Santa Cruz County is known for its beautiful coastline and its vibrant community. If you're considering a move to Santa Cruz, you might be wondering which coastal neighborhood best suits your lifestyle. Let's explore five popular areas - Capitola, Aptos, Davenport, West Side Santa Cruz, and Pleasure Point - to help you find your perfect match.
Capitola:
“Capitola-by-the-sea” is a quaint seaside town that captures the quintessential essence of a California beach community and is reminiscent of Mediterranean coastal villages. Known for its colorful beachfront Venetians, iconic wharf, and lively Esplanade, Capitola offers a unique blend of small-town charm and luxury coastal living.
Lifestyle and Attractions:
The Capitola Village is the heart of the community, featuring boutique shops, art galleries, and a variety of restaurants and cafes, many beach front or river front along the Soquel Creek.
Capitola Beach is perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and building sandcastles. It is also the perfect training ground for surfers looking for beginners surf spots in Santa Cruz. During the summer it is a hotspot for tourists and locals alike.
Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy paddleboarding, kayaking, and fishing.
Real Estate: Capitola offers a range of housing options, many of which function as vacation rentals (in the vacation rental zone) or second homes. There are many nice family neighborhoods walking distance to schools such as New Brighton Middle School. There are also some fantastic affordable condo complexes. The average home sales price in 2022 was $1.7m for single family homes.
Ideal for: Those seeking a lively beach town atmosphere with a strong sense of community and plenty of recreational activities.
Aptos: Aptos is a tranquil community that offers a more laid-back coastal experience. It's characterized by its natural beauty, rich history, and close-knit community feel. The recently developed Aptos Village area has brought Aptos a tremendous surge of growth in the last 5 years and this unincorporated town is bustling with energy.
Lifestyle and Attractions:
The Forest of Nisene Marks State Park provides 30 miles of trails for hiking, running, and mountain biking amongst the redwoods.
Seacliff State Beach along with its iconic Cement Ship is perfect for picnics, barbecues, and seaside strolls at sunset. There is 12 miles of pristine beach accessible from Aptos!
The revitalized Aptos Village offers a charming downtown area with local shops and eateries.
Real Estate:
Aptos provides a diverse range of housing options, from luxury beachfront homes to golf-course townhomes, catering to various preferences and budgets. Similar to Capitola it functions as a second home destination for many. Aptos is also one of the areas in Santa Cruz with the most amount of beach front gated communities.
Ideal for: Nature lovers and those seeking a quieter coastal lifestyle. Also great for golf enthusiasts who will enjoy the Seascape Golf Course. Due to traffic, Aptos is not idea for anyone commuting north over highway 17.
Davenport: Davenport, located about 10 miles north of Santa Cruz, offers a unique blend of rugged coastal beauty and (very) small-town charm. This tiny unincorporated community provides a serene escape from the busier areas of Santa Cruz County while still offering easy access to the region's amenities as well as the north coast.
Lifestyle and Attractions:
Davenport Beach and the nearby Davenport Bluffs offer stunning ocean views and opportunities for beachcombing, whale watching, and picnicking.
The town is a gateway to several state parks and beaches, including Wilder Ranch State Park and Big Basin Redwoods State Park, providing ample hiking and outdoor recreation opportunities.
Davenport is known for its artisanal food scene, featuring the famous Whale City Bakery and roadside farm stands selling fresh local produce such as Swanton Berry Farm (which has the best strawberry cider ever!)
Real Estate:
Davenport's real estate market is relatively small, with a mix of historic homes and a few newer construction luxury homes. The town's population is around 400 residents, creating a close-knit community feel. Housing options range from quaint cottages to larger properties with ocean views.
Ideal for: Nature lovers, artists, and those seeking a quiet coastal lifestyle away from the hustle and bustle of larger towns. Davenport is perfect for individuals who appreciate dramatic coastal scenery, outdoor activities, and a strong sense of community. It also has an adorable elementary school.
Unique Features:
The town is surrounded by working farms and is part of the Santa Cruz Mountains American Viticultural Area, making it a haven for food and wine enthusiasts.
Davenport is home to a vibrant artist community, with galleries showcasing local talent.
The iconic cement plant, while no longer operational, serves as a landmark and reminder of the town's industrial past.
Davenport offers a slower pace of life compared to other coastal areas in Santa Cruz County. Its remote location and small population contribute to its tranquil atmosphere, making it an ideal spot for those who want to escape the crowds while still enjoying the beauty of the California coast and easy access to Santa Cruz. However, residents should be prepared for a more rural lifestyle, as most amenities and services are located in nearby Santa Cruz.
West Side Santa Cruz: The West Side of Santa Cruz is known for its strong surf culture, proximity to UC Santa Cruz, and vibrant food and beverage scene.
Lifestyle and Attractions:
West Cliff Drive offers a scenic route for walking, biking, and enjoying ocean views. Don’t miss the iconic rock arches of Natural Bridges State Park - also home to the Monarch Butterflies!
The area is home to famous surf spots like Steamer Lane.
The Swift Street commercial district boasts a variety of restaurants, brewpubs, and shops.
Real Estate:
The West Side offers diverse housing options, from beachfront properties to family homes near excellent schools. Due to its proximity to UCSC there are more students and staff/faculty in this part of town.
Ideal for: Surfers, academics, and those who appreciate a blend of beach culture and intellectual pursuits.
Pleasure Point: Pleasure Point on Santa Cruz’s East Side is a small surf community that embodies the essence of Santa Cruz's surf culture.
Lifestyle and Attractions:
Nearly a dozen famous surf breaks make it a paradise for surfers of all skill levels.
The commercial hub at 41st Ave and Portola Dr offers surf shops, boutiques, and popular eateries.
The annual Pleasure Point Street Faire celebrates the local surf culture and there are many other community events throughout the year that take place on East Cliff Drive.
Real Estate:
Pleasure Point likely offers a mix of beachside properties and luxury homes with easy access to world-class surf spots.
Ideal for: Surf enthusiasts and those seeking an authentic beach town experience with a strong local community.
Making Your Decision
When choosing between these coastal Santa Cruz neighborhoods, consider the following factors:
Lifestyle Preferences: Do you prefer a lively beach town (Capitola, Pleasure Point), a quieter coastal community (Davenport, Aptos), or a blend of rural and urban living (West Side)?
Commute: If you have to commute north over highway 17 then the West Side is your best bet as northbound traffic through Santa Cruz can be brutal during peak commute hours.
Outdoor Activities: While all areas offer beach access, some provide more diverse options. Aptos is great for walking along the sand, while Pleasure Point and West Side are ideal for surfing.
Community Vibe: Each neighborhood has its unique character. Capitola offers a vibrant village atmosphere, Davenport provides a small-town feel, and West Side blends surf culture with university influences.
Housing Options: Consider your budget and preferred home style.
Proximity to Amenities: Think about your daily needs and how close you want to be to shops, restaurants, and schools.
Future Plans: Consider potential changes in your lifestyle. Are you starting a family, retiring, or looking for a vacation home? Each area has its own vacation rental ordinance, so make sure to research those before committing to a home you are planning to rent out for short-term rentals.
Each of these coastal Santa Cruz neighborhoods offers its own charm and advantages. Capitola provides a quaint but sometimes touristy beach town experience, Aptos and Davenport offer serene coastal living, West Side of Santa Cruz combines surf culture with UCSC influences, and Pleasure Point is a surf haven with strong local character.
Ultimately, the right neighborhood for you will depend on your personal preferences, lifestyle needs, and future plans. Take the time to visit each area, explore the local amenities, and imagine yourself living there. For more information reach out to top local Santa Cruz real estate agent Ace Woods at 831.419.5852.
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