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Live Oak

Live Oak

Neighborhood in Santa Cruz, California

Santa Cruz County 95062, 95065

$1,206,680 Average Value
$783 Average Price per Sq Ft
19 Homes For Sale

Living near the coast in Live Oak

Live Oak is a small community that stretches from the foothills of the Santa Cruz Mountains to within a few blocks of the Pacific Ocean. It’s nestled just north of Capitola and Pleasure Point, so residents enjoy easy access to misty cliffside vistas, picturesque beaches and local attractions. “It’s very close to wonderful, well-maintained beaches and world-class surfing spots,” says Realtor Nicole Myhrstad, owner of Vista Properties and a longtime area resident.

Excellent surfing spots are just a short drive from Live Oak.
Excellent surfing spots are just a short drive from Live Oak.
In Live Oak it is common to see homes with their own solar system.
In Live Oak it is common to see homes with their own solar system.
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Relatively affordable homes in the heart of Santa Cruz County

The streets of Live Oaks are a hodgepodge of early and mid-20th century homes, mobile home parks, condos and the occasional newly built home. Landscaped front yards, privacy fences, tall pine and palm trees and narrow sidewalks are a common sight here. Prices are generally more affordable than in neighboring Pleasure Point and Capitola because the community doesn't directly border the beach. “Live Oak is not as cheap as it used to be, but it’s still very beautiful and relatively affordable. There are a lot of nice homes here,” says Realtor Jayson Madani of Room Real Estate, who lives just up the road in Scotts Valley. Prices for single-family homes typically range from around $1 million to $1.7 million, with the median resting at just under $1.2 million. Condo prices range from around $500,000 to $1 million.

The suburban dream is alive and well in Live Oak.
The suburban dream is alive and well in Live Oak.
In Live Oak the majority of homes are single story homes with spacious yards.
In Live Oak the majority of homes are single story homes with spacious yards.
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Community parks, pools and nearby beaches

Several community parks are tucked away along Live Oak's residential streets, including Chanticleer Avenue County Park, Felt Street County Park and Brommer Street County Park. All three offer picnic areas, playgrounds and benches where locals and their families can get out and enjoy the sunshine. South of the neighborhood is Simpkins Family Swim Center, an outdoor aquatic center with a splash zone, lap swimming and a picnic area. Live Oak Branch Library offers a cool place to read a book, use a public computer or enroll in programs and classes. The nearest beaches — Twin Lakes State Beach, Seabright State Beach and Santa Cruz Beach — are a little over a mile away. Breezy, cliffside vistas overlooking the bay are within reach at nearby Pleasure Point.

Simpkin's Family Swim Center is the perfect place to learn how to swim in Live Oak.
Simpkin's Family Swim Center is the perfect place to learn how to swim in Live Oak.
Chanticleer Avenue County Park in Live Oak has a large playground for children to play.
Chanticleer Avenue County Park in Live Oak has a large playground for children to play.
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Highly rated public schools

Young students can attend Live Oak Elementary School, which earns a B-plus rating from Niche. Sixth through eighth grade learners can go to B-plus-rated Shoreline Middle School, and upperclassmen attend A-minus-rated Soquel High School. More than 95% of Soquel High graduates go on to attend college.

Shoreline Middle School offers safe and quality education to students in Live Oak.
Shoreline Middle School offers safe and quality education to students in Live Oak.
Live Oak Elementary provides quality education for students in Santa Cruz.
Live Oak Elementary provides quality education for students in Santa Cruz.
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Local eateries and cafes

Live Oaks has a few restaurants and cafes, including Silver Spur, a saloon-style diner that's been around for decades. There's also El Jardin, a local favorite for authentic Mexican cuisine and frozen margaritas. The Live Oak Farmer’s Market brings a crowd every Sunday morning for local produce, street vendors and artisan wares. For everything else, Downtown Santa Cruz and Capitola are just a few miles away. Gayles Bakery & Rosticceria, about a mile east in Capitola, is a beloved restaurant that’s been serving up breakfast, lunch and baked goods for decades. Trader Joe’s, Whole Foods and Safeway are close by for grocery shopping and everyday necessities.

Trader Joe's offers inexpensive yet quality produce in Live Oak.
Trader Joe's offers inexpensive yet quality produce in Live Oak.
The Silver Spur offers delicious breakfast options in Live Oak.
The Silver Spur offers delicious breakfast options in Live Oak.
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Getting around Santa Cruz County

The neighborhood is traversed by State Route 1, a commuter corridor that connects to coastal destinations like Aptos. Live Oak is 2 miles from State Route 17 which crosses the Santa Cruz Mountains and connects with Silicon Valley and San Jose. For those who prefer public transit, there are Santa Cruz Metro bus stops along the neighborhood’s major throughways.

Highway 17 is the fastest way to get from Live Oak to San Francisco.
Highway 17 is the fastest way to get from Live Oak to San Francisco.
Live Oak offers a quite suburban life in Santa Cruz.
Live Oak offers a quite suburban life in Santa Cruz.
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Dominican Hospital

Dignity Health – Dominican Hospital, a major regional medical center with a cancer center, birth center and a neonatal intensive care unit, is in Live Oak. The hospital has received high marks from Leapfrog Group, a nonprofit watchdog for hospital safety.

Daniel Berti
Written By
Daniel Berti
Teal Mandzik
Photography Contributed By
Teal Mandzik
Daniel Quattro
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Daniel Quattro

Agents Specializing in this Area

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Schools

Source:
GreatSchools: The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process. View GreatSchools Rating Methodology

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Geneva Lawless, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Parks in this Area

Transit

Airport

Norman Y Mineta San Jose International

46 min drive

Bus

Brommer & 17th Ave

Bus

Capitola Rd & Woodrose Ave

Bus

Soquel Dr & Paul Sweet Rd

Bus

38th Ave (Blue & Gold)

Bus

Capitola Rd & 16th Ave

Bus

Capitola Rd & Jose Ave

Bus

7th Ave & Tanner Ct

Crime and Safety

1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime Live Oak US
Homicide 2 4
Sexual Assault 4 4
Assault with Weapon 3 4
Robbery 4 4
Burglary 5 4
Motor Vehicle Theft 5 4
Larceny 4 4
Crime Score 4 4

Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com

Demographics and Home Trends

Home Trends

Median Price (12 Mo)
$1,215,000
Median Single Family Price
$1,400,000
Median Townhouse Price
$860,000
Median 2 Bedroom Price
$672,000
Median 1 Bedroom Price
$282,500
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$783
Number of Homes for Sale
19
Last 12 months Home Sales
190
Months of Supply
1.20
Median List Price
$1,200,000
Median Discount From 1st List Price
0%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
11%

Home Facts

Number of Homes in Neighborhood
3,467
Median Year Built
1979
Avg. Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,532
Significantly below the national average
1,935
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
1,495
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
1,232
Average 1 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
701
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
6,534

Open Houses

  • Saturday, Apr 26
    1 - 4pm

    1021 Webster St, Santa Cruz, CA 95062

    $1,899,000

    • 3 Beds
    • 2.5 Baths
    • 1,921 Sq Ft
    • 1021 Webster St
    • New 9 days ago

    If you've been searching for a home in Live Oak, with its proximity to the beaches, yacht harbor, town center, & welcoming neighborhood feel, this is the one you've been waiting for. Situated on a corner lot, it features a beautifully landscaped yard with a low-maintenance drip system & mature fruit trees. This home was extensively remodeled in 2006 & has been lovingly maintained ever since.

    Agent Photo
    Ben Strock
    eXp Realty of California Inc
    (831) 603-7634
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  • Saturday, Apr 26
    12 - 3pm

    1331 Leila Ct, Santa Cruz, CA 95062

    $1,255,000

    • 3 Beds
    • 2 Baths
    • 1,107 Sq Ft
    • 1331 Leila Ct
    • New 4 days ago

    Sunny, Upgraded 3-Bedroom Home in the Heart of Live Oak! Looking for a bright, beautifully updated single-level home? Welcome to Leila Ct., where this sunny 3-bedroom, 2-bath gem offers comfort, charm, and modern upgrades throughout. From the moment you step inside, you're greeted by gorgeous Canadian maple floors and an abundance of natural light that fills the open living spaces. The updated

    Robin Bar David Lyng Real Estate

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  • Sunday, Apr 27
    1 - 4pm

    3024 Buckingham Ln Unit 14, Santa Cruz, CA 95062

    $939,000

    • 2 Beds
    • 1.5 Baths
    • 1,236 Sq Ft
    • 3024 Buckingham Ln
    • Unit 14
    • New 8 days ago

    Welcome to your peaceful hideaway, just blocks from the scenic beauty of Pleasure Point and its beaches. This charming 2 bedroom, 1.5 bath townhome offers the perfect balance of convenience and tranquility. Head out to 41st Avenue's vibrant stores and eateries, yet come home to the serenity of your private retreat. Inside, you'll find a thoughtfully designed, beautifully maintained space with an

    Mike Young Radius Agent Realty

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Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Geneva Lawless, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Average Home Value




Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

This Neighborhood Has More Owners

Demographics

Total Population
15,328
Median Age
43
Population Density
9 ppl/acre
Population under 18
20.6%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
21.5%
On par with the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$95,603
Significantly above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$125,179

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
90.2%
College Graduates
39.4%
Above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
15%
On par with the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
66.5%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
30''
Average Winter Low Temperature
41°F
Average Summer High Temperature
75°F
Annual Snowfall
0''

Area Factors

Biker's Paradise

Bike Score®

96 / 100

Somewhat Walkable

Walk Score®

62 / 100

Some Transit

Transit Score®

37 / 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score

Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.

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Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
NEIGHBORHOOD
Live Oak