Prospect Heights Houses for Sale

Prospect Heights in Santa Cruz is a sunny residential neighborhood located just south of De Laveaga Park and 2 miles north of the city’s beaches. The area benefits from a unique microclimate, offering sunnier and warmer weather compared to the often overcast oceanfront neighborhoods. The neighborhood features lush landscaping with tall pine, oak, and palm trees. Homes here are primarily early to mid-20th century designs, including ranch homes, cottages, Craftsman homes, and custom-built houses, many with swimming pools and small gardens. Lot sizes are typically around 5,000 square feet. De Laveaga Park, bordering the neighborhood, offers hilly hiking trails, baseball fields, an archery range, and an 18-hole golf course. It also hosts Santa Cruz Shakespeare, an outdoor theater troupe. The closest beaches, including the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and Seabright Beach, are about 2 miles south, while Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park is nearby for those seeking mountainous trails and redwood groves. The neighborhood is served by highly rated schools: De Laveaga Elementary, Branciforte Middle, and Harbor High School, which offers various career and technical programs. Dining and grocery options are available a mile south on Soquel Avenue, with stores like Safeway, Whole Foods, and Staff of Life. Downtown Santa Cruz, with its array of eateries, bars, and shops, is a short drive away. State Route 1 and State Route 17 provide easy access to nearby towns and Silicon Valley. Dignity Health – Dominican Hospital, a well-regarded medical center, is less than a mile west.