A Laid-Back Beach Town with Iconic Charm and Coastal Energy
Santa Cruz, California, is a vibrant coastal city located in Santa Cruz County, along the northern edge of Monterey Bay. Known for its laid-back surf culture, stunning beaches, redwood forests, and vibrant downtown, Santa Cruz offers a dynamic blend of natural beauty, counterculture spirit, and youthful energy.
Home to UC Santa Cruz, the city is a magnet for students, artists, nature lovers, and entrepreneurs alike. With easy access to both the Pacific Ocean and towering redwood forests, Santa Cruz offers a truly unique lifestyle where outdoor adventure and cultural experiences go hand-in-hand.
Santa Cruz has a rich and diverse history, starting with the Ohlone people, followed by Spanish colonization in the late 1700s with the founding of Mission Santa Cruz in 1791. The city later developed as a coastal resort destination in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Famous for its iconic Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, the oldest surviving amusement park in California, Santa Cruz has long drawn visitors for sun, surf, and fun. Over the decades, it has also become known as a hub for environmentalism, progressive values, and alternative culture.
Santa Cruz has a diverse and progressive population, with a blend of university students, families, surfers, retirees, and tech workers who commute to nearby Silicon Valley.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Population | ~63,000 |
| Median Age | 29 years |
| Household Types | Students, families, professionals, retirees |
| Diversity | Ethnically and culturally diverse |
Santa Cruz is conveniently located along Highway 1 and Highway 17, making it accessible to major cities while still retaining a small-town feel.
32 miles from San Jose
74 miles from San Francisco
Accessible via Highway 17 from Silicon Valley
Served by Santa Cruz Metro and Highway 1 coastal routes
Santa Cruz’s real estate market is competitive and in high demand due to its coastal location and lifestyle appeal. Homebuyers can find everything from historic Victorians and beach bungalows to modern eco-conscious builds and hillside homes.
| Category | Details |
| Median Home Price | ~$1.2 million |
| Popular Home Types | Beach cottages, mid-century homes, condos, custom homes |
| Notable Neighborhoods | Seabright, Westside, Eastside, Downtown Santa Cruz |
Santa Cruz is known for its outdoor recreation, arts and music scene, and community-centered living. Whether you're surfing the waves at Steamer Lane or enjoying a concert at the Rio Theatre, the city offers a wide range of amenities for every interest.
Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk – Historic amusement park and beachfront fun
Downtown Santa Cruz – Eclectic shops, bookstores, cafes, and live entertainment
Natural Bridges State Beach – Tide pools, sea arches, and monarch butterfly grove
UC Santa Cruz Arboretum & Botanic Garden – Featuring rare and global plant collections
Santa Cruz’s food scene offers everything from organic farm-to-table eateries to international cuisine and seaside seafood shacks. The town is also home to vibrant farmers’ markets and artisan shops.
| Category | Top Picks |
| Fine Dining | Oswald, Alderwood, Gabriella Café |
| Casual Eateries | The Buttery, Saturn Café, The Penny Ice Creamery |
| Shopping | Pacific Avenue, Swift Street Courtyard, Capitola Village |
Wilder Ranch State Park – Trails, historic ranch buildings, and coastal views
Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park – Towering redwood forests and scenic river paths
Arana Gulch Trail – A peaceful city-to-coast connector for walking and biking
Santa Cruz Wharf – Fishing, dining, and sea lion watching
Santa Cruz is served by the Santa Cruz City Schools District, and it’s home to the University of California, Santa Cruz (UC Santa Cruz), a prestigious research institution with a focus on environmental science, humanities, and innovation.
| School Level | Notable Institutions |
| Elementary | Bay View Elementary, Westlake Elementary |
| Middle School | Mission Hill Middle School, Branciforte Middle School |
| High School | Santa Cruz High School, Harbor High School |
| Higher Education | UC Santa Cruz, Cabrillo College |
Santa Cruz offers several transit options for both local and regional travel.
Santa Cruz Metro provides city-wide bus service
Highway 17 Express Bus connects to San Jose Diridon Station
Bike lanes and pedestrian paths throughout the city
Nearby San Jose International Airport (SJC) for domestic and international travel
Santa Cruz is one of California’s most walkable and bike-friendly beach towns. With scenic coastal paths, urban trails, and bike lanes, residents can get around easily and sustainably.
West Cliff Drive – Popular walking and biking route with ocean views
Downtown Santa Cruz – Fully walkable with shops, cafes, and public spaces
Multiple greenways and trail systems connecting parks and neighborhoods
Bike share programs and advocacy groups promoting cycling culture
Santa Cruz has a diverse local economy, supported by tourism, education, agriculture, and technology. Many residents also work remotely or commute to Silicon Valley for employment.
| Company/Institution | Industry |
| UC Santa Cruz | Higher Education |
| Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk | Tourism & Entertainment |
| Santa Cruz City Schools | Education |
| Santa Cruz County | Government & Services |
Santa Cruz is a national leader in environmentalism and sustainability, with numerous programs and policies aimed at reducing its ecological footprint.
Zero Waste goal by 2030
Marine sanctuary and coastal preservation
Public transportation incentives and EV infrastructure
Sustainable agriculture and green business certifications
Santa Cruz is more than just a surf town—it’s a cultural haven, ecological model, and adventure playground. With its stunning landscapes, progressive values, and endless recreation, Santa Cruz offers a lifestyle that’s both exhilarating and laid-back.
Whether you’re seeking a home by the beach, access to world-class education, or a thriving creative community, Santa Cruz welcomes you with open arms and ocean breezes.
62,714 people live in Santa Cruz, where the median age is 29 and the average individual income is $46,720. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.
Total Population
Median Age
Population Density Population Density This is the number of people per square mile in a neighborhood.
Average individual Income
There's plenty to do around Santa Cruz, including shopping, dining, nightlife, parks, and more. Data provided by Walk Score and Yelp.
Explore popular things to do in the area, including Urban Sanctuary Yoga and Boutique, Agile Monkey Pilates Studio, and Monarch Pilates.
| Name | Category | Distance | Reviews |
Ratings by
Yelp
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Active | 3.76 miles | 5 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
| Active | 0.48 miles | 24 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
| Active | 3.98 miles | 23 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
| Active | 2.05 miles | 20 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
| Active | 3.53 miles | 8 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
| Active | 2.84 miles | 14 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
| Active | 4.42 miles | 5 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
| Beauty | 4.61 miles | 6 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
| Beauty | 3.91 miles | 5 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
| Beauty | 1.02 miles | 9 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
| Beauty | 4.92 miles | 16 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
| Beauty | 0.23 miles | 5 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
| Beauty | 3.75 miles | 28 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
| Beauty | 3.05 miles | 14 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
| Beauty | 4.42 miles | 5 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
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Santa Cruz has 22,067 households, with an average household size of 2.37. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau. Here’s what the people living in Santa Cruz do for work — and how long it takes them to get there. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau. 62,714 people call Santa Cruz home. The population density is 4,922.59 and the largest age group is Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.
Total Population
Population Density Population Density This is the number of people per square mile in a neighborhood.
Median Age
Men vs Women
Population by Age Group
0-9 Years
10-17 Years
18-24 Years
25-64 Years
65-74 Years
75+ Years
Education Level
Total Households
Average Household Size
Average individual Income
Households with Children
With Children:
Without Children:
Marital Status
Blue vs White Collar Workers
Blue Collar:
White Collar:
0.2 
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