Santa Cruz Real Estate News & Information

Local Holiday Shopping, Santa Cruz

As December rolls around—and with it some cooler weather!—the festive season is just beginning. While some of us have already done our holiday shopping, most of us are just getting started. 

The Santa Cruz downtown area is recognized for its local shops and boutiques, although a lot of beloved locations have unfortunately closed down permanently post-pandemic. Regardless, for those searching for local gifts this holiday season, Santa Cruz always has you covered. The following businesses have both brick and mortar stores, as well as websites to purchase your holiday gifts online.

Botanic + Luxe 

110 Cooper Street, Suite 100F, Santa Cruz

Botanic and Luxe (stylized as Botanic + Luxe) is a small homegoods and gift shop. The store is…

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Holiday Events Around Santa Cruz 2023

It’s beginning to look a lot like the holidays. Don’t worry though—for all those last-minute gift buyers, there is still time to check everyone off your list. As we move into the holiday season and the end of the year, there are numerous ways to get out and celebrate in Santa Cruz. 

From photos with Santa and the Grinch, to holiday performances at the theater, we’ve curated a list of just some of the family-friendly events taking place throughout the month of December!

Winter Wonderland At The Boardwalk

No surprise—there’s always something happening down at the Boardwalk. Winter Wonderland returns for another year, with select dates starting from the end of November and running all throughout December.

Decorated in holiday lights and…

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Benefits Of Living Outside Of Downtown Santa Cruz

The dynamic, downtown area of Santa Cruz is recognized for its upbeat vibe and its numerous amenities, including shops, restaurants, and entertainment. It’s easy for those who live downtown to walk, bike, or drive around the city, visiting attractions such as museums, beaches, and even the university campus—for all the students in the area. 

However, rising housing prices and home exclusivity have resulted in prospective buyers looking for properties outside of the Santa Cruz downtown—and often Santa Cruz entirely. Santa Cruz County as a whole is quite luxurious, however the communities found outside of the heart of the city have a lot to offer, and are worth considering when starting your home search.

Safe, Tranquil Neighborhoods

Not…

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Events In Santa Cruz County This Weekend (November 10, 11, 12)

As November kicks off and we move into the holiday season, there are an abundance of events popping up across the county—although Santa Cruz is always the center of all the activity. Whether its the holiday spirit or simply everyone looking forward to the end of the year—finally!—there’s something going on almost every day of the week. 

From dances to wine tasting, here are just a few of the exciting events happening this weekend in Santa Cruz November 10th, 11th, and 12th, 2023.

Downtown Santa Cruz Fall Wine Walk

121 Soquel Avenue, Santa Cruz

For wine enthusiasts (age 21 and over, of course), Santa Cruz is hosting a wine tasting event on November 12 in the downtown area. With over 10 featured wineries, participants are invited to…

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Great Casual Mexican Restaurants In Santa Cruz

There are two types of diners: those who have to study the menu before choosing a restaurant, and those who understand that Mexican food is always delicious, no matter what.

When it comes to cuisine, the city of Santa Cruz represents a wide reach across the globe. From east to west, there are a variety of options for every taste and for a range of budgets: fun, relaxed meals with the family to fine dining on date night. And, across the city, there are a number of excellent, casual Mexican restaurants to choose from—but here are just a few of our favorites!

Taqueria Santa Cruz

2215 Mission Street, Santa Cruz

Defined by their diners as “comfort food”, Taqueria Santa Cruz offers delicious, authentic Mexican food in a laid-back…

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Fall Design Trends & Easy DIY Home Improvements

Design, at its core, is rather cyclical. What is out this year is in the next, and around and around it goes. There are, of course, some staple design trends that return annually, and in fall that usually means darker tones (such as browns, plums, reds, and even oranges) and warmer fabrics—evoking that cozy sort of feeling as the days grow colder.

While the weather in Santa Cruz might not exactly say autumn—at least, not in the picturesque, leaves-beginning-to-turn, postcard sort of way—that doesn’t mean we can’t make the most of it. For those who dream about temperatures in the 50s and 60s, here are some fall design trends for 2023 that, at the very least, elicit that autumnal feel. 

Silver Over Gold

In an interesting and…

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2023 Halloween Events Around Santa Cruz

It’s almost time for trick-or-treating! Some might already have a costume prepared, while others might just figure it out last-minute, but regardless, there are numerous events around Santa Cruz County—for all ages!—that are perfect for celebrating the spookiest season in 2023. 

As an important note, most events have some regulations when it comes to costumes. This usually restricts vulgar or profane language, weaponry, and sometimes masks. Those choosing to attend any of the events are encouraged to read up on what is and what is not allowed ahead of time. 

Community Parades & Trick-Or-Treating

For the kids, the best part of Halloween is probably the candy—although dressing up is pretty great, too. When trick-or-treating with the little…

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The Monarch Butterfly Migration At Natural Bridges State Beach

Every year, countless Monarch butterflies make their way south to seek warmer weather, traveling from the more northern states, such as Oregon and Washington, the Rockies, and even the Canadian province of British Columbia. And, every year, the butterflies make their home for several months in the Santa Cruz area. 

Natural Bridges State Beach: Facts & Features

Natural Bridges State Beach is a popular attraction located southwest of the Santa Cruz downtown. It is perhaps most well-known for its spectacular ocean views, tide pools, and rock formations that dot the shoreline. In the warmer months, you’ll often find beachgoers soaking up the sun and people walking down by the water. Dogs, however, are not allowed on the beach, but they are allowed…

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Top Home Features & Questions To Ask Your Agent Before Buying A Home

Starting your search for your next home can be difficult, and getting your dream property can be even harder. Whether you’re a first-time buyer or second, third, fourth, or fifth, one of the best ways you can ensure that your new home is perfect for you is by using a local, knowledgeable agent.

However, there are a few things that you will probably want to look out for when you are starting to look at homes. The Santa Cruz area has, over the years, become very popular; top-rated schools, picturesque neighborhoods, and incredible natural beauty all intersect in this city. For buyers just starting out on their journey, here are a few of the things to look out for when browsing homes in Santa Cruz.

Interior Upgrades

Whether you’re interested…

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Guide To The Santa Cruz County Fair

A staple of the Watsonville area since the 1940s, the Santa Cruz County Fair has gone through several changes and improvements over its long history. In fact, the fair itself was first established around 1885. Events were added, switched around, and removed, and something more closely resembling the fair we know today first officially opened in Scotts Valley in 1918. 

The Santa Cruz County Fair draws large crowds annually, composed of people from all across the area. Typically, the fair is hosted in the second week of September. This year, 2023, the fair is running from September 13th to 17th.  

Things To Do At The Fair

With the motto, “Home Grown and Locally Shown", the Santa Cruz County Fair features exciting events, programs, shows,…

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