Neighborhoods in Santa Cruz County
The collection of coastal towns, mountain communities, farms, and wide-open spaces that make up Santa Cruz County offer an expansive range of recreational, occupational, educational, and residential options – in other words, there’s something for everyone! Whether you’re planning a visit or relocation to Santa Cruz County, these Neighborhood and Community Reviews will give you a little taste of the unique qualities and attractions of the many distinct micro-communities that make Santa Cruz a great place to live, work, and play! Downtown Santa Cruz The downtown area is the central hub of Santa Cruz: home to County and Santa Cruz City government, professional offices, retail shops, community centers, and entertainment. Everything is within walking distance, including great shopping, hotels and B&Bs, a professional basketball arena, the Santa Cruz Boardwalk, the wharf, and the Pacific Ocean. Some of the finest examples of Santa Cruz’s rich architectural history can also be found in this area; from the towering spire of Holy Cross Church and the adjacent adobe mission, to the beautiful Greek and Italianate-style homes built in the mid- to late-19th century. UCSC Amidst the acres of lush redwood forests and rolling foothills overlooking the Monterey Bay is the University of California, Santa Cruz, one of the most naturally picturesque settings for higher learning in the United States. Upper West Side Affluent but not stuffy, the Upper West Side of Santa Cruz is one of those perfect places for families with children, nice neighbors, and retirement. Bordered by the USCS campus, this residential area sits on a wide bluff overlooking the City of Santa Cruz and across the Monterey Bay. Well-kept homes and yards are made all the more appealing by neighborhood parks (one with a pond) and countless places to walk and bike. Lower West Side An eclectic mix of residential and business communities occupy the Lower West Side, a swath of land between the ocean and the upper west side. Stroll down neighborhood streets and you’ll find amazing variation in architectural styles – from the tiny beach bungalow to the lavish waterfront estate. Walk along West Cliff Drive to get to the beaches, the Boardwalk, or Lighthouse Point where you can watch the surfers take on world-famous Steamer Lane. Numerous restaurants and businesses are situated along Mission Street (also known as Hwy 1), the main thoroughfare through town, and down various side streets, or visit the wineries, retail, and boutique businesses occupying converted manufacturing warehouses at the edge of town. East Side Bordered by the banks of the San Lorenzo River and Santa Cruz city limits, the East Side is a collection of peaceful neighborhoods, bustling industrial areas, and scenic landmarks, including the Santa Cruz Harbor and lighthouse. Take a bike ride along the coast and into the Seabright neighborhoods, stop off at one of the many restaurants along the way for a bite and a brew, and then wind your way back toward Soquel Drive for retail shops, groceries, and lots of services. The Pleasure Point neighborhoods are also fun to explore, or walk along the bluffs and check out the world-class surfing. Glen Canyon Road – Branciforte Drive Winding into the foothills above the East Side towards Scotts Valley, the properties along GlenCanyon Road and Brancifore Drive are far enough away from the bustle of the city to feel secluded, yet close enough to be convenient. Residents can choose from a wide variety of homes, including the lavish estates of Carbonera, large and small family residences, and tiny cabins. For family fun, visit De Laveaga Park or the De Laveaga Golf Course and Lodge, or experience the baffling phenomena at the Mystery Spot. Live Oak Live Oak is a diverse collage of neighborhoods located between the eastern border of Santa Cruz and Capitola. Over the last century and a half, the sporadic housing development transformed several large chicken ranches in this area into a “residential potpourri,” with homes in a variety of styles and price ranges (it’s not unusual to see a brand-new townhouse on a small lot next to an old, two-bedroom cottage with a two-acre yard). At the border of Live Oak and Capitola, the Opal Cliffs area is a favorite spot of surfers from around the world. While there is no downtown area, there are several schools, many businesses and restaurants, and a family swim center. |
Santa Cruz County
incorporated cities: Capitola Santa Cruz Scotts Valley Watsonville Santa Cruz County unincorporated towns: Amesti Aptos Aptos Hills-Larkin Valley Ben Lomond Bonny Doon Boulder Creek Brookdale Corralitos Davenport Day Valley Felton Freedom Interlaken La Selva Beach Live Oak Mount Hermon Opal Cliffs Rio del Mar Soquel Pasatiempo Twin Lakes |
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Capitola
Capitola-By-The-Sea is the quintessential coastal town, with beautiful beaches, unique shops and restaurants, and lots of little vacation rentals and hotels. Walk along the Esplanade in Capitola Village for great shopping, wine tasting, and fantastic restaurants. A short walk up the hill will take you to more dinning and shopping at the Capitola Mall and dozens of stores and businesses along 41st Avenue, or just stroll along the quiet, residential streets and enjoy the fresh ocean breezes. Be sure to come back in September for the nationally-renowned Capitola Art & Wine Festival.
Capitola-By-The-Sea is the quintessential coastal town, with beautiful beaches, unique shops and restaurants, and lots of little vacation rentals and hotels. Walk along the Esplanade in Capitola Village for great shopping, wine tasting, and fantastic restaurants. A short walk up the hill will take you to more dinning and shopping at the Capitola Mall and dozens of stores and businesses along 41st Avenue, or just stroll along the quiet, residential streets and enjoy the fresh ocean breezes. Be sure to come back in September for the nationally-renowned Capitola Art & Wine Festival.
Soquel
The tiny township of Soquel rolls inland from Capitola into the surrounding foothills. Antique shops and small restaurants share the downtown area with a fire station and a white church, while gatherings of older, well-kept homes line the neighborhood streets. Up the hill past the high school is Anna Jean Cummings Park (also known as Blue Ball Park), a great place to play and picnic, or travel into the foothills and up to the summit to discover countless homes and hidden wineries amongst the redwood trees.
The tiny township of Soquel rolls inland from Capitola into the surrounding foothills. Antique shops and small restaurants share the downtown area with a fire station and a white church, while gatherings of older, well-kept homes line the neighborhood streets. Up the hill past the high school is Anna Jean Cummings Park (also known as Blue Ball Park), a great place to play and picnic, or travel into the foothills and up to the summit to discover countless homes and hidden wineries amongst the redwood trees.
Aptos
Aptos is host to a variety of handsome residential communities, state parks, historic landmarks, schools, churches, small businesses, and Cabrillo Community College. It’s also the home of the first manned flight experiments of John Montgomery, which, incidentally, pre-date those of the Wright Brothers.
Seacliff
With dozens of vacation rentals, a small motel, and an RV park adjacent to Seacliff State Beach, vacationers have lots of accommodation options in this sheltered hideaway. Indoor and patio dining is available at several restaurants, or enjoy the local scene at the neighborhood tavern.
Rio Del Mar
Gorgeous homes, many of them with ocean views, are plentiful in peaceful Rio Del Mar. These same panoramic views can be enjoyed from your campsite in the trees at New Brighton State Beach, the perfect spot for an afternoon picnic or a week-long camping retreat that’s close to civilization.
Seascape
Seascape is a wonderful place to play and live! Quiet streets lined with homes of various sizes feed into the main road down to the Seascape Resort, an incredible, full-service resort overlooking the beach. Seascape Village offers a little shopping and great restaurants, and the Seascape Tennis Club is right across the street.
La Selva Beach
La Selva is a place like no other; a tiny, Midwestern town transported to the California coast. Residents come together in to celebrate the 4th of July, Saint Patrick’s Day, and Halloween in the postage-stamp sized downtown area, which includes an old clubhouse/community center, a small, corner store, a library, a church, and a few local businesses. Homes range from comfortable to palatial, and the homeowner’s association maintains the private, locked beach, and key admission is available to only to dues-paying residents. Manresa State Beach is right next door, and the KOA Campgrounds are just down the way.
Larkin Valley
Also known as the Aptos Hills, the lovely Larkin Valley area is peppered with apple orchards, old farmhouses, and small cluster neighborhoods.
Corralitos
“Out in the middle of nowhere” aptly describes Corralitos, a lovely region where your closest neighbor is within shouting distance. Sparsely populated and private, visitors come here from all parts of Santa Cruz County and beyond to shop at the famous Corralitos Meat Market.
Amesti
Between Corralitos and northeastern Watsonville is the wide-open countryside of Amesti, where farmers harvest many different crops and visitors come to enjoy the camping, boating, and bike trails of Pinto Lake County Park.
Aptos is host to a variety of handsome residential communities, state parks, historic landmarks, schools, churches, small businesses, and Cabrillo Community College. It’s also the home of the first manned flight experiments of John Montgomery, which, incidentally, pre-date those of the Wright Brothers.
Seacliff
With dozens of vacation rentals, a small motel, and an RV park adjacent to Seacliff State Beach, vacationers have lots of accommodation options in this sheltered hideaway. Indoor and patio dining is available at several restaurants, or enjoy the local scene at the neighborhood tavern.
Rio Del Mar
Gorgeous homes, many of them with ocean views, are plentiful in peaceful Rio Del Mar. These same panoramic views can be enjoyed from your campsite in the trees at New Brighton State Beach, the perfect spot for an afternoon picnic or a week-long camping retreat that’s close to civilization.
Seascape
Seascape is a wonderful place to play and live! Quiet streets lined with homes of various sizes feed into the main road down to the Seascape Resort, an incredible, full-service resort overlooking the beach. Seascape Village offers a little shopping and great restaurants, and the Seascape Tennis Club is right across the street.
La Selva Beach
La Selva is a place like no other; a tiny, Midwestern town transported to the California coast. Residents come together in to celebrate the 4th of July, Saint Patrick’s Day, and Halloween in the postage-stamp sized downtown area, which includes an old clubhouse/community center, a small, corner store, a library, a church, and a few local businesses. Homes range from comfortable to palatial, and the homeowner’s association maintains the private, locked beach, and key admission is available to only to dues-paying residents. Manresa State Beach is right next door, and the KOA Campgrounds are just down the way.
Larkin Valley
Also known as the Aptos Hills, the lovely Larkin Valley area is peppered with apple orchards, old farmhouses, and small cluster neighborhoods.
Corralitos
“Out in the middle of nowhere” aptly describes Corralitos, a lovely region where your closest neighbor is within shouting distance. Sparsely populated and private, visitors come here from all parts of Santa Cruz County and beyond to shop at the famous Corralitos Meat Market.
Amesti
Between Corralitos and northeastern Watsonville is the wide-open countryside of Amesti, where farmers harvest many different crops and visitors come to enjoy the camping, boating, and bike trails of Pinto Lake County Park.
Watsonville
The center of agricultural prosperity in California, the City of Watsonville is located in the Pajaro River Valley and is home to thousands of individuals and families, schools, churches, and farming communities. Visitors come to explore the local wetlands and parks, stroll through the historic downtown area, visit “u-pick” farms for berries and apples, kick up the sand at Sunset Beach, golf, and attend the annual Santa Cruz County Fair and Watsonville Fly-In. The area also supports many commercial and retail ventures, manufacturers, and Pajaro Dunes, a gated resort community where vacationers stay in luxurious homes and condominiums just steps from the beach
Freedom
Shaped like a pair of pants, the area called Freedom is a tiny spot of land sandwiched between Larkin Valley, Amesti, and Watsonville. Originally known as “Whiskey Hill” for its disreputable distilleries and saloons, Freedom is now shared by homeowners and a commercial corridor with shops, restaurants, and services.
Interlaken
Its name derived from the Latin “inter lacus,” or “between the lakes,” Interlaken is a 10 mile square of neighborhoods and farmland located between Pinto Lake and Lake Tynan.
Pajaro
As it crosses the Pajaro River, Watsonville becomes the working community of Pajaro before it fades into expansive fields along the Monterey County border
The center of agricultural prosperity in California, the City of Watsonville is located in the Pajaro River Valley and is home to thousands of individuals and families, schools, churches, and farming communities. Visitors come to explore the local wetlands and parks, stroll through the historic downtown area, visit “u-pick” farms for berries and apples, kick up the sand at Sunset Beach, golf, and attend the annual Santa Cruz County Fair and Watsonville Fly-In. The area also supports many commercial and retail ventures, manufacturers, and Pajaro Dunes, a gated resort community where vacationers stay in luxurious homes and condominiums just steps from the beach
Freedom
Shaped like a pair of pants, the area called Freedom is a tiny spot of land sandwiched between Larkin Valley, Amesti, and Watsonville. Originally known as “Whiskey Hill” for its disreputable distilleries and saloons, Freedom is now shared by homeowners and a commercial corridor with shops, restaurants, and services.
Interlaken
Its name derived from the Latin “inter lacus,” or “between the lakes,” Interlaken is a 10 mile square of neighborhoods and farmland located between Pinto Lake and Lake Tynan.
Pajaro
As it crosses the Pajaro River, Watsonville becomes the working community of Pajaro before it fades into expansive fields along the Monterey County border
Pasatiempo
A gated community of upscale homes surrounds the beautiful Pasatiempo Golf Club, where you can spend the day golfing, dining, and relaxing.
San Lorenzo Valley
Surrounded by the Santa Cruz Mountains, the San Lorenzo Valley’s richly-forested landscape provides a perfect hiding place to some of Santa Cruz County’s most beautiful areas to live – and the largest redwood trees you’ll ever see! Historic little logging towns offer a lovely mix of shops and great restaurants, not to mention great music. From community get-togethers and local theater productions to discovering secret swimming holes along the creek, you’re sure to find lots to do and see in this stretch of civilized wilderness.
Scotts Valley
The City of Scotts Valley is nestled between the coast and the mountains, with easy access to Santa Cruz and San Jose. Newer housing developments are built near expansive parks and forests, so there’s no lack of places to picnic, hike, and enjoy the sunshine. Great shopping and restaurants, too.
Felton
At 4.6 square miles, diminutive Felton is a peaceful mountain town surrounded by trees, creeks, and lush greenery. Enjoy great music at Don Quixote’s International Music Hall, grab a bite at one of the fantastic restaurants, or search for the Garden of Eden, a favorite swim spot along the river in Henry Cowell State Park.
Boulder Creek
Boulder Creek residents keep themselves busy with frequent festivals and music, great restaurants, and a little mountain night life. Take a day and venture into Big Basic State Park, then hike the 12-mile trail to the ocean.
Ben Lomond
The epitome of “adorable small town,” Ben Lomond has some of the best gift/homesteading/feed/garden/deli/produce stores around (according to folks who live there). Come for German cuisine at the Tyrolean Inn, stay in a real castle (available for rent), visit Highlands Park, or take a dip in the swimming hole that’s right in town.
Brookdale
Brookdale is home to the old Brookdale Lodge, which was built in 1890 over a brook that runs through its restaurant. Rumored to be haunted, the lodge enjoyed great popularity with celebrities like Marilyn Monroe, Mae West, and President Herbert Hoover. The Lodge is currently under construction.
Bonny Doon
With a name inspired by a Scottish ballad, Bonny Doon descends over the gentle, wooded foothills northwest of Santa Cruz toward the ocean. It’s a peaceful, secluded area with good neighbors, an all-volunteer fire department, and an airport.
Content provided by Tiffany X. Zachmeier of Bay Federal Credit Union.
