Santa Cruz Real Estate News & Information - Lauren Spencer

Santa Cruz Housing Prices By Neighborhood

The city of Santa Cruz is made up of a number of neighborhoods—from Seabright down by the waterfront to Westlake up in the hills, by the university campus—and each have their own unique characteristics.

Santa Cruz’s real estate market has seen a general increase in property value from last year, continuing in an upward trajectory. Both 2023 and 2024 saw an average sale price (for a single-family home) of roughly $1,700,000, though with a slight drop in 2024. Comparatively, the average sale price across Santa Cruz County as a whole increased from $1,303,533 to $1,359,649 (2023 to 2024, respectively).

In May 2025, the average sale price for a detached home in Santa Cruz proper was $1,784,986, a number which fluctuates slightly based on…

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Types Of Homes In The Santa Cruz Area

For those starting their home search in Santa Cruz, the process can feel slightly overwhelming. With a real estate market that continues to climb in both price and demand, homebuyers should know what possibilities are out there and what the different neighborhoods across the city can offer.

Homes in Santa Cruz showcase, perhaps, a greater range of styles and designs than one might think—all centered around the city’s historic neighborhoods close to the downtown. Though there are condos and townhomes for sale in the city, the properties focused on below are limited to detached, single-family constructions. 

The Classic Bungalow & Single-Family Home

Perhaps most emblematic of Santa Cruz is the coastal, Californian-style bungalow or…

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What's New In Santa Cruz For The Summer

Want to make the most of the summer in Santa Cruz? From catching sun on the beach to seeing a new release at the Landmark Del Mar Theatre (or a surprise movie at the Secret Film Festival!), there’s always something to see and do.  Here are some updates—as well as some activities to consider—for the summer season here in the city!

Vertigo 360, A New Ride At The Boardwalk

Following the construction of the Ferris Wheel (the Dream Wheel) and the new spin ride, Surge, in 2024, the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk will welcome yet another new addition to the amusement park. Described as a thrill ride that swings seated guests around on a pendulum, “Vertigo 360” is set to be completed around spring of next year.

The park already houses several…

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Springtime Events & Festivals In The Santa Cruz Area

As we welcome the warmer spring weather in Santa Cruz, there are an abundance of things to do in and around the city. For some, that could mean experiencing the great outdoors—whether walking the dog along the beach or hiking in the parks north of the city—while for others that could mean staying close to the downtown and enjoying the sun that way. No matter what you're searching for, there's something for everyone. Here are a few of the springtime events and festivals that are happening between the months of April and May.

Holiday and Themed Events

It’s the hoppiest time of year! Easter falls in the month of April and there are a number of events celebrating this holiday in Santa Cruz.

Roaring Camp is hosting their annual Easter…

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Thrifting & Vintage Shopping In Santa Cruz

For savvy thrifters, there’s nothing like the thrill of the hunt—that is, finding a great, often unique, piece for a fraction of the price. Thrifting and second-hand shopping has seen an uptick in popularity over the years, particularly for Gen Z and younger Millennials, even resulting in dedicated online subcultures on YouTube and TikTok.

And while it is certainly trendy, there are many reasons that buying used or thrifting might be appealing or just a necessity—low prices, often better quality, rare finds, and rising efforts for sustainability being just a few. For those who love buying pre-loved items, here are just some of the many shops and stores in and around Santa Cruz that are worth stopping by for that special piece.

Within…

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Santa Cruz 2025 Real Estate Market Predictions

Will housing prices fall or will housing prices rise? These are thoughts that both potential buyers and sellers are asking—though perhaps for different reasons! Regardless, Santa Cruz and Santa Cruz County are perhaps most well-known for their ample things to do (indoors and outdoors) and their gorgeous properties .As such, this has become one of the most expensive areas to live in the state.

For anyone considering buying or selling—from those trying to buy their first property, all the way to those who have sold their home before and are looking to sell again—this is what we think the Santa Cruz area real estate market might look like in 2025.

The Santa Cruz Real Estate Market: An Overview

Last year was a year of great highs and lows…

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Indoor Activities to Drive Away The January/Winter Blues

While Santa Cruz is known for its beautiful, mild temperatures, you can still sometimes (unfortunately!) experience the winter blues in the city.  It can be difficult to enjoy the outdoors when the weather isn't cooperative. For those rainy or colder days where going to the beach or the park isn’t an option, here are a few indoor activities—many of which are suitable for a range of different age groups.

Museums & Science Centers

Santa Cruz offers a wealth of different museums, science centers, and galleries to explore and discover. One of the best parts of these excursions is that they can be both spontaneous or planned far in advance, as many museums do offer special programs and events. Additionally, each one is accessible via both car and…

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Local Apps For Santa Cruz Students

These days, pretty much everyone has a phone in their pocket—or in their hand. And while it’s great to have a device to check social media, text friends and family, and even play a little game of Candy Crush, your phone is also a great way to connect with and navigate around your community.

There’s always something happening in Santa Cruz, from performances and events to workshops and clubs, and so much more. For students, especially those who might be new to the area, here are some helpful, local apps to help make post-secondary life a little easier—and no, none of these are weather apps!

Apps can be purchased for Android and iPhone devices via applicable app stores.

Navigation and Public Transit

Parking in and around Santa Cruz…

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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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