Why Live in Twin Lakes
Twin Lakes in Santa Cruz is a coastal neighborhood known for its scenic beachfront walks and the gentle hum of yachts on the Pacific. While it shares the allure of a Santa Cruz vacation spot, it remains quieter than nearby Capitola and Pleasure Point. East Cliff Drive offers a picturesque route along Twin Lakes State Beach, ideal for leisurely drives or bike rides. This beach, a mile long, is a favorite for swimming and surfing, while Schwan’s Lake attracts birdwatchers with its diverse avian population. The Simpkins Family Swim Center provides outdoor aquatic activities, and the Santa Cruz Harbor is perfect for sailing enthusiasts. Dining options include The Crow’s Nest, Java Junction, Café El Palomar, Lago di Como, and Aloha Island Grille. For groceries, Trader Joe’s, Whole Foods, and Safeway are within a 3-mile drive. Housing in Twin Lakes ranges from mid-1900s cottages and Craftsman homes to newer two-story beach houses, with mobile home parks offering more affordable options. Schools like Shoreline Middle School and Soquel High School are highly rated, with Soquel High boasting a strong college attendance rate. The neighborhood is conveniently located 2 miles from State Routes 1 and 17, providing easy access to coastal destinations and Silicon Valley. However, its oceanfront position increases the risk of flooding and severe storms, as seen in recent years.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Twin Lakes a good place to live?
Twin Lakes is a good place to live. Twin Lakes is considered fairly walkable and a biker's paradise. Twin Lakes is a neighborhood with a crime score of 4, on par with the average neighborhood in the U.S. Twin Lakes has 4 parks for recreational activities. It is fairly dense in population with 12.2 people per acre and a median age of 43. The average household income is $115,961 which is above the national average. College graduates make up 51.3% of residents. A majority of residents in Twin Lakes are renters, with 57.6% of residents renting and 42.4% of residents owning their home. A
local real estate agent serving Twin Lakes can help you decide if this neighborhood is the right one for you. Learn more on our
Twin Lakes neighborhood guide.
Is Twin Lakes, CA a safe neighborhood?
Twin Lakes, CA is a safe neighborhood and is on par with the average neighborhood in the United States. It received a crime score of 4 out of 10.
How much do you need to make to afford a house in Twin Lakes?
The median home price in Twin Lakes is $1,849,000. If you put a 20% down payment of $369,800 and had a 30-year fixed mortgage with an interest rate of 6.21%, your estimated principal and interest payment would be $9,070 a month plus property taxes, HOA fees, home insurance, PMI, and utilities. Using the 28% rule, you would need to make at least $389K a year to afford the median home price in Twin Lakes. Learn how much home you can afford with our
Home Affordability Calculator. The average household income in Twin Lakes is $116K.
What are the best public schools in Twin Lakes?
The best public schools that serve Twin Lakes are:
- Santa Cruz High School has an A Niche grade, a student teacher ratio of 22:1 and an average review score of 3.8.
- Mission Hill Middle School has an A- Niche grade, a student teacher ratio of 20:1 and an average review score of 4.0.
- Soquel High School has an A- Niche grade, a student teacher ratio of 21:1 and an average review score of 3.7.
What are the best private schools in Twin Lakes?
The best private schools that serve Twin Lakes are:
What are the most popular zip codes in Twin Lakes, Santa Cruz, CA?
What are the most popular neighborhoods near Twin Lakes, Santa Cruz, CA?
Home Trends in Twin Lakes, CA
On average, homes in Twin Lakes, Santa Cruz sell after 38 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Twin Lakes, Santa Cruz over the last 12 months is $1,699,999, up 23% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Median Sale Price
$1,699,999
Median Single Family Sale Price
$2,050,000
Median Townhouse Sale Price
$1,015,500
Median 2 Bedroom Sale Price
$669,000
Median 1 Bedroom Sale Price
$527,500
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$1,303
Number of Homes for Sale
6
Last 12 months Home Sales
37
Median List Price
$1,849,000
Median Change From 1st List Price
3%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
23%