Features of a $2,000,000 Home In Santa Cruz vs Aptos

Santa Cruz County is most notable for its beautiful beaches, its vibrant atmosphere, and the abundance of things to do! If you’re in the market for a home in this area, there are plenty of options available in the numerous coastal communities and beyond. 

But what if you’re not exactly sure where you’d like to settle? Do I want a forested escape or a seaside retreat? What can I get for my budget? These are important questions to ask! Keep reading as we answer what $2,000,000 can get you in two very desirable Santa Cruz County areas: Aptos and Santa Cruz.

Santa Cruz

The county seat of Santa Cruz County, this beautiful city is one of the most desirable places to live in the area. It’s home to a plethora of shops and restaurants in its charming downtown, the iconic wharf and boardwalk, and the University of California Santa Cruz campus.

Real estate in Santa Cruz is highly sought-after and often sells quickly. As home prices continue to rise, it can be quite difficult to find a property even around the million dollar mark. But with a $2,000,000 budget, there are some options available on the market. 

The majority of real estate for sale in Santa Cruz is single-family homes, and older properties tend to be bungalows. With a $2,000,000 budget, you can find some beautiful houses in this city. Nevertheless, you’ll likely have to begin your search away from the downtown and away from the waterfront. What you will find, however, is quiet and safe residential areas—which are a great option for families.

If your dream is to live close to the waterfront, then you’ll likely have to look at condos or townhomes for sale. In Santa Cruz, these properties are centrally-located; usually not too far away from the downtown area, the water, or the University campus. There are several condo and townhome communities located around Neary Lagoon Park and University Terrace Park. Again, properties do sell rather quickly in Santa Cruz. In regards to condo features, you’ll usually find that condos come with parking and/or garage spaces, so it's easy to get around.

Aptos

Generally considered to be Santa Cruz’s alternative, Aptos is an unincorporated town located east of Santa Cruz made up of several desirable communities, including Seacliff and Seascape. Much like Santa Cruz, real estate in Aptos is incredibly desirable. While not a giant area, Aptos is home to gorgeous beaches and beautiful properties on small streets—and the hills in this region are quite charming!

Aptos leaves the hustle and bustle of the Santa Cruz Boardwalk behind and instead offers a more suburban lifestyle to its residents. Despite their differences in atmosphere, the real estate market is just as hot in Aptos, and with a $2,000,000 budget, you may be able to get a bit more home for your money. Plus—Downtown Santa Cruz is only a 12-15 minute drive away. 

Those interested in purchasing a single-family home may have to look north of the Cabrillo Highway, in one of Aptos’ hilly, residential neighborhoods. Even so, there are still numerous properties for sale located not far from the waterfront. Both Seacliff and Rio Del Mar are beautiful, popular neighborhoods, and those searching for their dream home in the $2,000,000 price range have a lot of homes to choose from. For those who love the beach, this might be the perfect option for you! In any case, Aptos homes are generally newer builds and take on a more modern architectural style, often with lush landscaping.

There are, of course, more options in regards to condos and townhomes. Parts of Seacliff are home to condo communities, with even more options west of Cabrillo College. Square footage for condos and townhomes ranges from property to property in Santa Cruz County, many of which are under 1,000 square feet. With a $2,000,000 budget for a condo in Aptos, you can definitely find an amazing property⁠—and usually at a much lower price point.

If you’re searching for a tranquil retreat, then an Aptos home might just be for you. Two million dollar properties for sale in this area feature a peaceful atmosphere in winding, residential neighborhoods, and easy access to retails and dining opportunities.

In the market for real estate in Santa Cruz or Aptos? Lauren Spencer is your Santa Cruz County real estate expert. Get in touch today and find your dream home!