Santa Cruz Real Estate News & Information

Santa Cruz Day Trip: Big Basin Redwoods State Park

20 minutes north of the community of Boulder Creek lies Big Basin Redwoods State Park: a gem of Santa Cruz County. This gorgeous park is a favorite of nearby residents and out-of-county visitors for its intricate trail network that weaves through its expansive, old-growth forest.

Discover why a day trip to Big Basin Redwoods State Park makes for the perfect excursion for passionate hikers and nature-lovers living in Santa Cruz.

Big Basin Redwoods State Park: An Overview

21600 Big Basin Highway, Boulder Creek

Situated within the mountains, Big Basin Redwoods State Park first opened in 1902, making it the oldest state park in California. Open daily, the park spans about 18,000 acres in size, emerging as a popular attraction for…

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Hiring An Interior Designer: Top Questions Answered

When it comes to updating your space, many homeowners can agree that renovations and interior decorating can be a daunting (and often arduous) task. In fact, this is one of the main reasons that one might decide to put it off for as long as they can—alongside budget constraints, of course—and why first-time homeowners tend to want to find a home that is move-in ready. 

However, for those who are would like to take the first steps of the interior design journey, there are two main options: the DIY route, or the professional route. While a good number of homeowners tackle the project themselves, hiring an interior designer may just be the better choice for you.

What exactly does an interior designer do, and are they different from an interior…

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Santa Cruz Surf History

Santa Cruz, California didn’t get its nickname, “The Surf City”, for no reason. Originally incorporated in the year 1866, the area has a long and rich history dating back thousands of years. Part of that history, of course, includes the sport of surfing—now a popular pastime for both locals and tourists alike. 

Santa Cruz has cultivated its surf culture for over a hundred years, starting out, perhaps, in a surprising way. Discover how Santa Cruz became The Surf City below.

Santa Cruz: A History, In Brief

Located on the north end of Monterey Bay, Santa Cruz is a beautiful city recognized for its vibrant culture and luxury (sometimes oceanfront) properties. 

With a population of around 63,000, the Santa Cruz area was originally…

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Day Trip: Whale Watching Around Santa Cruz & Monterey Bay

Situated along the coast of Monterey Bay, the city of Santa Cruz is recognized for its exceptional location, with San Jose and Silicon Valley to the north, and mountain ranges around all three sides. With its many amenities and attractions, it's no wonder why this area is an especially desirable one to buy a home.

With its prime location on the water comes one of the best attractions in the area: whale watching. Of course, when it comes to spotting whales in their natural habitat, anyone will tell you that a lot of it is luck. 

It’s possible to see whales in this area all year around (although different species are more common during certain seasons). For all those interested, here are a few whale watching basics. 

What Can…

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Seasonal Home Decor Ideas To Brighten Your Home For The Holidays

There are many ways to celebrate the holidays here in Santa Cruz. With exciting events happening each week of December, it’s fun to get out and about and enjoy the city. But many of us also love the simpler things: staying at home and spending time with family and friends. 

Decorating is, of course, quite personal, with some people who aren’t that into it and others that are very into it. Regardless, the process can get a bit tiring, especially for those of us who live busy lives. Beyond the standard tree (for those who celebrate), here are a few easy home decor ideas that will brighten up your home this holiday season.

Blankets, Throw Pillows, and Small Knick Knacks

Perhaps one of the more obvious ones on this list, changing out your throw…

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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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