Home buyers are choosing Santa Cruz.
And the reason are clear: The wonderfully picturesque coastal community boasts incredible year-round weather, not to mention miles upon miles of breathtaking beaches.
This is just one of several reasons why homebuyers are choosing Santa Cruz over the more major big-city of San Francisco, less than two hours to the north. Let’s explore what else Santa Cruz has going for it.
A Lower Cost of Living
Housing is almost certainly the number one cost of living for residents of any city. And this in this regard, Santa Cruz home owners are laughing. The cost of purchasing a home is as much as 50% higher in San Francisco in some cases. The median price of a home in Santa Cruz is $909,500 compared to $1,378,300 in San Francisco.
And that’s just the beginning.
It doesn't get much better for renters. Regardless if you're looking for a 1-bedroom loft or a whole house - you'll likely end of paying 20-30% more each month in San Francisco.
Some sources place the lifestyle costs at a staggering difference.
The same lifestyle could end up costing you upwards of $15,000 more in San Francisco compared to Santa Cruz. Even factoring in a higher average salary for workers across numerous industries in San Francisco, the difference still takes a huge toll on your ultimate take home at the end of the month.
An Emerging Tech Center
Tech workers are moving to Santa Cruz.
Technology and a changing mindset in regards to remote work are opening up new opportunities for tech workers across the country. It’s no longer a necessity to move to Silicon Valley to find success in the tech industry.
Plus, Silicon Valley isn’t that far away. San Francisco and the immediate Bay Area can be reached within 2 hours.
Santa Cruz’s laid-back vibe and positive business culture are also starting to have an impact. More and more tech companies are making the move to the smaller coastal community. Office space can leased here for a fraction of the cost of the bigger city, and companies are starting to see value in the lifestyle.
Which leads us to our next point…
Life is Just Better Here
It’s not an exaggeration to state that the air itself is better here. The beach. The redwoods. It’s all here in a refreshing and laid-back small-town package.
The population of Santa Cruz is just 63,993, a fraction of San Francisco's. The mountain range that surrounds Santa Cruz and sets it off from the rest of world has provided a welcome isolation, while also making it a popular weekend getaway for several of the larger cities located "just over the hill", as locals like to say.
Santa Cruz has been ranked among the happiest places in the US.
It has everything that makes people happier, healthier and more productive.
- Great community engagement
- Access to the great outdoors
- Healthy food options
People just like it here.
The average commute in Santa Cruz is 20 minutes, which is nothing compared to the “super commutes” that are becoming more and more commonplace in the bigger centers like San Francisco.
There you have it - as if you need any more convincing that Santa Cruz is a fantastic place to make a home. Let us help you start your search today.
If you're interested in learning more about the homes found in Santa Cruz, be sure to contact Lauren Spencer online or call 1.800.226.4717 to learn more about the area! She’s your local real estate expert and is always happy to help you with all your questions.
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