Boy at sunny beach in Santa Cruz County

 

The area of Santa Cruz County is known for its beautiful beaches, outdoor recreation opportunities, and fun and exciting attractions—which is why people love to visit! But what is it like to live here? And how ideal is it for families?


We’ve crunched the numbers and have compiled a list of the best family-friendly neighborhoods, based on the following criteria: safety and security of each community, quality of schools, available properties, accessibility and number of local amenities, and general satisfaction of residents in the area. 


For new families thinking of moving into the Santa Cruz County area, but don’t know where to start, here is our list of the best places to live!

Aptos

Aptos, located east of Santa Cruz and Capitola,…

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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!


Figures atLighthouse Field State Beach in Santa Cruz, CA

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…

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Forest view at Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park near Zayante, California

Tranquil mountain living at its finest! Zayante is a census-designated place located eight minutes north of Felton, in the San Lorenzo Valley area. This beautiful community is known for its quiet, winding streets surrounded by giant redwood trees and its peaceful atmosphere.

 

A hidden gem of Santa Cruz County, Zayante is not a large community by any means, but its gorgeous location offers residents privacy and exclusivity away from the lights and sounds of the big cities.

 

Read on to find out more on why we think Zayante is such a great community to live in!

Escape From It All 

The community of Zayante is located right on Zayante Creek, which runs from the area of Bear Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve, all the way down to Felton,…

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Living in Santa Cruz means not only being close to so many great local spots, but also being just a day trip away from so many incredible spots. Today, we'll be taking a look at the historic Yosemite National Park, less than a four hour drive away from Santa Cruz real estate. Summer is a great time to head out and see the waterfalls, viewpoints and wildlife in this incredible national park, so read on to find out what makes Yosemite one of the best national parks in the country. 


Breathtaking view of Yosemite National park

Yosemite Park History

Yosemite National Park was mainly home to indigenous populations until the mid 1800s, when the gold rush brought miners and other settlers to the region. 

However, due to highly unregulated tourism and resource extraction, president Abraham…

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The gorgeous neighborhood of Seabright in central Santa Cruz is often cited as the best neighborhood in the city for it's vibrant atmosphere, laid back vibes and multiple trendy shops, restaurants and bars in the area.


Bordered on the west by the San Lorenzo River and on the east by the Woods Lagoon, Seabright residents even have their own private beach! Seabright Beach spans a half mile long on the neighborhoods south end and is home to the ever popular Walton Lighthouse.


In this blog post, we'll be taking a dive into just what makes Seabright such a special community to live in. Read on to find out more!

Seabright Beach

As mentioned above, Seabright Beach is one of the major draws to life in this picturesque neighborhood. Living just…

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With summer in full bloom, now is the best time to experience some of the best that Santa Cruz has to offer. With perfect weather nearly year round, incredible ocean views and plenty of beaches and forests to explore, it's no wonder Santa Cruz is consistently ranked as one of the finest places to live, not just in California, but the whole country! 


To get you ready for the next few months, we've come up with a list of three of the best things to do outdoors to take advantage of the beauty of Santa Cruz.


View of redwood trees typical of those found in Nisene Marks State Forest near Aptos real estate

Explore The Forest Of Nisene Marks

With 30 miles of trails, the Forest of Nisene Marks remains a local favourite with plenty of secrets to explore. Located just north of Aptos, residents love making the short five minute drive to engage…

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For those looking to live near the popular community of Santa Cruz, the neighborhood of Soquel is a great choice. With a low crime rate and relatively inexpensive housing options, this neighborhood is great for families looking to live close to some of the most beautiful areas in California. 


Read on below the listings to see what makes Soquel homes popular in the Santa Cruz community!

Life in Soquel

Soquel is located just north of the popular thoroughfare of Cabrillo Highway, connecting it to the other popular areas of Aptos and Rio Del Mar to the east and Santa Cruz to the west. 


Soquel is just 45 minutes away from Silicon Valley, making it a great place to live for those who work in the area to have a short commute. 


Soquel…

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Santa Cruz is home to an impeccable public school system and a highly rated health care system to boot, making it an ideal location for family life.


Before you embark on your real estate search in Santa Cruz, check out this list of Santa Cruz neighborhoods for growing families - and gain insight on the best communities to suit your family's needs.

Scotts Valley

Scotts Valley  is currently experiencing rapid development in regards to new construction homes and retail opportunities. Located just 6 miles from the iconic beaches of Santa Cruz, and 30 minutes from San Jose’s Silicon Valley, this family-oriented neighborhood offers a substantial assortment of single-family homes to discover.


Ample lots, freshened up mid-century moderns,…

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Now that we’re in the midst of summer, it’s a popular time for homeowners in Santa Cruz and across the country to be selling their homes. However, before listing your home it’s important to do everything you can to make it as desirable as possible to potential buyers. 

To help you out, we’ve come up with 6 tips for getting your home ready to sell. Read on to find out more!

1. Ensure your home has enough light

One of the first steps in the process is to stock up on lightbulbs, since not only will you want to make sure all of your lights are in working order, but you’ll also want to make your home as bright as possible. 

Ensuring your property is well lit is essential for making the most appealing pictures for your listings. 

Image of home cleaning for Santa Cruz real estate

2. Deep…

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One of California's best hidden gem communities, Rio del Mar is one of several beautiful villages that make up Aptos. Central to the area, Rio del Mar is mainly a resort style community that's full of plenty of scenic parks and golf courses. Homes in Rio del Mar are noteworthy for their beautiful streets, lined with cypress trees to welcome residents home. 

To celebrate this incredible beachfront area, we're dedicating this blog post to the many things Rio del Mar has to offer. Read on to learn more about what life is like in this scenic California community!

View of pier typical of Rio del Mar real estate

Real Estate In Rio del Mar

Rio del Mar homes for sale are great options for those looking to live in one of the finest spots in the Aptos area. Many of these homes have the unique charm…

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