Why Live in Carbonera
Carbonera is a small, residential neighborhood in the hilly outskirts of Santa Cruz, offering mountainous views and deep-green forests. Located just 3 miles from the beaches, Carbonera enjoys a sunnier and warmer climate as it sits above the fog line. The neighborhood features mid-20th century home styles, including ranch homes with midcentury modern design, Craftsman bungalows, and custom-built houses. Many homes have been renovated, while others have been replaced with new constructions. The streets are lined with sidewalks, manicured front yards, and a variety of trees, with minimal through-traffic making it safe for walking. De Laveaga Park, a 550-acre park with hiking trails, baseball fields, an archery range, and a golf course, borders the western edge of Carbonera. Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, located 4 miles north, offers towering redwood groves and scenic hiking trails. The nearest beaches, including Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and Seabright Beach, are about 3 miles south. While there are no shopping or dining options within Carbonera, Downtown Santa Cruz is just 2 miles away, featuring popular restaurants like The Walnut Avenue Café and Pizza My Heart, as well as grocery stores such as Trader Joe’s and Whole Foods. The neighborhood is served by highly rated schools, including De Laveaga Elementary School, Branciforte Middle School, and Harbor High School. Carbonera is conveniently located near State Route 1 and State Route 17, making it ideal for commuters, though residents will likely need a car for most errands. The area is at an increased risk of wildfires and some parts are prone to flooding due to nearby creeks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Carbonera a good place to live?
Carbonera is a good place to live. Carbonera is considered very car-dependent and somewhat bikeable with some transit options. It is fairly sparse in population with 3.7 people per acre and a median age of 46. The average household income is $197,797 which is above the national average. College graduates make up 55.4% of residents. A majority of residents in Carbonera are home owners, with 26.8% of residents renting and 73.2% of residents owning their home. A
local real estate agent serving Carbonera can help you decide if this neighborhood is the right one for you. Learn more on our
Carbonera neighborhood guide.
Is Carbonera, CA a safe neighborhood?
Carbonera, CA is safer than the average neighborhood in the United States. It received a crime score of 3 out of 10.
How much do you need to make to afford a house in Carbonera?
The median home price in Carbonera is $357,450. If you put a 20% down payment of $71,500 and had a 30-year fixed mortgage with an interest rate of 6.74%, your estimated principal and interest payment would be $1,850 a month plus property taxes, HOA fees, home insurance, PMI, and utilities. Using the 28% rule, you would need to make at least $79K a year to afford the median home price in Carbonera. The average household income in Carbonera is $198K.
What are the best public schools in Carbonera?
The best public schools that serve Carbonera are:
- Santa Cruz High School has an A Niche grade, a student teacher ratio of 21:1 and an average review score of 3.8.
- Harbor High School has an A Niche grade, a student teacher ratio of 19:1 and an average review score of 3.6.
- Mission Hill Middle School has an A- Niche grade, a student teacher ratio of 19:1 and an average review score of 4.0.
What are the best private schools in Carbonera?
The best private schools that serve Carbonera are:
- Spring Hill School has an A+ Niche grade, a student teacher ratio of 5:1 and an average review score of 4.6.
- Kirby School has an A+ Niche grade, a student teacher ratio of 6:1 and an average review score of 4.6.
- Holy Cross School has a student teacher ratio of 12:1.
What are the most popular zip codes in Carbonera, Santa Cruz, CA?
What are the most popular neighborhoods near Carbonera, Santa Cruz, CA?
Are home prices dropping in Carbonera?
Yes, home prices in Carbonera are down 16% in the last 12 months.
Home Trends in Carbonera, CA
On average, homes in Carbonera, Santa Cruz sell after 18 days on the market compared to the national average of 70 days. The median sale price for homes in Carbonera, Santa Cruz over the last 12 months is $339,900, down 30% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Median Sale Price
$339,900
Median Single Family Sale Price
$400,000
Median Townhouse Sale Price
$807,000
Median 2 Bedroom Sale Price
$365,000
Median 1 Bedroom Sale Price
$141,110
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$385
Number of Homes for Sale
2
Last 12 months Home Sales
17
Median List Price
$357,450
Median Change From 1st List Price
1%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
-30%