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California Street-Mission Hill

California Street-Mission Hill

$1,421,160 Average Value
$199 Average Price per Sq Ft
0 Homes For Sale

A neighborhood vibrant in culture

While it may be a next-door neighbor to downtown Santa Cruz, California Street – Mission Hill maintains its own star qualities. "It's a great area close to the beach and close to the downtown lifestyle," says Jayson Madani, a Room Real Estate Realtor who sells in the area. The neighborhood is rich with culture, as demonstrated by its restaurants, festivals, events and colorful homes. To know this neighborhood is to know what Santa Cruz is all about. Coldwell Banker Realtor Amy Jeske, who also has home-selling experience here, speaks to the neighborhood's vibrancy. "This side of Santa Cruz, the west side, is a completely different beast compared to Aptos, Soquel or Capitola where it's more quiet. The university and the student population make it busy. The character is up and coming, and it’s just a really popular area."

Beachgoers relish the sun and sand near California Street - Mission Hill, a hub for coastal fun.
Beachgoers relish the sun and sand near California Street - Mission Hill, a hub for coastal fun.
Treat yourself to tasty treats at Mission Hill Creamery in California Street - Mission Hill.
Treat yourself to tasty treats at Mission Hill Creamery in California Street - Mission Hill.
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Global gastronomy and fun shops

When dining out, residents can taste international flavors from the table. Avanti, with its wood-and-stone interior and cozy outdoor patio, serves contemporary Italian cuisine. Copal offers a taste of Oaxaca in every dish, and the lemon-and-lime walls of Café Brasil foster inviting Brazilian dining experiences. Residents can also look for everyday grocery items at Safeway. They can also grab sandwiches or pub fare and cover more shopping needs when they visit the shops and restaurants at Almar Shopping Center. Epicenter Cycling offers a wide selection of bikes and a staff of mechanics ready to help.

Explore unique local shops in California Street-Mission Hill, for all things fun.
Explore unique local shops in California Street-Mission Hill, for all things fun.
Enjoy outdoor seating on California Street - Mission Hill, where community and comfort meet.
Enjoy outdoor seating on California Street - Mission Hill, where community and comfort meet.
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Mole and Mariachi and First Fridays

Every September, the costumes, competitions and cuisine of the Mole and Mariachi Festival draw tons of visitors. Formerly held in Santa Cruz Mission State Historic Park, the festival’s wild popularity has forced a venue change to hold the growing crowds. The city's creative side can be explored at the Santa Cruz Museum of Art & History or at shops and galleries during First Fridays, the city's monthly art tour of exhibitions from local artists.

Explore California history at Santa Cruz Mission State Historic Park, rich in heritage.
Explore California history at Santa Cruz Mission State Historic Park, rich in heritage.
Vibrant murals in California Street - Mission Hill, showcasing the neighborhood's creativity.
Vibrant murals in California Street - Mission Hill, showcasing the neighborhood's creativity.
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By car, bus or plane

Highway 1 (locally known as Cabrillo Highway) offers access throughout the neighborhood. According to Madani, "Highway 1 takes you to places like Carmel and Half Moon Bay. It's a good commuter road if you’re working in Santa Cruz and it’s scenic, so it's great for vacations, too.” Residents can also hop on the Santa Cruz METRO bus. Air travelers can use the San Jose Mineta International Airport, which is a 33-mile drive northbound.

Easily navigate California Street -Mission Hill with convenient public transportation.
Easily navigate California Street -Mission Hill with convenient public transportation.
Aerial view of California Street - Mission Hill showcases charming homes and lush green spaces.
Aerial view of California Street - Mission Hill showcases charming homes and lush green spaces.
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Bungalows and cottage-styles

Bungalows and cottage-style homes are common, with constructions dating between the early 1900s to the late 1940s. Exteriors can vary from earthy, neutral tones to brighter colors and properties are often equipped with a sizable amount of front lawn space. Homes tend to cost between $1 million- $1.8 million and will typically remain on the market for about 35 days. Jeske says, "It’s really hard to get housing because the market is so hot. Almost every home ends up with multiple offers.”

This charming ranch-style home in California Street - Mission Hill boasts vibrant landscaping.
This charming ranch-style home in California Street - Mission Hill boasts vibrant landscaping.
Classic craftsman homes on California Street - Mission Hill offer timeless appeal and cozy porch
Classic craftsman homes on California Street - Mission Hill offer timeless appeal and cozy porch
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Parks, plant life and water views

Santa Cruz Mission State Historic Park is the twelfth in a string of missions established in California. Its Mission Adobe remains standing today, open for the public to learn about the area’s indigenous origins and Franciscan heritage. The park also has a large avocado tree which, according to the Santa Cruz County website, may be the second oldest in all of California. Wildlife can be spotted along the trails and floating walkways of Neary Lagoon Park. A little further out is the Santa Cruz Riverwalk Park, where pedestrians can walk and bike along the San Lorenzo River. More popular spots are the Arboretum & Botanic Gardens at the University of California – Santa Cruz and the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk.

Explore California history at Santa Cruz Mission State Historic Park, rich in heritage.
Explore California history at Santa Cruz Mission State Historic Park, rich in heritage.
Wildlife thrives in California Street - Mission Hill, offering serene spots for birdwatching.
Wildlife thrives in California Street - Mission Hill, offering serene spots for birdwatching.
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High-ranking schools

Bay View Elementary School has a B-minus from Niche while Mission Hill Middle School keeps an A-rating. Harbor High School, which also has an A-rating, has been counted in the top five public schools in Santa Cruz County. In addition to its main course catalog, the high school offers Career Technical Education courses in subjects such as millwork and cabinetry and bicycle performance and technology. College students can attend the University of California – Santa Cruz, which is less than two miles away.

Bay View Elementary offers a dynamic curriculum that sparks curiosity and creativity.
Bay View Elementary offers a dynamic curriculum that sparks curiosity and creativity.
Discover the spirited campus life at Harbor High School, where students excel and grow.
Discover the spirited campus life at Harbor High School, where students excel and grow.
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Julia Concepcion
Written By
Julia Concepcion
Sean Viray
Photography Contributed By
Sean Viray
Kellan Beaver
Video By
Kellan Beaver

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

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Nick Bailey, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Parks in this Area

Transit

Airport

Norman Y Mineta San Jose International

45 min drive

Bus

Bay & Seaside

Bus

Bay & Redwood

Bus

Walnut Ave & California

Bus

Mission & Sylvar

California Street-Mission Hill Demographics and Home Trends

Housing Trends

Median List Price
$493,000
Median Sale Price
$450,000
Median Single Family Sale Price
$450,000
Median Change From 1st List Price
9%
Last 12 months Home Sales
10
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
8%
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$199

Neighborhood Facts

Number of Homes in Neighborhood
569
Number of Homes for Sale
0
Median Year Built
1947
Months of Supply
0.00
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,510
Significantly below the national average
1,924
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
1,675
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
1,243
Average Studio Size Sq Ft
348
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
6,098

Open Houses

  • Saturday, Aug 2
    12 - 3pm

    148 Mason St, Santa Cruz, CA 95060

    $1,499,000

    • 4 Beds
    • 2.5 Baths
    • 1,923 Sq Ft
    • 148 Mason St

    LOCATION, LIFESTYLE, LEGACY Nestled in the heart of Westside Santa Cruz, 148 Mason St. beautifully blends historic architecture, modern conveniences, and a relaxed beach lifestyle. Featuring 4 BRs and 2.5 BAs, this 1923sf home exudes charm beginning with its inviting covered porch and classic entryway, enhanced by a Tiffany-style pendant light, decorative transom window, and an elegantly curved

    Teresa Marlow Compass

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  • Saturday, Aug 2
    11:30am - 1:30pm

    144 Van Ness Ave, Santa Cruz, CA 95060

    $1,400,000

    • 4 Beds
    • 2 Baths
    • 1,953 Sq Ft
    • 144 Van Ness Ave
    • New 3 days ago

    Discover an updated duplex with Victorian charm! Two single level units, each 2 bedroom, 1 bath. Hardwood floors throughout. Classic tile and fireplaces. Updated kitchen and baths. Garage for each. Large area for gardening behind #146, large patio behind #144. Bonus art studio in back!

    Janet Russell David Lyng Real Estate

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Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Nick Bailey, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Average Home Value





Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

This Neighborhood Has More Renters

Demographics

Total Population
1,979
Median Age
37
Population Density
13 ppl/acre
Population under 18
18.2%
Below the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
16.4%
On par with the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$94,556
Above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$135,488

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
97.7%
College Graduates
56.7%
Above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
23.7%
Above the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
62.8%

Weather

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

Area Factors

Biker's Paradise

Bike Score®

95 / 100

Very Walkable

Walk Score®

88 / 100

Some Transit

Transit Score®

45 / 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score

Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.

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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
California Street-Mission Hill
Nick Bailey
Bailey Properties
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