Types Of Homes In The Santa Cruz Area

For those starting their home search in Santa Cruz, the process can feel slightly overwhelming. With a real estate market that continues to climb in both price and demand, homebuyers should know what possibilities are out there and what the different neighborhoods across the city can offer.

Homes in Santa Cruz showcase, perhaps, a greater range of styles and designs than one might think—all centered around the city’s historic neighborhoods close to the downtown. Though there are condos and townhomes for sale in the city, the properties focused on below are limited to detached, single-family constructions. 

The Classic Bungalow & Single-Family Home

Perhaps most emblematic of Santa Cruz is the coastal, Californian-style bungalow or multi-story home. 

These properties have varied construction dates, with a significant portion of these homes having been built during two distinct periods: the early-1900s and again around the 1950s. Of course, with this range comes differing architecture and features from property to property. The former exhibits the traditional cottage and Craftsman style, while the latter leans a little bit more towards the classic ranch design. Mediterranean is also a popular architectural style for Santa Cruz’s single-family homes.

Homes built between 1900 and 1920 are not frequently found for sale on the market. Typically, these properties are located close to the downtown (or just across the river) as these are the oldest neighborhoods in the city. In contrast, there is much more selection for homes between 1940 and 1955. Though well-maintained by owners, some buyers do find that updates and renovations are necessary.

Historic Properties

A subset of their own, historic properties in Santa Cruz are quite desirable for their unique charm and excellent locations close to the city’s top amenities: the city center, the beach, shopping, restaurants, etc. Santa Cruz has a few historic neighborhoods, which include the Downtown, Mission Hill, and parts of the Lower West Side.

Walnut Avenue in particular (found within the Downtown Historic District) is known for its preserved Victorian and Queen Anne historic homes—beloved for their opulent exteriors and (often) bright colors. If that isn’t to your taste, this area does feature a range of styles, including Italianate and Gothic Revival, as well.

Modern & Contemporary

A little less of a popular choice, modern and contemporary homes are (very obviously!) newer constructions, and are also a bit limited on the real estate market. Santa Cruz homebuyers sometimes purchase older properties with the intention of building a new custom home on the lot, which is why this type of home can be difficult to pin down to one distinct style or time period. Often, custom homes will incorporate elements of the other homes in the neighborhood.

There aren’t too many new construction builds in the city of Santa Cruz proper. Most are located in the communities to the east where lot sizes tend to be on the larger size. However, Lower West Side, West Cliff, and other luxury neighborhoods close to the water are where most of the contemporary homes are located.

Mediterranean 

Another less popular home style, Mediterranean designs are found all across the city, but particularly in the hilly neighborhoods to the north and northeast. These properties tend to be larger, multi-story constructions, though bungalows do exist in this architectural style.

These home type also includes some historic properties, located in the neighborhoods closer to the downtown and the beach—however these are typically on the smaller side, at least in comparison to the luxury homes outside of the city center.

Searching for a home in Santa Cruz or the surrounding area? Connect with Lauren Spencer of MySantaCruzRealEstate to refine your search.