Why Live in Downtown Santa Cruz
Downtown Santa Cruz is a lively neighborhood known for its pedestrian-friendly streetscape, thanks to the efforts of photographers Chuck and Esther Abbot in the 1960s. Pacific Avenue is the district's hub, featuring bookstores, boutiques, and diverse dining options like Zachary’s Restaurant for brunch and El Palomar for Mexican cuisine. The nightlife includes popular spots such as Asti, The Blue Lagoon, and Rush Inn. Cultural attractions include the Santa Cruz Museum of Art & History and several independent art galleries, while movie theaters like Santa Cruz Cinema and Landmark’s Del Mar Theatre offer entertainment.
Housing options range from older single-family homes, bungalows, Craftsman, and Victorian styles to modern apartments and condos. Parks such as Depot Park and the Santa Cruz Riverwalk provide outdoor recreation, with the Santa Cruz Beach and West Cliff Drive just a mile away. The London Nelson Community Center offers indoor activities and events. Grocery stores like Trader Joe’s, Whole Foods, and Staff of Life are conveniently located.
The neighborhood hosts various events, including a weekly farmer’s market, a holiday parade, and monthly vintage and antique fairs. Downtown Santa Cruz is less than a mile from State Route 1 and about 2 miles from State Route 17, with Santa Cruz Metro bus lines available for public transit. Schools in the area include Bay View Elementary, Mission Hill Middle School, and Santa Cruz High School, with the latter two earning high ratings. The University of California, Santa Cruz is nearby, adding to the neighborhood's dynamic atmosphere.
Home Trends in Downtown Santa Cruz, CA
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.
Median Sale Price
$586,000
Median Single Family Sale Price
$427,250
Median 2 Bedroom Sale Price
$586,000
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$283
Number of Homes for Sale
0
Last 12 months Home Sales
16
Median List Price
$578,000
Median Change From 1st List Price
2%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
86%