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Pleasure Point

Pleasure Point

$1,923,189 Average Value
$1,687 Average Price per Sq Ft
11 Homes For Sale

Seaside bluffs on the California coast

Pleasure Point is a seaside community in Santa Cruz County known for its breezy cliffs overlooking the blue waters of Monterey Bay. On a bright-lit summer day, dozens of surfers can be seen floating atop white-capped ocean waves while residents and visitors take in the view from 30-foot-tall bluffs dotted with tropical flora. The neighborhood is primarily residential, with small beach cottages and bungalows lining the streets. Some of its homes are situated along 30-foot-tall, seaside bluffs. “It’s a great place to raise kids. There are lots of beach activities, lots of sunshine,” says Realtor Ben Strock of Exp Realty, who has lived in the area for more than two decades. Located between the city of Santa Cruz and Capitola, the community is just a few miles from coastal hotspots like the Santa Cruz boardwalk and Downtown Santa Cruz.

Pleasure point has wonderful places to relax.
Pleasure point has wonderful places to relax.
Pleasure point has beautiful views of Monterey Bay
Pleasure point has beautiful views of Monterey Bay
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Beaches, surf breaks and community parks

East Cliff Drive Parkway’s walking paths wind along Pleasure Point’s seaside bluffs, offering benches and overlooks to take in the sights, sounds and smells of the Pacific. Misty mornings give way to sunny afternoons along the waterfront. Locals and visitors can bring their beach towels and umbrellas to Corcoran Beach or Moran Lake Beach during the spring and summer months. Community parks include Floral County Park, a small green space with a playground and picnic tables. The nearest public indoor space is Capitola Community Center, which is next door to Opal Cliffs Elementary School. Mountainous hiking destinations and scenic redwood forests are found nearby at Henry Cowell Redwood State Park and the Forest of Nisene Marks State Park.

Pleasure point is a great place to relax by the beach.
Pleasure point is a great place to relax by the beach.
5.	Enjoy a peaceful afternoon walk at Moran Lake Park in Santa Cruz.
5. Enjoy a peaceful afternoon walk at Moran Lake Park in Santa Cruz.
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Walk to shops, cafes and restaurants

Pleasure Point has a vibrant commercial strip on 41st Street where locals meet up for coffee, dinner and drinks. Murals and brightly painted buildings blend in with the coastal flora, adding a dash of color to this laidback strip. It's also a very walkable community. "You don’t have to drive to the grocery store or to the coffee shop. It’s amazing. There are days that go by where I don’t get in my car,” says Realtor Bri Steel of Live Love Santa Cruz, who lives in Pleasure Point. Surf shops, independent restaurants, breweries, markets and cafes can all be found here. Some popular spots include Verve Coffee Roasters, Pleasure Pizza, Taqueria Vallarta and Betty Burgers. The nearest grocery stores are Whole Foods and New Leaf Community Markets. Capitola Mall, about a mile from Pleasure Point, has a Target, Macy’s and Kohl’s.

Pleasure point offers a wide variety of surf shops.
Pleasure point offers a wide variety of surf shops.
There are plenty of amazing coffee shops all over pleasure point.
There are plenty of amazing coffee shops all over pleasure point.
There are plenty of board shops all over pleasure point.
There are plenty of board shops all over pleasure point.
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Eclectic homes by the oceanfront

Homes in the neighborhood are typically on narrow, residential streets, and a select few stand along the cliffs with spectacular views of the ocean. Most residences were built in the early and mid-20th century, and styles include everything from beach bungalows and ranch homes to custom builds and Craftsman homes. Yards are typically on the smaller side, but what they lack in size is made up for with rich, effusive landscaping, palm trees and tropical foliage. Smaller homes further inland typically list for between $1.2 million and $2 million. Larger, upscale homes perched near the edge of ocean bluffs can fetch between $3 million and $10 million.

There are plenty of seaside homes all over pleasure point.
There are plenty of seaside homes all over pleasure point.
Pleasure point has a plethora of beautiful homes.
Pleasure point has a plethora of beautiful homes.
They're plenty of beachside homes all over pleasure point.
They're plenty of beachside homes all over pleasure point.
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Solidly rated schools

Students may attend Soquel Elementary School, which holds a B rating from Niche. The elementary school has been a fixture in the community for more than a century and serves about 430 students every year. For sixth through eighth grade, students may attend New Brighton Middle School before moving on to Soquel High School. Both schools earn A-minus ratings. More than 95% of Soquel High School seniors go on to attend two- and four-year colleges.

Soquel High School excels in comprehensive education.
Soquel High School excels in comprehensive education.
Soquel Elementary School is highly rated in the Santa Cruz area.
Soquel Elementary School is highly rated in the Santa Cruz area.
New Brighton Middle School has a wonderful campus for its students.
New Brighton Middle School has a wonderful campus for its students.
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Getting around Santa Cruz

Pleasure Point is about 3 miles from State Route 1, a major regional commuter corridor that connects with other coastal towns and cities such as Capitola and Half Moon Bay. Travel can be hectic around rush hour as people leave and return for work. For those who prefer public transit, the neighborhood is served by several Santa Cruz Metro bus lines. The nearest hospital is Dominican Hospital, which is about 3 miles away in Santa Cruz. The medical center has more than 350 beds, an emergency room and several specialty care centers.

Public transportation is easy and Pleasure Point.
Public transportation is easy and Pleasure Point.
Highway one is located right near pleasure point
Highway one is located right near pleasure point
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Increased flooding risk

Pleasure Point is at an increased risk for flooding because of its proximity to the ocean. Several major storms have swept through the area in recent years, damaging parts of the coastline. Floods marred Moran Lake Beach in December 2023, and the county government is pitching in to help rebuild it.

Daniel Berti
Written By
Daniel Berti
Angelo Sangiacomo
Photography Contributed By
Angelo Sangiacomo
Jessica Johnson
Video By
Jessica Johnson

Agents Specializing in this Area

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Schools

Source:
GreatSchools: The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process. View GreatSchools Rating Methodology

Parks in this Area

Transit

Airport

Norman Y Mineta San Jose International

50 min drive

Bus

Portola Dr & 30th Ave

Bus

38th Ave & Roland

Bus

Portola Dr & 35th Ave

Bus

38th Ave & Avis Ln

Bus

Portola Dr & 37th Ave

Bus

Portola Dr & 41st Ave

Bus

Portola Dr & 26th Ave (Trailer Haven)

Reviews

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Crime and Safety

1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime Pleasure Point US
Homicide 3 4
Sexual Assault 4 4
Assault with Weapon 3 4
Robbery 3 4
Burglary 4 4
Motor Vehicle Theft 4 4
Larceny 5 4
Crime Score 4 4

Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com

Neighborhood Facts

Number of Homes
1,766
Number of Homes for Sale
11
Median Year Built
1957
Months of Supply
3.10
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,443
Significantly below the national average
1,930
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
1,573
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
1,085
Average 1 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
480
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
5,227

Open Houses

  • Thursday, Mar 19
    12:30 - 3pm

    1040 38th Ave Unit 39, Santa Cruz, CA 95062

    $349,000

    • 2 Beds
    • 1 Bath
    • 816 Sq Ft
    • 1040 38th Ave
    • Unit 39
    • New 19 days ago

    Get to the beach! This darling unit is located near all that Pleasure Point has to offer. Lots of updates since the seller bought it including: new skirting, new electrical panel, new exterior paint, updated cork flooring, gorgeous garden path and garden..... an oasis really. This comfortable unit features 2 bedroom, 1 bath, a lively kitchen and lots of windows to let in the beautiful light and

    Agent Photo
    Geneva Lawless
    David Lyng Real Estate
    (831) 218-2907
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  • Saturday, Mar 21
    12 - 3pm

    30 Ryans Way, Santa Cruz, CA 95062

    $3,400,000

    • 3 Beds
    • 3.5 Baths
    • 2,099 Sq Ft
    • 30 Ryans Way
    • New 22 days ago

    Refined Modernism by the Coast. Designed by world-renowned architect Ravi GuneWardena and completed in 2023, this striking sleek modern retreat offers refined coastal living just steps from the sand and Moran Lake. Privately situated on an expansive 15,246 SF lot along a private road, this architectural masterpiece seamlessly blends bold design with natural serenity. Spanning 2,099 SF, the home

    Amy Jeske Coldwell Banker Realty

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  • Sunday, Mar 22
    1 - 4pm

    121 Anchorage Ave, Santa Cruz, CA 95062

    $1,749,000

    • 1 Bed
    • 1.5 Baths
    • 1,130 Sq Ft
    • 121 Anchorage Ave

    Unbeatable Pleasure Point location- just steps from iconic surf breaks, beaches and scenic coastal paths. Surf the Point or Rockview in only a 3 minute walk. Stroll just 6 minutes to Moran Beach to watch the sunset. Or head to East Cliff to walk the bluffs. Despite the easy access, this home is situated on a less traveled street where there is a sense of community and neighbors know each other.

    Marcellina Catalano Sotheby’s International Realty

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Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Average Home Value





Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

This Neighborhood Has More Owners

Demographics

Total Population
6,439
Median Age
45
Population Density
14 ppl/acre
Population under 18
18.4%
Below the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
22.4%
On par with the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$98,213
Above the national average
$79,601
Average Household Income
$135,928

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
91.4%
College Graduates
52.4%
Above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
19.9%
Above the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
64.9%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
30''
Average Winter Low Temperature
41°F
Average Summer High Temperature
75°F
Annual Snowfall
0''

Area Factors

Fairly friendly

Bike Score®

50 / 100

Fairly friendly

Walk Score®

50 / 100

Somewhat friendly

Transit Score®

30 / 100
Source: Local Logic
Sources: Local Logic

Local Logic measures the walkability, access to public transit and bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.

Nearby Neighborhoods

Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
NEIGHBORHOOD
Pleasure Point