Neighborhood Spotlight: Westlake

Bungalow style home, typical of Westlake neighborhood

One of the city’s most well-known neighborhoods, Westlake is found in the northwestern corner of Santa Cruz. This area is recognized for its luxury properties, its safe and quiet streets, and its amenities—all of which make Westlake one of the most desirable places to settle down in this city.

Westlake, which centers on Westlake Park and pond, comprises an area of just under 600 acres, or 4 miles in total distance. For those searching for a neighborhood to raise a family or retire in, all while being within a close distance to the downtown district, Westlake may just be what you’re looking for.

Family-Oriented Community

A five-minute drive to downtown Santa Cruz—or a ten-minute bike ride!—Westlake is bounded roughly by Coolidge Drive in the north, Evergreen Street and Mission Street in the east, and Bay Street in the west. In regards to walkability, Westlake is primarily residential, with commercial buildings generally located outside of the community, with the exception being a small plaza and convenience store located on Cardiff Place.

The Westlake real estate market consists of mostly single-family homes, with a majority of the properties being the classic West Coast style bungalows and, slightly less common, 2-story homes. Westlake Homes, for interested buyers, is the neighborhhood’s newer condo-townhouse community, and is found on the corner of High Street and Cardiff Place.

Westlake is a well-established neighborhood, and the older properties tend to have been maintained by homeowners (and updated/renovated) with the goal of preserving the charm of these properties. A good portion of the homes in Westlake were built between the years of 1960 and 1970, which is when the neighborhood was first developed. Additionally, some homes have been entirely renovated or torn down and built anew.

Some desirable properties face Westlake Park, which is the neighborhood’s large green area with a central pond, with some of the most luxurious homes located up on the hills in the northern end. As well, Westlake is recognized as being a top choice for families because of its convenient location, parks, and area schools.

Amenities & Charm

Though a nearly entirely residential area, Westlake, with its winding streets and hills, does have a few features that add to its desirability—most notably, Westlake Park.

With a pond and a playground perfect for the kids, this park serves as a hangout spot after school, a lovely recluse to watch the ducks on the water in the mornings, and even a nice place to walk the dog (though they must be leashed). As an important note, the park does allow fishing, though it does not allow boats of any kind. More information about Westlake Park can be found here.

Amenities, such as shopping and dining, are just a short drive away. Mission Street is the shortest destination for Westlake residents for necessities, such as gas stations or medical offices, while the downtown offers everything from grocery stores to entertainment (performing arts centers, the mall, and the museum) just a little bit further away.

Location: Great Schools & More

One of the biggest draws to Westlake, as mentioned, is its location. This neighborhood is placed in the north—which means some of the homes have stunning views of the city and, far beyond, the bay.

But Westlake is also just steps away from the University of California - Santa Cruz campus, with the northernmost end of the neighborhood pressing right up against the vast meadows of the institution and Cowell Ranch Historic Hay Barn—an area landmark and wedding/event venue. The university campus is known particularly for its scenic location, its focus on the sciences (particularly space science, ecology, and biology), and a number of its famous graduates.

Westlake also is home to Westlake Elementary School, which is, again, another big draw for growing families. Other schools in the area include Mission Hill Middle School and Santa Cruz High School.