$1,512,209Average Value$875Average Price per Sq Ft2Homes For Sale
A hillside neighborhood just outside Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz Gardens is a midcentury subdivision nestled in woodland scenery just north of Santa Cruz and Capitola. It has its own elementary school, which has been a big draw for young families, says broker Eli Karon of Karon Properties. “It’s a walk-your-kid-to-school type of neighborhood. It’s safe. There’s not much traffic. You’re going to see kids riding their bikes and playing in the streets,” Karon says. The neighborhood feels slightly remote, but it’s just a short drive to popular coastal destinations. It sits north of the Pacific fog line, so it’s sunnier and warmer than areas closer to the coast.
Enjoy lush landscapes and peaceful living in Santa Cruz Gardens.
Santa Cruz Gardens streets boast a warm, inviting neighborhood atmosphere.
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Midcentury homes on quiet streets
Santa Cruz Gardens was built in the 1960s and is primarily made up of ranch homes, although some newer, contemporary designs can also be found here. The streets are lined with sidewalks, manicured lawns and lush landscaping. Homes in the neighborhood typically sell for between $1.5 million and $2 million, making it slightly more affordable than the Santa Cruz median. “It’s kind of like a workingman’s Westlake,” says Realtor Geneva Lawless of David Lyng Real Estate, who also sells in nearby Westlake, a popular midcentury subdivision. “It’s more affordable. It has smaller homes and smaller lots. But it’s also a great walking neighborhood and it’s surrounded by open space and trails.”
Discover modern elegance in Santa Cruz Gardens with this sleek contemporary home.
Santa Cruz Gardens offers serene ranch-style living.
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Highly rated public schools
Young students can attend Santa Cruz Gardens Elementary School, which earns an A-minus rating from Niche. The school is within the neighborhood and is just a short walk or bike ride away for many residents. Sixth through eighth grade learners can attend A-minus-rated New Brighton Middle School, and upperclassmen can attend A-rated Harbor High School. The high school offers a wide range of career and technical programs in addition to advanced placement courses.
Santa Cruz Gardens Elementary School officer great education for children in Santa Cruz.
New Brighton Middle School has an amazing staff dedicated to its students.
Harbor High School offers a dynamic curriculum that prepares students for future success.
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Community parks and trails
Santa Cruz Gardens County Park is the only park in the neighborhood. It has a playground, grassy lawns for picnicking and an entrance point for the Blue Trail, a short loop that’s brimming with redwoods and ferns. There’s also a neighborhood pool where residents cool off on hot summer days. Chaminade Resort & Spa, a luxury hotel, is just west of the neighborhood. It features a fitness center and tennis courts that accept local memberships. De Laveaga Park, about 2 miles west of Santa Cruz Gardens, is a sprawling, 550-acre park with winding trails, baseball fields, an archery range and an 18-hole golf course. The closest beaches are about 3 miles south at Seabright Beach, Capitola and Twin Lakes.
Santa Cruz Gardens' Blue Trail offers a serene walk among towering redwoods and lush ferns.
Santa Cruz Gardens Park has wide-open spaces for outdoor activities.
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Dining and shopping in Santa Cruz and Capitola
There’s no shopping or dining in Santa Cruz Gardens, but residents are just 3 miles from Capitola where the beachfront is dotted with casual and fine dining, shops and seaside attractions. It’s also close to Gayle’s Bakery & Rosticceria, a long-running favorite in Capitola for breakfast, lunch and baked goods. Santa Cruz Gardens is about 5 miles from Downtown Santa Cruz, a walkable district full of eateries, cafes and nightlife. For groceries, there’s a Trader Joe’s, Whole Foods and Safeway within 4 miles of the neighborhood.
Santa Cruz Gardens offers quick access to Capitola Mall for convenient shopping.
Indulge in authentic Mediterranean fare at Mozaic, a culinary gem near Santa Cruz Gardens.
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State Route 1, two miles south of Santa Cruz Gardens, is a key commuter route.
Close to State Route 1, Dominican Hospital
The neighborhood is ideal for commuting. It’s about 2 miles from the nearest on-ramp for State Route 1, a commuter corridor that connects with towns and cities up and down the Pacific coast. Because of the neighborhood’s off-the-beaten-path locale, residents will likely need a car to get around. Dignity Health – Dominican Hospital, a major regional medical center, is a mile south. The hospital has received outstanding grades from Leapfrog Group, a nonprofit watchdog for hospital safety.
Increased wildfire risk
Santa Cruz Gardens is at an increased risk of wildfires. Throughout California, wildfires have become more frequent and dangerous because of global warming. A massive wildfire burned much of nearby Big Basin State Park in 2020 and destroyed over 900 homes north of the City of Santa Cruz.
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
Santa Cruz Gardens Community Park
Transit
Airport
Norman Y Mineta San Jose International
48 min drive
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Santa Cruz Gardens
US
Homicide
1
4
Sexual Assault
1
4
Assault with Weapon
1
4
Robbery
1
4
Burglary
2
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
2
4
Larceny
2
4
Crime Score
2
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Santa Cruz Gardens, Santa Cruz sell after 23 days on the market compared to the national average of 47 days. The average sale price for homes in Santa Cruz Gardens, Santa Cruz over the last 12 months is $1,560,444, down 18% from the average home sale price over the previous 12 months.
A blend of form and function, 3696 Tiffani Court is an artful and sophisticated retreat. This Santa Cruz cul-de-sac is lined with quality homes and is worth experiencing. The welcoming and beautifully maintained hilltop 4br, 2.5ba, 2,889sf home with stunning canyon and framed water views is thoughtfully designed for separation of space, relaxation, time on and off living, and year-round
Breathtaking Monterey Bay full ocean views in the sought-after Benson Avenue neighborhood. Experience this classic Spanish-style home with arched doorways and eye-catching terracotta tile roof complement the home's stucco exterior. Enjoy the sunrise on your east-facing porch. The foyer invites you inside. Upstairs: A generous primary bedroom with picture windows looking out at the ocean includes
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
1,226
Median Age
49
Population Density
5 ppl/acre
Population under 18
19.6%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
28%
Above the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$141,836
Significantly above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$173,630
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
97%
Above the national average
89.1%
College Graduates
38.4%
On par with the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
15.7%
% Population in Labor Force
65.3%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
30''
Average Winter Low Temperature
41°F
Average Summer High Temperature
75°F
Annual Snowfall
0''
Area Factors
Somewhat Bikeable
Bike Score®
27/ 100
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®
25/ 100
Minimal Transit
Transit Score®
0/ 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.
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.
