$1,102,874Average Value$283Average Price per Sq Ft0Homes For Sale
A walker’s paradise in the heart of Santa Cruz
A weekend in Downtown Santa Cruz might start with a stroll through an outdoor market, an iced coffee on a café patio and window-shopping at bookstores and boutiques on Pacific Avenue. The district has long been a gathering place for Santa Cruz locals, college students and vacationers alike. In the evening, the streets come alive as daytime beach-goers stream into restaurants, dive bars and movie theaters.
The district got its start in the 1960s when famous freelance photographers Chuck and Esther Abbot moved to the city. The couple were instrumental in making Pacific Avenue a beautiful, walkable streetscape “They set out to make a pedestrian mall where you could sit and stroll and enjoy the scenery. They planted lots of trees and made wide sidewalks. It’s a place where you can just be,” says Realtor Michele Reprogle of Coldwell Banker, a longtime resident of the city.
Bookshop Santa Cruz is a great place to get some books in Downtown Santa Cruz.
Santa Cruz Coffee Roasting is a good place to get some coffee in Downtown Santa Cruz.
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Eateries, independent shops and an art museum
The downtown district is a tapestry of local shops, diverse dining, historic buildings and apartment complexes. A century-old clocktower tolls throughout the day, a coastal breeze ruffles the bows of leafy street trees and people meander up and down the sidewalks. Zachary’s Restaurant is a longtime favorite for brunch and tends to fill up quickly. Those in the mood for something spicier might try the enchiladas, tacos and margaritas at El Palomar. Late night options are plentiful: local dives like Asti, The Blue Lagoon and Rush Inn are popular for younger crowds and college students. Residents will also find plenty of grocery shopping. Trader Joe’s, Whole Foods and Staff of Life are all within walking or biking distance.
The Santa Cruz Museum of Art & History offers a wide collection of artworks and historic artifacts in addition to public festivals and celebrations held throughout the year. There are also plenty of colorful, independent art galleries nearby. Locals have several options for movie theaters, such as the Santa Cruz Cinema for Hollywood blockbusters and Landmark’s Del Mar Theatre for indie throwbacks.
Trader Joe's is available in the Santa Cruz area.
The Santa Cruz Museum of Art & History.
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Apartments, condos and homes in the downtown district
Downtown Santa Cruz is surrounded by urban streets lined with homes, condos, apartment complexes and duplexes. Renters make up a large share of the neighborhood’s population. Single-family homes are typically older, dating back to the early and mid-20th century. Bungalows, Craftsman homes and Victorian designs can all be found here. Front yards are typically small, but there's still room for lush landscaping and small gardens. Residential streets further from the downtown core feature a mix of homes and low-rise apartments, while the commercial district and Pacific Avenue feature modern apartments and condos. Single-family home prices range between $1 million and $1.5 million. Condos list for between $500,000 and $1 million.
The bungalows in the Santa Cruz area.
This A-frame home has red accents in the Santa Cruz area.
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Visit the downtown district’s outdoor markets
There are plenty of events downtown throughout year, including a weekly farmer’s market that takes place every Wednesday from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Established in 1990, the market offers a wide variety of fresh produce and artisan wares. Other events include the Downtown Holiday Parade, which draws throngs of residents to the district for a winter celebration. There’s also a vintage market and the Antique Faire, both of which take place once a month.
Apricots are a fan favorite at the Downtown Santa Cruz Farmers Market.
A local picking out strawberries at the Downtown Santa Cruz Farmers Market.
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Depot Park, the Santa Cruz Riverwalk and city beaches
Parks in the downtown district include Depot Park, which has a turf soccer field, a skate and BMX park and a children’s playground. The Santa Cruz Riverwalk borders the eastern edge of Downtown Santa Cruz. It’s a popular pedestrian path that offers an easy way to walk to the city’s beaches, boardwalk and wharf. The Santa Cruz Beach and vistas situated on the bluffs along West Cliff Drive are only a mile away from the neighborhood. For indoor exercise and activities, residents might pay a visit to London Nelson Community Center. The center offers plenty of activities for seniors in addition to cultural and holiday events.
A young soccer player practicing at Depot Park.
The Santa Cruz Boardwalk is available in the Santa Cruz area.
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Getting around Santa Cruz and beyond
Downtown Santa Cruz is less than a mile from State Route 1, a commuter corridor that connects to coastal hotspots like Half Moon Bay and Capitola. It’s about 2 miles to State Route 17, which winds through the steep Santa Cruz Mountains on the way to Silicon Valley. The Santa Cruz Metro bus lines are available for those who prefer public transit.
An easy bus ride can take you everywhere in the Santa Cruz area.
The State Route 1 goes through the City of Santa Cruz.
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Highly rated Santa Cruz schools
Young learners can attend Bay View Elementary School, which earns a B-minus rating from Niche. The school places a strong emphasis on visual arts, music and environmental education both inside and outside the classroom. Students move on to Mission Hill Middle School and Santa Cruz High School, both of which earn A ratings. The University of California, Santa Cruz is just west of the neighborhood and It enrolls around 20,000 students every year.
Bay View Elementary has the best classes in the Santa Cruz area.
Santa Cruz High School prepares students for bright futures.
Mission Hill Middle School inspires lifelong learning.
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
Shelter Lagoon
Neary Lagoon Park
Santa Cruz Parks & Recreation
Depot Park
Who's Your Walkie
Transit
Airport
Norman Y Mineta San Jose International
45 min drive
Bus
Cedar & Lincoln
Bus
Del Mar Theatre
Bus
Cedar & Walnut Ave
Bus
Walnut Ave & Center
Bus
Santa Cruz Metro Center - Lane 1
Bus
Laurel & Blackburn
Bus
Cedar & Cathcart
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Downtown Santa Cruz
US
Homicide
4
4
Sexual Assault
6
4
Assault with Weapon
4
4
Robbery
7
4
Burglary
9
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
9
4
Larceny
8
4
Crime Score
7
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Downtown Santa Cruz Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Downtown Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz sell after 79 days on the market compared to the national average of 70 days. The median sale price for homes in Downtown Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz over the last 12 months is $586,000, up 86% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Two large Victorian homes on one lot in Downtown Santa Cruz. The front 4 bedroom, 2 bath home features a front porch, intricate exterior detailing, a large sunny back deck and a full basement. The back house 3 bedroom, 2 bath home has two porches, an attached carport and garage, and a private rear yard. The homes have off street parking and separate utilities. Conveniently located across the
This beautifully updated late 1800s home blends historic charm with modern living and offers duplex potential with its multi-family zoning. The remodeled kitchen, featuring stainless steel appliances and quartz countertops, opens to a standout butlers pantry. Equipped with its own sink, counter space, and storage, the pantry is ideal for meal prep, entertaining, or a stylish coffee bar, adding
Classicly styled Victorian located in the heart of Santa Cruz's downtown historic district. Easily accessible to beaches, downtown, public transportation, restaurants, & culture. The Victorian-era building still maintains some stylistic features, like dentil moldings, decorative trim, patterned siding, high ceilings, transom windows, and ornamentation. The embellished gables lend height and
This beautiful, light-filled one-bedroom loft offers a serene retreat in downtown SantaCruz, perfectly blending sophistication with coastal charm. Nestled on the third floor, it features soaring ceilings and oversized windows overlooking a tranquil, tree-lined street. The open-concept living space flows seamlessly into a modern kitchen equipped with granite countertops, updated glass stovetop and
Two large Victorian homes on one lot in Downtown Santa Cruz. The front 4 bedroom, 2 bath home features a front porch, intricate exterior detailing, a large sunny back deck and a full basement. The back house 3 bedroom, 2 bath home has two porches, an attached carport and garage, and a private rear yard. The homes have off street parking and separate utilities. Conveniently located across the
Kick back, relax and enjoy the good life at Nanda on Pacific. Our studio, 1 & 2 bedroom apartments in Santa Cruz, California, come in a variety of floor plans so you can choose your ideal living space. This thoughtfully designed living space offers a unique blend of sophistication and comfort, ideal for those seeking a lifestyle of luxury and convenience. Discover the perfect blend of modern
Welcome to St. George Apartments, located at 833 Front Street in downtown Santa Cruz. Enjoy the convenience of our prime location, steps away from shops, dining, UC Santa Cruz, and more.Experience the best of downtown Santa Cruz living at St. George Apartments. Choose from our studio, one, and two-bedroom apartments, each thoughtfully designed with modern amenities and
At Anton Pacific, a creative community awaits you, offering a lifestyle with all the comforts of a place you can call home. Just minutes away from restaurants, shopping, entertainment and Santa Cruz' famous beachfront boardwalk, Anton Pacific is close to everything you love about coastal California living. The casual yet charming apartments are spaciously designed and perfectly serene spaces with
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
6,374
Median Age
34
Population Density
23 ppl/acre
Population under 18
17.3%
Below the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
14.6%
On par with the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$64,136
Below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$88,834
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
93.5%
College Graduates
44.4%
Above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
21%
Above the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
62%
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®
99/ 100
Walker's Paradise
Walk Score®
98/ 100
Good Transit
Transit Score®
51/ 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.
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.
