Classic Beach Community

Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz, California is an idyllic beach community with a small-town feel and diverse population. Nestled amongst miles of pristine beaches, rolling hills, towering redwood trees, and strawberry fields, this community sets the scene for an extraordinary lifestyle. Perhaps most well-known for its iconic Boardwalk and the University of California Santa Cruz campus, the has a wealth of attractions and amenities, including museums, vintage stores, and parks. Read more about Santa Cruz homes for sale.

Aerial view of Santa Cruz amusement park on beach

Santa Cruz Home Statistics

Average Home Price $2.2M
Lowest Priced Home $169K
Highest Listing Price $16M
Total Santa Cruz Listings 145
Avg. Price/SQFT $1K

Property Types (active listings)

Browse Homes For Sale In Santa Cruz, CA

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4140 Opal Cliff Dr, SANTA CRUZ

$15,995,000

4140 Opal Cliff Dr, SANTA CRUZ

4 Beds 5 Baths 4,050 SqFt Single Family Residential MLS® # ML81965492

Amber Grewer Real Estate 831-566-0021MLSListings Inc Logo

2950 Pleasure Point Dr, Santa Cruz

$9,495,000

↓ $1,005,000

2950 Pleasure Point Dr, Santa Cruz

3 Beds 4 Baths 2,570 SqFt Single Family Residential MLS® # ML81957240

Sotheby's Intl Rlty 650-804-4770MLSListings Inc Logo

1703 E Cliff Dr, SANTA CRUZ

$8,500,000

1703 E Cliff Dr, SANTA CRUZ

9 Beds 5 Baths 4,754 SqFt Single Family Residential MLS® # ML81958297

KW Bay Area Estates 408-802-3540MLSListings Inc Logo

1703 E Cliff Dr, SANTA CRUZ

$8,500,000

1703 E Cliff Dr, SANTA CRUZ

0 Beds 0 Baths 4,754 SqFt Multi-Residential MLS® # ML81958300

KW Bay Area Estates 408-802-3540MLSListings Inc Logo

140 Vernon St, SANTA CRUZ

$7,895,000

↓ $100,000

140 Vernon St, SANTA CRUZ

0 Beds 0 Baths 9,399 SqFt Multi-Residential MLS® # ML81965540

Lighthouse Realty 831-247-7211MLSListings Inc Logo

New
22834 E Cliff Dr, SANTA CRUZ

$7,399,000

22834 E Cliff Dr, SANTA CRUZ

5 Beds 4 Baths 3,234 SqFt Single Family Residential MLS® # ML81982934

Coldwell Banker Realty 831-888-6768MLSListings Inc Logo

220 Falcon Hl, SANTA CRUZ

$7,250,000

↓ $700,000

220 Falcon Hl, SANTA CRUZ

5 Beds 5 Baths 5,036 SqFt Single Family Residential MLS® # ML81952731

Golden Gate Sotheby's International Realty 650-799-1855MLSListings Inc Logo

New
117-121 Walti And 233-231 Felix St, SANTA CRUZ

$6,000,000

117-121 Walti And 233-231 Felix St, SANTA CRUZ

0 Beds 0 Baths 11,168 SqFt Multi-Residential MLS® # ML81983159

Marcus & Millichap 408-483-5040MLSListings Inc Logo

40 S Circle Dr, SANTA CRUZ

$5,900,000

40 S Circle Dr, SANTA CRUZ

4 Beds 6 Baths 6,683 SqFt Single Family Residential MLS® # ML81976317

eXp Realty of California Inc 831-332-3975MLSListings Inc Logo

4362 Opal Cliff Dr, SANTA CRUZ

$5,495,000

↓ $500,000

4362 Opal Cliff Dr, SANTA CRUZ

3 Beds 2 Baths 1,980 SqFt Single Family Residential MLS® # ML81976024

Coldwell Banker Realty 831-359-1871MLSListings Inc Logo

New
4790 Opal Cliff Dr, SANTA CRUZ

$4,995,000

4790 Opal Cliff Dr, SANTA CRUZ

3 Beds 3 Baths 1,969 SqFt Single Family Residential MLS® # ML81983023

Bailey Properties 831-706-7349MLSListings Inc Logo

2955 Pleasure Point Drive, SANTA CRUZ

$4,985,000

↓ $400,000

2955 Pleasure Point Drive, SANTA CRUZ

4 Beds 3 Baths 2,562 SqFt Single Family Residential MLS® # ML81977562

OASIS PROPERTIES 831-588-8558MLSListings Inc Logo

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About Santa Cruz, CA Homes For Sale

The Santa Cruz real estate market has been one of the hottest markets in the country over the past few years, and for good reason! Santa Cruz homes for sale come in a variety of property types, styles and price ranges. Here you’ll find charming turn-of-the-century heritage houses, ranch-style homes, beachside bungalows, and spectacular luxury properties.


Many properties command stunning ocean views and are located just steps away from the beach and amenities. For students and busy professionals seeking a maintenance-free lifestyle, there are also townhomes and condos in downtown Santa Cruz to consider. The city is just a short commute to the state's tech hubs (such those in nearby Silicon Valley), has some of the greatest variety of outdoor recreation in the country, and it offers some of the best surfing in the world. In a recent wellness study done by Gallup-Healthways, they found that Santa Cruz residents learn or do something interesting every single day, a trait found in many of the nation's top ranking cities.


Housing prices in Santa Cruz have been gradually increasing in recent years, much like many other areas around the country. For first-time homebuyers and those who are looking to retire in something a little smaller, the lower end of the market contains a mix of gorgeous condos and townhomes that are often bright, airy, and close to everyday amenities. These include one bedroom, one bathroom units that are great for singles or couples, as well as multiple bedroom and bathroom units for those who require a little more space. Whilst homes for sale in Santa Cruz are exceedingly popular, there are a number of towns and communities around the area that are also great to either live in or visit.


On the other end of the spectrum, you'll find multi-million dollar custom homes with views of the hillside or Pacific Ocean. These luxury estates offer the premier Santa Cruz lifestyle. From ranches with stables and significant acreage, to exceptional beachfront properties, the world is yours with a luxury home in Santa Cruz.


Interested in learning more about Santa Cruz, California real estate? Contact us online or call 1-831-345-0338 for more information about buying and selling a home in Santa Cruz and other communities in the Santa Cruz area.

Amenities Near Santa Cruz Homes

Owners of Santa Cruz homes are just moments from everything this popular oceanside community has to offer! For those seeking some retail therapy, the downtown area of Pacific Avenue is must-visit. This area includes many unique, local shops, and is a gathering place for the Santa Cruz cultural scene; while you stroll the avenue, you may just catch a concert, or impromptu dance demonstration. Be sure to check out the Cabrillo Music Festival, or enjoy a performance by the Santa Cruz Symphony if you're in the city!


The Santa Cruz Farmer’s Market runs year-round, and this community is also home to various museums—the Santa Cruz Museum of Art & History, the Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History, and Seymour Marine Discovery Center are just a few of the local highlights. Santa Cruz is also home to the University of California Santa Cruz campus, which has produced many notable alumni including Kathryn D. Sullivan and bell hooks. For the quintessential beach town experience, head to the Santa Cruz historic boardwalk and visit its many shops, its attractions, and its exciting theme park. If you’re feeling adventurous, be sure to take a ride on the famous Giant Dipper roller coaster, which is a famous landmark of the Santa Cruz beachfront. The boardwalk also hosts many events year-round, including movie nights in the summer and seasonal celebrations. 


With a pleasant year-round climate and beautiful natural environment, a multitude of recreational activities await you in Santa Cruz! Featuring almost 30 miles of beaches and 14 state parks, this is an outdoor enthusiast’s mecca. There are also a number of small neighborhood parks and public beaches perfect for sun bathing, beachcombing, swimming, surfing, walking the dog, and picnicking.


Kayaking, fishing, hiking, and biking are popular activities of the locals, along with hitting the links at the local golf courses. Nearby parks, such as Natural Bridges State Park (and its monarch trail!), Wilder Ranch State Park, Loch Lomond Recreation Area,  and Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park offer exceptional scenic walks and hikes, camping, fishing, horseback riding, and more. Plus, it's easy to take a day trip to explore parks and attractions in and around the city. 


Surfing in Santa Cruz, CA

For some of the best surfing in the world, look no further than Santa Cruz, California. With over 11 renowned surf breaks, these local beaches are known for having the best waves on the West Coast. Its landmark destination, Steamer Lane, has been a popular surf spot for years. And, for those who are just starting out, there are many opportunities to take surfing lessons all around the area.


This city also houses the Santa Cruz Surfing Museum, and plays host to plenty of exciting international surf competitions throughout the year. For surfers looking to buy a home in Santa Cruz, there are a number of places around the county that will most appeal to surfing pros.

FAQs About Santa Cruz

Q: Is Santa Cruz good for families?
A: With plenty of highly-rated schools, as well as parks, beaches, museums and other kid-friendly activities, Santa Cruz is a popular destination for many families to settle down and raise children. 

Q: What is Santa Cruz best known for?
A: Santa Cruz is known for plenty, but it's probably best known for its surfing culture, with plenty of shoreline and some incredible off-shore breaks. 

Q: How many beaches are there in Santa Cruz?
A: Santa Cruz is home to nearly 35 beaches, many of which vary quite a bit from each other, so you'll have plenty of time to explore and find out which one is your favorite. 

See Santa Cruz For Yourself!

Check out the video below to see for yourself all the great reasons to make Santa Cruz your home!


If you have any questions about buying and selling real estate in Santa Cruz, CA, please contact Lauren Spencer, who will be happy to assist you in any way.



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Colorful homes along beach in Capitola Village, Santa Cruz

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