Santa Cruz Real Estate News & Information

Weekend Winter Trips From Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz—known for its surf culture, scenic location, and beautiful beaches—has grown to be one of the most desirable (and expensive!) places to live in this region. With an average daily high of about 62°F during the winter months, Santa Cruz is also recognized for its milder climate.

That all being said, sometimes Santa Cruz residents long for that picturesque, snowy winter experience. From camping to skiing, here are some possibilities for weekend trips from Santa Cruz this winter.

All drive times are rounded up to account for traffic. All flight times are approximate.

Stanislaus National Forest / Dodge Ridge Mountain Resort

Drive time from Santa Cruz: 3 hours and 35 minutes

Drive time if not going through San…

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Celebrate New Year’s Eve In Santa Cruz [2024]

As 2024 is coming to an end, there are a multitude of ways to ring in the new year and celebrate with friends and family. For those who prefer to get out on December 31st for a more lively affair, the city is hosting a number of themed events, from the downtown to the waterfront—and this includes both family-friendly occasions as well as 21+ gatherings. 

Here are just a few of the New Year’s Eve events happening across the city of Santa Cruz. As an important note, many of these events listed offer discounted tickets if purchased early, and/or VIP packages for guests who want an even more opulent experience.

The Galactic Ball at the Civic Auditorium

Santa Cruz’s Civic Auditorium, organized by Mindwarp Entertainment, is hosting the Galactic…

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Ways To Celebrate The Holidays This December In Santa Cruz

The Lighted Boat Parade in Santa Cruz

There’s always something happening in the city of Santa Cruz, especially towards the end of the year. From movie screenings to holiday performances, there are a wide variety of exciting activities and events for the entire family to enjoy.

As we move full-swing into the holiday season, the city is getting ready to celebrate—and here’s how you can get involved with your community and experience some cheer! Below are just a few of the exciting events happening in December.

Downtown Parades

The annual downtown Santa Cruz Holiday Parade is happening on December 7th, from 10AM to 12PM. Sponsored by local businesses and organizations, this parade has always been a highlight for the kids, featuring…

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Neighborhood Spotlight: Westlake

One of the city’s most well-known neighborhoods, Westlake is found in the northwestern corner of Santa Cruz. This area is recognized for its luxury properties, its safe and quiet streets, and its amenities—all of which make Westlake one of the most desirable places to settle down in this city.

Westlake, which centers on Westlake Park and pond, comprises an area of just under 600 acres, or 4 miles in total distance. For those searching for a neighborhood to raise a family or retire in, all while being within a close distance to the downtown district, Westlake may just be what you’re looking for.

Family-Oriented Community

A five-minute drive to downtown Santa Cruz—or a ten-minute bike ride!—Westlake is bounded roughly by Coolidge Drive…

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Private Dining Experiences In Santa Cruz

When it comes to dining options in and around Santa Cruz, the city offers a diverse selection of cuisine from around the world. For a quick bite at a street food place during a busy lunch break, or a fancy meal at a fine dining restaurant to celebrate an anniversary, there’s something for all budgets and all occasions.

For smaller events, such as a family dinner or a get-together with friends, Santa Cruz has a number of restaurants that offer casual or semi-private dining spaces. However, for something a bit more special, some locations in Santa Cruz do offer private dining—a more secluded experience, either at tables sequestered away from the rest of the crowd or in a separate room altogether.

Discover some of the area’s unique…

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Santa Cruz Day Trip: Elkhorn Slough Reserve

Located outside of Watsonville, California, between the communities of Elkhorn and Las Lomas, Elkhorn Slough Reserve is a large estuary and open space just inland from Monterey Bay. At about 3,600 acres in size (of the 45,000 acres in total), this conservation area is home to a multitude of plants and wildlife, including sixteen different animal species with the threatened or endangered designation. The staff at Elkhorn Slough Reserve work to preserve and restore the natural habitat for the animals that live there, as well as provide education to those who visit. 

Discover why a trip to Elkhorn Slough Reserve makes for an incredible day out in the Santa Cruz area, perfect for hikers and nature-lovers alike.

Elkhorn Slough Reserve: A Brief…

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Neighborhood Spotlight: Mission Hill

One of the oldest neighborhoods in the city of Santa Cruz, Mission Hill, also known as the Mission Hill Historic District, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Centrally-located and recognized for its family-friendly atmosphere, mixture of residential and commercial areas, and notable architecture, Mission Hill is a desirable place to live for a diverse selection of homebuyers.

Mission Hill is centered on Mission Street, and defined roughly by the following boundaries: the intersection of the train tracks and the highway in the north, River Street around to Pacific Avenue in the east, Church Street across to Chestnut Street in the south, and then up past Mission Street to Storey Street. For those seeking an upbeat and…

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Santa Cruz Events This September

There’s always something happening in the month of September in Santa Cruz: the hot weather from the summer begins to ease up, University students are preparing for the start of class, and many take to the waves—as California Surfing Day falls on the 20th!

Of course, it’s always great to get up and get out, but for those not sure of what to do this month, here are a few fun activities for those of all ages!

Hoops And Scoops

Hosted by The Penny Ice Creamery (913 Cedar Street), Hoops and Scoops is a family-friendly event. Like its name suggests, Hoops and Scoops combines hula hooping and ice cream—though maybe you shouldn’t try to do both at the same time!

The Penny Ice Creamery has a number of locations across Santa Cruz County.…

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Guide to Fruit & Berry Picking (U-Pick Farms) in Santa Cruz County

Though recognized for its beautiful oceanfront cities and communities, Santa Cruz County is also known for its abundant natural areas and farmland—including ranches, family-owned local farms, and vineyards.

From the spring to fall seasons, fruit and berry picking is a popular pastime for those of all ages—both a fun experience for families and individuals alike, but also an excellent way to support local farms. Additionally, for those who are selective, fruit and berry picking allows better longevity and the opportunity to select exactly what you want!

Seasons for specific berries and fruit in Santa Cruz County sometimes vary due to weather conditions that year. This could mean earlier or later times for U-Pick farms, depending on a…

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Mid-Year Santa Cruz Real Estate Market Update

All of a sudden, it seems as though the first half of 2024 has passed us by. During this time, many buyers have purchased property in and around the city, and have been enjoying the summer fun and sunny skies. However, for those considering buying or selling a home in Santa Cruz, CA, you may want to know how the real estate market is faring this year.

When is the best time to buy? When is the best time to sell? What will the market look like in the future? These are questions that many people are asking. While there is some level of speculation based off of current market statistics (and getting in touch with an expert Santa Cruz area realtor can help provide interested buyers/sellers with a more accurate analysis!), this summary might help…

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