Banana Belt Homes for Rent

The Banana Belt neighborhood in Santa Cruz is known for its sunny weather, thanks to its location between the Santa Cruz Mountains foothills and Monterey Bay beaches. This area enjoys more sun and less fog, creating a bright and warm Mediterranean climate. The neighborhood features early and mid-20th century homes, including bungalows, cottages, ranch homes, Craftsman homes, and Mediterranean Revival styles with red-tiled roofs and stucco exteriors. Local parks such as Grant Park and John Franks Park offer picnic areas, playgrounds, and athletic courts, while the expansive De Laveaga Park provides hiking trails, baseball fields, an archery range, and a golf course. The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and Seabright Beach are less than 2 miles south, and Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park is nearby for those seeking outdoor adventures. Families in the Banana Belt have access to highly rated schools, including De Laveaga Elementary School, Branciforte Middle School, and Harbor High School, which offers various career and technical programs. The University of California, Santa Cruz is just 2 miles west, enrolling around 20,000 students annually. The neighborhood is bordered by Water Street and Soquel Avenue, which feature shopping and dining options like Tacos Moreno and Santa Adairius tasting room. Grocery stores such as Safeway, Whole Foods, and Grocery Outlet are conveniently located, along with the long-standing natural grocer, Staff of Life. The Banana Belt is safer than the national average, making it a practical choice for families. State Route 1 and State Route 17 provide commuting options to nearby coastal towns and Silicon Valley, while Santa Cruz Metro bus lines offer public transit alternatives.