Santa Cruz is home to an impeccable public school system and a highly rated health care system to boot, making it an ideal location for family life.


Before you embark on your real estate search in Santa Cruz, check out this list of Santa Cruz neighborhoods for growing families - and gain insight on the best communities to suit your family's needs.

Scotts Valley

Scotts Valley  is currently experiencing rapid development in regards to new construction homes and retail opportunities. Located just 6 miles from the iconic beaches of Santa Cruz, and 30 minutes from San Jose’s Silicon Valley, this family-oriented neighborhood offers a substantial assortment of single-family homes to discover.


Ample lots, freshened up mid-century moderns,…

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Now that we’re in the midst of summer, it’s a popular time for homeowners in Santa Cruz and across the country to be selling their homes. However, before listing your home it’s important to do everything you can to make it as desirable as possible to potential buyers. 

To help you out, we’ve come up with 6 tips for getting your home ready to sell. Read on to find out more!

1. Ensure your home has enough light

One of the first steps in the process is to stock up on lightbulbs, since not only will you want to make sure all of your lights are in working order, but you’ll also want to make your home as bright as possible. 

Ensuring your property is well lit is essential for making the most appealing pictures for your listings. 

Image of home cleaning for Santa Cruz real estate

2. Deep…

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Named for the massive natural arch in the rock formation just off the waters of the Monterey Bay, this popular Santa Cruz attraction is one of the most iconic (and most photographed) areas in the state of California. 

 

But what else can you expect besides this popular landmark when you make a trip to Natural Bridges State Park? Keep reading to find out!

Natural Bridges State Park view near Santa Cruz real estate

Discover Natural Bridges Park

Both a beach and a park, this area is a wildlife lovers paradise.

 

From the sandy shores, take advantage of the perfect location for watching whales, spotting seals & sea otters and viewing birds as they soar overhead. 

 

As you wander further along the beach, discover tidepools and the various creatures within – you’ll find crabs, sea stars,…

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A great way to discover the Santa Cruz coastline is by making a trip to the Wilder Ranch State Park. 

 

Nestled on the Pacific Ocean coast, just north of Santa Cruz and spanning over 7,000 acres, you can just imagine all the adventure that awaits!

 

From fun park events, to hikes fit for all skill levels, and learning the area's history, the park certainly has it all. 

Wilder Ranch State Park beach near Santa Cruz real estate

Your Adventure Awaits

Enjoy a blast from the past and take a step back in time to the ranching days of the late 1800’s. You’ll learn all about California’s early ranching history while also getting the chance to experience for yourself what life was like all those years ago working on a dairy ranch. 

 

In fact, there’s several buildings for you to explore as…

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With Memorial Day upon us, now is the time to first and foremost remember the great men and women that gave their lives in service to our great country to fight for the liberties we enjoy today. 


While commemorating the great sacrifices this country has endured, Memorial Day is also an important time to spend quality time with our friends and family and enjoying the beautiful weather as we head into summer. 

American flag off a boat near Santa Cruz real estate

Be sure to check out the many events going on in the area as well, such as festivals, music and art shows and other happenings around Santa Cruz. Just a few of the many events going on in the Santa Cruz area for Memorial Day 2022 include:

  • Musical performances from acts like Joshua Ray Walker and a Grateful Dead cover band

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While you can expect to enjoy the sun, surf and sand when you visit Santa Cruz, you shouldn’t overlook all the flavors that the city has to offer. 

With international cuisines all conveniently located in one place, you can dine around the world without ever leaving this coastal community.

Keep reading to find out more about some local hot spots – your taste buds will be sure to thank you!

Mexican

Los Gallos Taqueria

For tasty tacos, bold burritos and other authentic Mexican food bursting with flavor, Los Gallos Taqueria is your spot. Their savory meals will surely have you coming back for more. 

Copal Restaurant

If you’re looking for outstanding Oaxacan cuisine, look no further than Copal’s. Combining the beauty of authentic Oaxacan…

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A stunning sandy shore and rolling waves alone are enough to bring people to any given area. Add to the mix roller coaster rides, fun arcade games and delicious treats and you’re certainly in for an adventure!

These are just a few of the reasons that the Santa Cruz Boardwalk has become such an iconic destination. If you’re ready to make a trip of your own, here are some popular ways to pass your time at the wharf. 

Wander The Wharf

Perhaps the best way to soak in your surroundings is by taking a stroll along the length of the boardwalk.

By doing so, you’ll have a good idea of everything the area has to offer, in turn helping make it easier for you to decide which activities you’d like to try and which one you’re okay to save for another…

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One of California's best hidden gem communities, Rio del Mar is one of several beautiful villages that make up Aptos. Central to the area, Rio del Mar is mainly a resort style community that's full of plenty of scenic parks and golf courses. Homes in Rio del Mar are noteworthy for their beautiful streets, lined with cypress trees to welcome residents home. 

To celebrate this incredible beachfront area, we're dedicating this blog post to the many things Rio del Mar has to offer. Read on to learn more about what life is like in this scenic California community!

View of pier typical of Rio del Mar real estate

Real Estate In Rio del Mar

Rio del Mar homes for sale are great options for those looking to live in one of the finest spots in the Aptos area. Many of these homes have the unique charm…

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Santa Cruz seems to draw people from all walks of life. Surfers, artists, tourists and restaurateurs are just a few of the many and diverse types of people that are called to the gorgeous beaches here to relax in the sun.

And although all these reasons are more than enough to spend time in this paradisiacal place, the city of Santa Cruz is nuanced enough to keep homeowners happy and visitors and snowbirds returning year after year. 

In this article, we’re taking a look at the 4 best hidden gems in Santa Cruz for you to check out.

Garden of Eden

Located in the Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park near the University of California at Santa Cruz and Felton, this beautiful area named after the biblical paradise is aptly named! 

This idyllic…

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Santa Cruz family friendly parks


While hitting the beaches in Santa Cruz may seem like the obvious way to pass time, the area boasts some wonderfully vibrant parks that shouldn’t be overlooked.

To discover six fantastic family-friendly options, keep reading – your little ones will be sure to thank you!

Neary Lagoon Park

For a park featuring abundant wildlife, Neary Lagoon Park is an easy choice.

Located in the Lower Westside neighborhood of Santa Cruz, the park serves as a wildlife refuge for migratory birds, so you may spot some ducks, geese and herons, among many other birds! In the western turtle pond, race to see who can find the most turtles,

With one mile of gravel trails to explore, you’ll have no problem pushing a stroller as you wander around the lagoon.…

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