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OnSantaCruz.com

Santa Cruz, CA
✓ Live ★ Available

Santa Cruz: Surf, sun, and scenic coastal majesty in California's beach haven.

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65K Population
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$75K Median Income
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$959K Median Home Price
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16 Square Miles

About Santa Cruz, CA

Santa Cruz, nestled along California's picturesque Central Coast, is a city renowned for its stunning beaches, vibrant culture, and progressive community. Founded in 1791 as a Spanish settlement, Santa Cruz has evolved into a bustling coastal city while maintaining its quaint charm. The city is deeply rooted in surfing culture, home to iconic breaks like Steamer Lane, and hosts annual surf competitions that attract international attention. Its cultural scene is as lively as its waves, with a thriving arts community, live music venues, and an eclectic array of boutiques and eateries.

The economy of Santa Cruz is bolstered by tourism, education, and technology. The presence of the University of California, Santa Cruz (UCSC) adds a dynamic academic and research environment to the city, as well as a youthful energy that permeates the community. Visitors and residents alike enjoy an abundance of natural beauty and outdoor activities, from hiking in the redwoods to strolling along the famous Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. Santa Cruz prides itself on its environmental consciousness, sustainable practices, and an inclusive cultural spirit that celebrates diversity and creativity.

The city is a melting pot of residents who are passionate about their community and lifestyle. From the historic Mission Santa Cruz to the vibrant downtown area, every corner of the city tells a story of resilience and innovation. Come for the beaches, stay for the warm and welcoming community, and enjoy the endless opportunities to explore both nature and culture in this Californian gem.

Quality of Life Scores

Data-driven insights into what makes Santa Cruz special

62
🚶 Walkability
35
🛡️ Safety
81
🍽️ Food Scene
84
🎭 Arts & Culture
72
🌙 Nightlife
68
⚽ Sports Culture
38
🌬️ Air Quality
55
🚗 Traffic Flow

Quality of life scores are aggregated from publicly available data sources including the U.S. Census Bureau, FBI Crime Statistics, EPA Air Quality Index, walkability studies, and local municipal data. Scores are calculated on a 0-100 scale and updated periodically to reflect current conditions.

Demographics & Economy

Understanding the community and economic landscape

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Demographics

Median Age 34.5 years
Diversity Index 75.0%

Santa Cruz boasts a diverse, educated populace with a strong focus on sustainability and arts.

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Economy

Median Income $75,470
Unemployment Rate 4.3%
Job Growth Rate 3.5%

Strong economic foundation driven by diverse industries including tourism, education, technology, agriculture, health services.

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Housing

Median Home Price $959,000
Cost of Living Index 179
Rent/Own Ratio 42.8%

Real estate market offers opportunities for residents and investors with balanced housing options across neighborhoods.

Education Excellence

World-class learning opportunities and achievements

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Education Levels

Bachelor's Degree or Higher 53.6%
High School Graduation Rate 92.5%
College Enrollment Rate 67.8%
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Institutions

  • Schools: 40
  • Universities: 2
  • Libraries: 10
  • Student-Teacher Ratio: 18.2:1

Sports & Entertainment

Home to professional and collegiate athletics

College & Development

🎓 College
NCAA Division I: Big West Conference

Transportation & Infrastructure

Getting around Santa Cruz

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Roads & Highways

Major Highways: CA-1, CA-17

Average Commute: 29 minutes

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Public Transit

Santa Cruz Metropolitan Transit District

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Airports

SJC - Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International, MRY - Monterey Peninsula Airport

Places & Attractions

Discover what makes Santa Cruz unique

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Landmarks

  • Mission Santa Cruz
  • Pacific Avenue
  • Santa Cruz Wharf
  • Boardwalk Rides
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Attractions

  • Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
  • UCSC Arboretum
  • Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Exploration Center
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Museums

  • Santa Cruz Museum of Art & History
  • Seymour Marine Discovery Center
  • Santa Cruz Surfing Museum
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Parks

  • Natural Bridges State Beach
  • Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park
  • Lighthouse Field State Beach
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Healthcare

  • Dominican Hospital
  • Watsonville Community Hospital

Key Industries

Economic drivers powering Santa Cruz

Tourism Education Technology Agriculture Health Services

Living Here

Essential information about life in Santa Cruz

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Climate & Geography

Climate: Mediterranean

Elevation: 36 feet

Time Zone: America/Los_Angeles

County: Santa Cruz County

Metro Area: Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA Metro Area

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Contact Information

Area Code: 831

ZIP Codes: 95060, 95062, 95065

Location

Find Santa Cruz on the map

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