Best Place to Buy Real Estate in Santa Cruz, CA

Approach to the 13th Green at Pasatiempo. Photo by Rob Babcock – Pasatiempo Golf Club.

Natural splendor, outdoor activities, cultural diversity, and a close-knit community are all things that Santa Cruz real estate has in spades. It has made this place a popular choice among those looking for a unique and satisfying coastal lifestyle in California. The people of Santa Cruz have a stellar reputation for being very communal. Many local activities, such as farmers' markets and neighborhood get-togethers, bring people from the area together and make everyone feel at home.

 

The surrounding redwood forests, like Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, offer residents easy access to breathtaking stands of old trees, and there are lots of places to hike, camp, and unwind by the beach. The local real estate market is also experiencing tremendous growth. Here are some of Santa Cruz's most sought-after neighborhoods for prospective homeowners.

Santa Cruz's Top 7 Best Places to Buy Real Estate

1.   Pasatiempo, CA

Looking for one of the best places for great luxury homes for sale in Santa Cruz? Get ready to dive into the Pasatiempo homes over $1M for sale arena, a real estate investment opportunity that combines opulent living with breathtaking natural beauty. Pasatiempo is the height of upscale residential communities situated in the picturesque countryside of Santa Cruz, California. This upscale gated community offers a refined and tranquil lifestyle thanks to the well-known golf course that the legendary Alister Mackenzie created. For those exploring Santa Cruz homes for sale who are looking for the ideal combination of rustic charm and breathtaking natural scenery, Pasatiempo is calling. The views of the well-known Monterey Bay are genuinely remarkable, and the verdant surroundings are magnificent.

Pasatiempo offers an alluring opportunity to make a successful investment in a very desirable region of California, with its gorgeous landscapes and upscale homes. Owning one of those listed houses for sale in Pasatiempo (or even cheap land for sale if you are thinking about developing it in the future) offers not only a beautiful place to live but also a wise way to invest in the Santa Cruz Properties market because of its proximity to Silicon Valley and the thriving economy that caters to tech workers. There is a lot of room for long-term appreciation and retention here.

2.   Scotts Valley, CA

Scotts Valley is a small community located just 6 miles north of Santa Cruz, CA. The area is a general law town with a population of around 12,000, of whom, according to official statistics, 96.7% are residents. Scotts Valley is now planning to increase its community size by constructing and developing more homes and commercial spaces. Scotts Valley houses homes for sale that, with their contemporary designs, provide a magnificent appearance at a more affordable price point.

 

Scotts Valley is well-known for its excellent schools, close access to outdoor leisure areas, and stunning natural surroundings. With its proximity to the famous Santa Cruz Mountains and the Pacific Ocean, beautiful woods, and recreational pursuits such as hiking, riding, and camping, homes for sale over $1M in Scotts Valley, CA, have lots to offer you. The city is also noted for its high-quality public educational institutions, making it a desirable choice for households with children.

 

Moreover, IT industry workers who want a more laid-back lifestyle frequently choose to reside in Scotts Valley. It offers convenient access to career options in neighboring Silicon Valley.

 

    3.   Los Gatos, CA

Investing in Los Gatos homes over $1M for sale presents a compelling opportunity for several reasons. Firstly, Los Gatos boasts a highly desirable location in the heart of Silicon Valley, offering convenient access to major tech companies and employment centers. This proximity not only attracts professionals seeking a shorter commute but also contributes to a robust real estate market with steady demand.

Additionally, Los Gatos is renowned for its picturesque surroundings, including the scenic Santa Cruz Mountains and nearby parks, providing residents with ample opportunities for world-class outdoor recreation and a high quality of life. Furthermore, Los Gatos features a charming downtown area lined with boutique shops, gourmet restaurants, and cultural attractions, adding to its appeal as a desirable place to live.

The town also offers top-rated schools, making it an attractive option for families. With its combination of prime location, natural beauty, and vital community amenities, investing in Los Gatos homes for sale presents the potential for both long-term appreciation and a fulfilling lifestyle. If you're seeking Santa Cruz homes for sale or even mobile homes for sale under $500K, there's a variety of options to explore in this vibrant region.

4.   Capitola, CA

Capitola, a fantastic Santa Cruz County suburb, is located on Monterey Bay and offers limitless elegance with breathtaking vistas. The one-of-a-kind condominiums, townhouses, single-family properties, and holiday homes, among other properties here, are adorned with vibrant hues, exuding an energetic and fashionable atmosphere. Capitola also has some excellent restaurants and indoor shopping facilities. The Capitola Art and Wine Festival is only one of many exciting events that the town puts on each year. Other highlights include beach festivals, community races, and other similar festivities.

 

Please give Capitola Homes over $1M for Sale serious consideration if you are a lover of outdoor activities. Thanks to its beautiful scenery, the region is a haven for hikers and campers who want to take in the sights of Monterey Bay and the surrounding pine woods. Whether you're hiking the Pleasure Point cliff route or gazing at the ocean views from Depot Hill, there's plenty of scenic splendor to take in. In addition, the picturesque sandstone cliffs, peaceful campsites, and wooded bluffs of New Brighton State Beach provide an ideal setting for outdoor excursions.

5.   Aptos, CA

The ideal place for ecotourists is Aptos. Spectacular beaches, green spaces, and golf courses, as well as grand woodlands, characterize this picturesque little community. Aptos will feel like home for someone looking for Santa Cruz homes that offer quick access to outdoor activities. The views of Monterey Bay that can be seen from these properties are very breathtaking. With thirty miles of trails, an old tree, and towering redwoods in the distance, the Forest of Nicene Marks State Park is an excellent location for outdoor trips in Aptos.

 

Located on the Cabrillo Highway, Seacliff State Beach is the perfect spot for a picnic, some pier fishing, or an exploration of the S.S. Palo Alto. If you are in search of a house, you just must check into the homes for sale over $1M in Aptos, CA. This peaceful coastal town offers a wide variety of world-class relaxing activities right on the water's edge. The Rio Del Mar State Beach and the Manresa State Beach are two more great coastlines to hear the soothing ocean waves and enjoy the beautiful scenery. Aptos Village, a picturesque shopping and eating district that also happens to be the site of the Santa Cruz American Music Festival, is another popular destination for residents and internal and international tourists alike.

6.   Soquel, CA

As of 2022, Soquel's population was over 10,500. The town exudes an air of antiquity thanks to its rich history and the picturesque landscape that includes both rural and urban areas, as well as ravines, mountain ranges, and hillsides. A wide range of communities, shops, parks, and restaurants are all here. Very close to Capitola, a beach town, Soquel is indeed a great place to invest in real estate. Despite some price fluctuations, homes for sale over $1M in Soquel, CA, is still a comparatively affluent community, with an average house value of $1,313,774 in June 2024, an increase of 5.8 percent from the previous year. Nevertheless, the community's old-town charm, the famous Soquel Hills, and the abundance of Santa Cruz Mountain wineries make it obvious why this community has become highly sought after.

7.   Watsonville, CA

Watsonville, situated at the very southern border of Santa Cruz County, has a long history of farming and is a paradise for berry plants. Just a short drive away from other large cities like Big Sur, Monterey, or San Jose lies this "small" town, which is home to around 50,000 people.

 

The available homes for sale over $1M in Watsonville, CA, reflect the rich variety of this region's recreational opportunities and community offerings. From single-family residences to townhouses, condominiums, multi-family dwellings (including duplexes, triplexes, and apartment complexes), mobile homes, luxury estates, farmhouses, and ranches, as well as newly constructed homes, you'll discover a diverse range of housing options in Watsonville, CA.

 

The median market price for homes for sale in Watsonville, CA, is now $843,094, a 4.0% increase from a year ago.

 

Find the Best Place to Buy Real Estate in Santa Cruz, CA!

In conclusion, Santa Cruz is undoubtedly one of the best places to consider if you are a buyer looking for viable commercial properties and residential homes for sale in California, offering a unique blend of natural beauty, vibrant culture, and diverse property options. Whether you're seeking land for sale, mobile homes for sale, or need reliable consulting services for a wide range of properties such as multi-residential, infill, commercial, apartments, schools, ranch, acreage, camping/glamping sites, and sand hills mitigation, Paul Burrowes is your go-to expert for all your Santa Cruz real estate needs and in nearby small towns.

 

Paul Burrowes, CRS, CCEC, SFR, NHCP, LHC, REALTOR® Licensed REALTOR® with over 15 years of experience and expertise.  Commits to being on time and transparent. Acts as your consultant to ensure you make the best decisions to fit your transaction at every step in the process. Negotiates towards a low stress, win-win outcome. Handles all the details for you, ensuring the hundreds of steps in your real estate transaction go smoothly. Proudly serving Silicon Valley, Santa Cruz, Monterey, and Santa Clara Counties!  | DRE# 01955563 | (831) 295-5130 | paul@burrowes.com | About Santa Cruz and Northern California Real Estate