Why Live in Western Drive-Nobel
Western Drive-Nobel in Santa Cruz is a neighborhood where suburban living meets rural landscapes, situated just south of the University of California, Santa Cruz. This area attracts university workers, students, and outdoor enthusiasts due to its proximity to mountains and oceanfront beaches. Housing options range from single-family homes to condos, townhouses, and apartments, with styles varying from mid-20th century ranch and split-level homes to contemporary designs. The western side, around Western Drive, is particularly sought after for its large homes and expansive lots. Young learners attend highly rated schools, including Westlake Elementary School, Mission Hill Middle School, and Santa Cruz High School. The neighborhood is bordered by State Route 1 and is about 2 miles from State Route 17, providing access to coastal towns and Silicon Valley. Public transit options include several Santa Cruz Metro bus lines, and the area is pedestrian-friendly with sidewalks and bike lanes.
Local parks and greenways offer plenty of things to do, such as University Terrace Park with its playground, tennis courts, and dog park, and Moore Creek Preserve with hiking trails and views of Monterey Bay. Wilder Ranch State Park, nearby, features 35 miles of trails along cliffs and beaches. The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and Santa Cruz Wharf are about 2 miles south. While the neighborhood lacks shops and restaurants, nearby commercial areas provide dining and grocery options, including West End Tap and Kitchen, Cat & Cloud Coffee, New Leaf Community Markets, and Safeway. Downtown Santa Cruz, 2 miles east, offers a variety of eateries, boutiques, and cultural attractions. The neighborhood is safer than the national average but faces an increased risk of wildfires.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Western Drive-Nobel a good place to live?
Western Drive-Nobel is a good place to live. Western Drive-Nobel is considered car-dependent and somewhat bikeable with some transit options. Western Drive-Nobel has 2 parks for recreational activities. It is somewhat dense in population with 9.6 people per acre and a median age of 30. The average household income is $140,273 which is above the national average. College graduates make up 70.9% of residents. A majority of residents in Western Drive-Nobel are home owners, with 49.8% of residents renting and 50.2% of residents owning their home. A
local real estate agent serving Western Drive-Nobel can help you decide if this neighborhood is the right one for you. Learn more on our
Western Drive-Nobel neighborhood guide.
Is Western Drive-Nobel, CA a safe neighborhood?
Western Drive-Nobel, 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 Western Drive-Nobel?
The median home price in Western Drive-Nobel is $349,900. If you put a 20% down payment of $70,000 and had a 30-year fixed mortgage with an interest rate of 6.74%, your estimated principal and interest payment would be $1,810 a month plus property taxes, HOA fees, home insurance, PMI, and utilities. Using the 28% rule, you would need to make at least $78K a year to afford the median home price in Western Drive-Nobel. The average household income in Western Drive-Nobel is $140K.
What are the best public schools in Western Drive-Nobel?
The best public schools that serve Western Drive-Nobel 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 Western Drive-Nobel?
The best private schools that serve Western Drive-Nobel 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.
- Gateway School has an A+ Niche grade and a student teacher ratio of 6:1.
What are the most popular zip codes in Western Drive-Nobel, Santa Cruz, CA?
What are the most popular neighborhoods near Western Drive-Nobel, Santa Cruz, CA?
Home Trends in Western Drive-Nobel, CA
On average, homes in Western Drive-Nobel, Santa Cruz sell after 70 days on the market compared to the national average of 70 days. The median sale price for homes in Western Drive-Nobel, Santa Cruz over the last 12 months is $325,000, down 31% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Median Sale Price
$325,000
Median Single Family Sale Price
$335,000
Median Townhouse Sale Price
$760,000
Median 2 Bedroom Sale Price
$140,000
Median 1 Bedroom Sale Price
$219,999
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$288
Number of Homes for Sale
4
Last 12 months Home Sales
23
Median List Price
$349,900
Median Change From 1st List Price
4%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
-31%