$1,405,822Average Value$224Average Price per Sq Ft1Home For Sale
Sun-drenched suburban neighborhood in Santa Cruz
Prospect Heights is a sunny residential neighborhood in Santa Cruz that sits just south of a sprawling woodland park and 2 miles north of the city’s seaside beaches. Plus, because it’s just north of the coastal fog line, it gets sunnier, warmer weather than neighborhoods situated along the oceanfront where mornings are often overcast and misty. “It’s an older neighborhood that probably goes back to the 1930s. It’s right below De Laveaga Park and golf course. The weather’s great because you’re up in a nice microclimate,” says Realtor Sally Lyng, co-owner of David Lyng Real Estate and a longtime Santa Cruz resident.
Prospect Heights boasts a vibrant community with charming homes and lush greenery.
Cozy residences in Prospect Heights offer a suburban feel with easy highway access.
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Early and mid-20th century homes
Prospect Heights is brimming with lush landscaping that overflows from front and backyards. Silhouettes of tall pine, oak and palm trees can be seen dotting the horizon. Early and mid-20th century home designs are common here, including ranch homes, cottages, Craftsman homes and eclectic, custom homes. Some of these homes have swimming pools in the backyard where residents can cool off on a hot summer day. Lot sizes are smaller, usually coming in around 5,000 square feet, but there’s still plenty of room for small gardens and back patios. Prices range from about $1 million to $2 million, and the 2024 median list price is $1.5 million.
Traditional single-story homes with manicured lawns define the peaceful vibe of Prospect Heights
Prospect Heights showcases modern architecture with sleek lines and contemporary finishes.
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De Laveaga Park trails and golf
De Laveaga Park, which borders the neighborhood’s northern edge, is an outdoor oasis of hilly hiking trails, baseball fields, an archery range, and an 18-hole golf course and driving range. It’s also home to Santa Cruz Shakespeare, where a seasoned troupe of actors hold outdoor productions by the world’s most famous playwright. The park is accessible from a wooded trailhead within Prospect Heights. The closest beaches are about 2 miles south, at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and Seabright Beach. In the opposite direction is Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, a massive, mountainous destination with towering redwood groves, hiking trails and swimming holes.
Enjoy a game of golf with breathtaking views at DeLaveaga Park's well-maintained course.
DeLaveaga Park's lush landscapes offer scenic golf courses perfect for a relaxing day out.
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Highly rated Santa Cruz public schools
Young students can attend De Laveaga Elementary School, which earns a B-plus rating from Niche. The school is located inside the neighborhood and is only a short walk, bike or drive for many residents. Sixth through eighth grade learners move on to A-minus-rated Branciforte Middle School, and upperclassmen attend A-rated Harbor High School. Harbor High offers a wide range of career, technical and trade programs, so students can specialize in agriculture, car repair, computer science, woodworking, welding and web design.
De Laveaga Elementary School offers a supportive and inclusive environment for all.
At Branciforte Middle School, students thrive with innovative teaching and supportive staff.
At Harbor High School, students thrive with innovative teaching and supportive staff.
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Getting around Santa Cruz and beyond
Running along Prospect Heights’ southern edge is State Route 1, a commuter corridor that connects to coastal towns like Aptos and Capitola. It’s also less than a mile from State Route 17, a highway that traverses the Santa Cruz Mountains and leads to Silicon Valley and San Jose. Dignity Health – Dominican Hospital, a major regional medical center, is less than a mile east. The hospital has received high marks from Leapfrog Group, a nonprofit watchdog for hospital safety.
Prospect Heights offers convenient highway access, connecting residents quickly to Santa Cruz.
Convenient bus services near Prospect Heights offer easy access to Santa Cruz's attractions.
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Shopping close to home
Prospect Heights is about a mile north of dining and grocery stores on Soquel Avenue, including Safeway, Whole Foods and Grocery Outlet. There’s also Staff of Life, a natural grocer that’s been in business for more than 50 years. For everything else, it’s just a short drive to Downtown Santa Cruz where the streets are jampacked with eateries, bars and shops. The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, California’s oldest amusement park, is 2 miles south.
Visit Old School Shoes near Prospect Heights for stylish footwear in Santa Cruz.
Fun-filled boardwalk adventures are close by for Prospect Heights residents in Santa Cruz.
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
Kim Richman,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
Pacheco Dog Park
Transit
Airport
Norman Y Mineta San Jose International
44 min drive
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Prospect Heights
US
Homicide
1
4
Sexual Assault
3
4
Assault with Weapon
2
4
Robbery
3
4
Burglary
4
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
4
4
Larceny
4
4
Crime Score
3
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Prospect Heights Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Prospect Heights, Santa Cruz sell after 42 days on the market compared to the national average of 70 days. The median sale price for homes in Prospect Heights, Santa Cruz over the last 12 months is $350,000, down 37% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Tucked away on a beautiful cut-de-sac in the highly desired and sunny Prospect Heights neighborhood, this spacious and well-lit home has vaulted ceilings, hardwood floors, new carpet, freshly painted interior, updated bathrooms, inset lighting and new kitchen appliances. Enjoy the flexibility of separate living and family rooms and plenty of storage. Warm up in the winter next to the wood burning
Retro chic home in desirable Prospect Heights! Enter through the front courtyard area into a truly delightful experience. Living room with vaulted ceiling, hardwood flooring, fireplace, unique, open loft area above and a formal dining area. Entertainer's kitchen with island and informal dining area. Three bedrooms, three full baths plus a large family room area with unlimited possibilities with a
Welcome to 81 Rooney: An extensively remodeled single story turnkey home that has been reimagined inside and out. Inside we have two large living spaces: The first is a living/family room with a beautiful bay window. The second is open concept connecting with the kitchen and dining area and contains the only original feature of this 1970s home, a rustic wall to wall brick laid fireplace. The
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Kim Richman,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Owners
Demographics
Total Population
2,166
Median Age
46
Population Density
9 ppl/acre
Population under 18
20.6%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
23.2%
On par with the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$135,810
Significantly above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$167,167
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
97.2%
Above the national average
89.1%
College Graduates
50.4%
Above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
18.7%
% Population in Labor Force
63%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
30''
Average Winter Low Temperature
41°F
Average Summer High Temperature
75°F
Annual Snowfall
0''
Area Factors
Very Bikeable
Bike Score®
82/ 100
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®
37/ 100
Some Transit
Transit Score®
36/ 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.
