Shopping, entertainment, and the rocky shoreline. The city of Santa Cruz is known for its vibrant, lively atmosphere, and West Santa Cruz is where you’ll find a blend of commercial and residential areas—built upon the region’s long surfing history.
Separated into the Upper West Side and Lower West Side, there’s much to see and do and several exclusive neighborhoods to call home, such as Westlake in the north and The Circles in the south. West Santa Cruz combines charming properties with dynamic city life, which makes this area quite a desirable place to live.
Beautiful homes, central location, and parks; this community truly has it all.! Read on to learn more about why West Santa Cruz is a fantastic place to call home.
Surf’s Up! A History
Santa Cruz surfing history dates back all the way to the late-1800s, and it has been a part of the city’s culture ever since. From well-established businesses to museums and statues, you’ll find surfing ingrained into Westside society.
West Santa Cruz is where you’ll find the Santa Cruz Surfing Museum (found within the Mark Abbott Memorial Lighthouse) and Steamer Lane—one of the most significant surf spots in the area. The Lower West Side is also where you'll find many of the local surf shops, conveniently located near the water, and incredible parks, such as Natural Bridges State Beach. Whether you’re a dedicated surfer or a casual observer, West Santa Cruz has a unique and distinctive feeling!
Great Eats & Cool Shops
Although a big part of the community, West Santa Cruz isn’t only about surfing. The Westside is also known for its shopping and dining opportunities, as a large part of this area is commercial. Santa Cruz residents are always minutes away from great eats and local boutiques you can't find anywhere else.
The Westside has two main, large commercial areas. Swift Street Courtyard has a bit of an industrial feeling, and has some outdoor spaces to enjoy a coffee with friends or get some work done. The downtown area is centered on Pacific Avenue and features quaint shops and restaurants on walkable, tree-lined streets. Plus, every Saturday, the community hosts the Westside Farmers Market, where you can find live music, organic food items, and assorted knickknacks—plus connect with your neighbors.
A Community With Heart
Those looking to move to West Santa Cruz have a lot of choice: from condos and townhomes to single-family homes, both historic and modern. But what really attracts prospective homebuyers is the wonderful people that make up this community. That, of course, is priceless.
See a movie in the downtown or experience the thrills at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. Take the kids to the Seymour Marine Discovery Center for an afternoon, or hike around the tidepools around the waterfront parks. It’s also easy to travel to the surrounding areas, such as the beautiful beaches in East Santa Cruz or Aptos, for a day trip.
For those who want the city amenities with quiet residential areas, West Santa Cruz expertly combines both. Never compromise... your dream westside home awaits!
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