The Santa Cruz area is probably most well-known for its beautiful beaches, exciting parks and attractions, and gorgeous properties. While “young professional” is a relatively broad term, more and more ambitious, career-driven individuals are now making their move to Santa Cruz County.
This area offers residents a high quality of living, a vibrant atmosphere, and a plethora of outdoor opportunities. Here are our picks for the top three places to live if you’re a young professional!
Santa Cruz
Although this recommendation might seem obvious, Santa Cruz is undeniably a big draw for young professionals. A cultural hub, this coastal city is where you’ll find some phenomenal beaches and a multitude of entertainment opportunities. From museums to exciting nightlife, young people particularly enjoy the city Santa Cruz for its fun, small-town atmosphere and upbeat ambiance. Plus, there are many post-secondary institutions, such as University of California Santa Cruz, located in and around the region.
Most importantly, however, Santa Cruz has much to offer in regards to job opportunities. With technology and tourism being two of the area’s major industries, the city is the location of several large, multinational companies and a substantial number of startups. For those searching for taking the next step in their career, this area offers an abundance of networking opportunities in growing, competitive fields.
Scotts Valley
Scotts Valley is another great option for young professionals moving to the Santa Cruz County area. Its location 35 minutes away from Silicon Valley and 15 minutes away from the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk means that there are boundless opportunities for fun, excitement, and—most importantly—furthering your career.
Known for its peaceful, quiet neighborhoods, welcoming community, and emphasis on preserving the natural beauty of the area, Scotts Valley is a small city with a whole lot to offer. Although primarily luxurious single-family homes, there is still choice in regards to real estate, with some beautiful condos on the market, which are located primarily in the southern end of the city.
Young professionals who prefer to live a more tranquil lifestyle, but still want all the conveniences a great location affords, should consider Scotts Valley. With ample outdoor recreation opportunities at your fingertips, and countless options for shopping and dining, this city is a great alternative to Santa Cruz.
Live Oak
If you’re just starting out in your career, the luxury beachfront homes along the coast and large, forested estates may just be slightly out of your reach at the moment. Live Oak, with its peaceful atmosphere, is an increasingly popular alternative to settle down in.
This quaint suburb offers more affordable housing options than the downtown core, without ever sacrificing location. Only four miles away from the heart of Santa Cruz, this residential area, composed of several lovely neighborhoods, is a great option for young professionals who don’t mind a short—very short!—commute to work.
Live Oak also has a range of property types for sale. From gorgeous, single-family homes to charming condos and townhomes by the water, there’s a home in Live Oak to fit a range of budgets. As a result, those just starting out in their careers can still enjoy the exclusive job opportunities in the area—and then take advantage of the community’s most exhilarating surfing spots after work!
Interested in making the move to Santa Cruz County? Contact expert Lauren Spencer today, and begin your search for your dream home!
Posted by Lauren Spencer on
Leave A Comment