Cruz’s adventures
Several attractions in Santa Cruz will surely give tons of enjoyment for you and your friends or loved ones. You can go sighting at the central coast of California at Monterey Bay Marine Sanctuary. Or go enjoying with your friends at the postcard-perfect oceanfront amusement park, Beach Boardwalk. And be amazed with the “gravity box” at the Mystery Spot. You can also go fishing at the Santa Cruz Wharf.
Watch the video below to get an idea of what Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, a classic seaside amusement park, has to offer.
8. Join sports
Do you want to play football? Want to go roller skating? Play golf? Learn martial arts? Or tone your muscles? Santa Cruz has fun sites for sports and recreation. Visit the Boardwalk Bowl, Neptune’s Kingdom: Indoor Mini Golf, Aikido of Santa, Aptos Martial Arts Academy, Pacific Edge Indoor Climbing Gym and the Santa Cruz Roller Palladium.
9. Bicycling and Surfing Tutorials and Rentals
Santa Cruz can give you a twist on how to savour it’s beautiful geographic sites through bicycling on the land and surfing on it’s beaches. The county has numerous rental and tutorial shops if you want to engage into it. Some of those are the Bicycle Trip, the Bike Church, Bike Santa Cruz, Bill’s Bike Repair, Cowell’s Beach Surf Shop, Freeline Design Surf Shop, Haut Surf & Sailboards, and others.
10. Horseback Riding, Hiking, and Mountain Biking
Finally, a great escape for the work’s stresses and pressures, the mountain hiking, biking and horseback riding at these few of among the many activity sites in Santa Cruz. Those are the Harvey West Park, Henry Cowell Redwood State Park, Ken Wourmhoudt Skate Park, Neary Lagoon Park, Monterey Bay Horsemanship and Therapeutic Center, Willow Pond Ranch and a lot more!
The Benefits of Living in Santa Cruz Oceanfront Home
Santa Cruz CA has been named as one of the best surf towns in America by none other than Surfer Magazine. This perfect California beach town is famous for sun, surfing, and the oldest seaside amusement park on the West coast of the U.S.
So what are the upsides of owning a home in Santa Cruz CA?
Culture
Santa Cruz is a community that attracts an eclectic population of artists, craftsmen, farmers, and writers who wish to live a surf life far from the surf spotlight.
Strong Community Feel
There’s a strong sense of community in Santa Cruz CA. The people are obviously in love with the community. It’s not your average run-of the-mill-city. It’s a one-in-a-million place, with something for everyone.
Quality of Life
You’ll definitely love what the city has to offer- abundant surf, close proximity to the West Coast's most metropolitan city, a low-key but thriving art scene, great wine, and access to massive expanses of natural beauty.
The weather is amazing and is best outside of tourist season. You get to enjoy 250 days of sunshine annually. There’s also spectacular hiking trails and sweeping views of the ocean.
Highly rated education
With the presence of UC Santa Cruz, it is no surprise then that the community enjoys a highly rated education system. Here you’ll find nationally recognized public and charter high schools such as Pacific Collegiate, one of the nation’s top schools. In addition, secondary school students can pursue a degree right at home, either at UCSC, which offers 65 undergraduate majors and 41 grad programs, or the well-respected Cabrillo College. Santa Cruz is one of the more educated communities in America. More than half (51.11%) of its adults have a college degree or even advanced degree, compared to a national average across all communities of 21.84%.
Great food
Looking for organic, non-GMO, and gluten-free food? You’ve come to the right place. Half of the supermarkets in Santa Cruz are pro-organic and anti-GMO. There are also farmers markets where you can buy vegetables and fruits.
Growing tech community and economy
Santa Cruz is also experiencing growth in terms of technology and economy. There is a committed community of business and tech leaders building businesses. There are also some pretty great start-ups. There are several co-working places, including NextSpace, Cruzioworks, and The Surf Office, which also includes housing.
Amazon now has an office in the city and satellites of the big companies are also expected to be seen soon.
Real Estate
Housing also ranks high among the strengths of Santa Cruz. There are varied options. The average home price is around $645,000. Efforts are being made to meet the demand for more affordable housing.
Top 5 places to buy your oceanfront home in Santa Cruz CA
Beach Hill
The Santa Cruz Beach Hill neighborhood has a mix of some grand old Victorian homes, as well as condominiums. Many of the homes in this area have ocean views, Santa Cruz wharf views or views of the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. This neighborhood is within 10 minutes of the Pacific Garden Mall, Santa Cruz's main downtown shopping area.
Seabright
Seabright is a quiet beachfront community. It has the largest inventory of Santa Cruz ocean view homes, and properties overlooking the yacht harbor.
Here you will find a wide variety of real estate options, from luxury oceanfront homes to homes on the bluff that overlook the ocean. It is a great place to live in a very walkable area close to the water and yacht harbor.
Santa Cruz Yacht Harbor
The Santa Cruz Yacht Harbor offers a wide array of homes that lets you enjoy the unique advantages of waterside living.The homes may vary from small to medium to large with great prices for waterside living. You’ll find a wide mix of cottages, modern beach homes, a number of condominiums and some fabulous ocean view homes.
The Avenues
The Avenues is a neighborhood located between Seabright and the Castle Beach. Here you’ll find a mixture of cottages, oceanfront homes as well as ocean view condominiums. Just below The Avenues is Seabright Beach and the Santa Cruz jetty.
Twin Lakes
The Twin Lakes neighborhood was developed primarily starting in the 1920's. The region got its name from Wood's Lagoon and Schwan Lagoon, which were twin lakes. You’ll find ocean view homes starting around $2 million. From this neighborhood, you can easily walk to the beach or the yacht harbor.
It’s time for you to embrace the truth that there’s more joy and serenity to be experienced at the shore than there is downtown or in the suburbs.
The assistance of a real estate agent is invaluable during your search for your ocean view home in Santa Cruz CA. That’s why I’m here for you!
I’m Sandy Wallace and I have been a REALTOR® since 1998. Santa Cruz CA is a place where I have helped many a dream come true for home buyers and sellers.
I can help you too. I look forward to getting to know you and your real estate goals and dreams. Call me today at 831-818-7099.
California Air + Breathtaking Ocean Views = Your New Home
From the moment you pull up into the driveway and see these homes for the first time, you will instantly want to move in!
Only the most spectacular homes at the best value for your money are offered here.
Right along Highway 1, this is the quintessential California beach town...
Santa Cruz has all the essentials of California living. Getting an ocean view home for sale in this town places you an hour away from San Jose and two hours from San Francisco.
This town has enough beaches for everybody! You have Mitchell’s Cove Beach which is perfect for taking your furry companions out on a walk. The Natural Bridges State Beach is a 65-acre state park, offering guests jaw dropping sightings of birds, whales, and seals!
The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk is a community favorite! It offers wide arrays of family friendly fun for each guest. Find out why residents and visitors are proud to call it the best seaside amusement park in the country!
If you’re in the mood for some quiet, try Greyhound Rock Beach. This beach is 17 miles north of Highway 1, and although it requires a little navigation down a steep cliff, it will be worth it once you get to the tranquil sands. Try climbing Greyhound Rock to watch the dolphins leaping by!
A truly American town
With a population of around 65,000, Santa Cruz offers a mix between small town and city living. It’s big enough to offer fun activities like biking, hiking, running, or surfing, yet small enough to get to know your neighbors.
For families that place a premium on education, moving to an ocean view home here in Santa Cruz gives your kids access to quality schools like Westlake Elementary School, Spring Hill School, or Holy Cross Pre School.
Santa Cruz residents tend to be career minded individuals that place great importance on higher education. Investing in prime ocean view real estate here is a smart move for anybody.
Make time to see the Redwoods
Way up high on your to-do-list is making a trip to a place like the Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park. If you’re up for it, be sure to set aside a weekend for camping, fishing, and hiking! Thousands of guests from all over the world travel each year to see one of nature’s finest works of art.
Santa Cruz is also home to one of the strangest gravitational anomalies on earth - The Mystery Spot. A unique experience for people of all ages, this attraction has baffled the minds of its visitors since 1940!
All this and more can be yours
It doesn’t take much to convince somebody to move here. The town is lovely, the homes are gorgeous, and the scenery is fantastic. What more can you ask for?
Call me, Sandy Wallace, at 831-818-7099. As a licensed REALTOR®, I want to make this process as easy for you as possible. I guarantee you will want to move in once you see these homes!
Convenience, opportunity, and leisure are right at your fingertips. Schedule a private showing at one of these ocean view homes in Santa Cruz today!
Are you looking for a peaceful country home
with a relaxing outdoor living space? This charming single story Corralitos
home for sale with 1,409 square feet of living space, 3 bedrooms and 2
bathrooms is sure to deliver!
Nestled on a friendly community with
beautiful country views, it offers the privacy and retreat you deserve.
Well-loved and properly maintained, this
residence will be your family's new oasis.
Live in a home close to comforts and
conveniences
This home is conveniently located. Set between
Corralitos and Amesti, you get to enjoy the amenities provided by both
communities without driving too far.
If you enjoy camping, hiking, biking and many
other outdoor sports and recreation, Pinto Lake Park is less than a 10 minute
drive from here.
Bradley Elementary School is only a
five-minute drive away. Dining and shopping options are also within three miles
from this home.
Corralitos Market and Sausage Co., where the
best homemade sausages in America are made, is just a six-minute drive from this
home. You can easily hop in your car, drive for a few minutes and indulge in
your favorite mouth-watering gourmet deli.
Relax in this warm and inviting home
A spacious, well-kept yard, with a large
paved driveway welcomes you to this home. If you have children, they will enjoy
the big front yard. It is a perfect playground where they can play and have
fun.
An ample-sized covered front porch invites
you in, great for relaxing and enjoying the views.
Step inside the living room with beautifully
refinished hardwood floors, exposed beams on the ceiling, and large double pane
windows with a view of the hills and green fields.
Cozy and captivating, the living room of this
home for sale in Corralitos is a lovely place to welcome friends and guests.
Furnish it with some comfy chairs, your
favorite LED TV, and some wall decor and it will be great place to relax and
watch your favorite shows.
This living room is open to the dining area,
which is bright and airy with the light coming in from the glass doors.
Furnish this room with a dining table set
that complements the hardwood floors and you will have an elegant dining area
that can impress any guest.
Enjoy this home’s ample kitchen storage!
Set right beside this dining area is a
good-sized kitchen.
You will never ask for more in this home’s
kitchen. It has enough space for three people to cook simultaneously.
Featuring tile countertops, white appliances
and a spacious cabinetry, this country kitchen will easily help you create your
loved one’s favorite meals.
The breakfast bar adds more counter space,
perfect for multitasking moms.
Rest in the well-appointed bedrooms.
This home offers three bright and
well-appointed bedrooms.
The master bedroom is the perfect hideout
after a long busy day, offering the best of rest and relaxation.
A backyard haven awaits for you to enjoy
A special surprise awaits you in this
Corralitos home.
The sliding door by the dining room opens to
a covered porch with comfortable couches.
Beyond the porch is a large backyard with
artificial green grass, a pool, a hot tub, a freestanding fireplace, and golf
on the putting green. There are also lemon and orange trees with fruits.
The laundry room next to the covered porch
completes the features of this home.
This fenced backyard is a great place to
entertain and relax. Install some great outdoor lights and you’ll have a
magical place for the kids to enjoy, be it daytime or nighttime.
Loving this home? All it needs is a little
more TLC for its value to appreciate. It is an awesome find, priced at
$700,000.
This home is ready to be sold now. If you
cannot wait until it is ready to go on MLS, call or text me, Sandy Wallace, at
831-818-7099. Let me help you find the best home for you and your loved ones.
