Morning coffee at your neighborhood café. An afternoon by the ocean. Dinner at a favorite local spot. Life in Santa Cruz makes room for the everyday moments that make a place feel like home.
Set along Monterey Bay, Santa Cruz brings together a relaxed California lifestyle and an independent, creative spirit. Beaches, local shops, restaurants, and outdoor spaces shape daily life, while each neighborhood offers its own perspective on the city.
The Westside offers a connection to the coastline, with West Cliff Drive and Natural Bridges among its defining landmarks. Seabright blends beach access with neighborhood character, while Midtown brings cafés, restaurants, and local businesses into the everyday routine. Downtown offers another experience, with shopping, dining, and culture at its center.
Choosing where to live means looking beyond the home itself. It means understanding the surroundings, the daily rhythm, and what matters most to you.
Whether you’re drawn to a classic bungalow, a contemporary home, or a property with ocean views, your search deserves thoughtful guidance.
At Strock Team, we pair local knowledge with a clear understanding of your goals. We help you compare neighborhoods, recognize opportunities, and make informed decisions about your next move. For sellers, our signature preparation, considered pricing, and compelling marketing bring your home’s strongest qualities into focus.
Curious what living in Santa Cruz could look like for you? Let’s start the conversation.
99,985 people live in Santa Cruz, CA, where the median age is 37.6 and the average individual income is $57,295. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.
Total Population
Median Age
Population Density
Average individual Income
There's plenty to do around Santa Cruz, CA, including shopping, dining, nightlife, parks, and more. Data provided by Walk Score and Yelp.
Explore popular things to do in the area, including Santa Cruz Community Farmers' Market, Tacos El Jesse, and Hannah Lerch Yoga.
| Name | Category | Distance | Reviews |
Ratings by
Yelp
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dining | 1.63 miles | 0 reviews | 0/5 stars | |
| Dining | 1.63 miles | 6 reviews | 4.5/5 stars | |
| Active | 1.63 miles | 0 reviews | 0/5 stars | |
| Active | 1.63 miles | 0 reviews | 0/5 stars | |
| Active | 1.63 miles | 0 reviews | 0/5 stars | |
| Active | 1.63 miles | 1 review | 5/5 stars | |
| Beauty | 1.63 miles | 0 reviews | 0/5 stars | |
| Beauty | 1.63 miles | 2 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
| Beauty | 1.63 miles | 0 reviews | 0/5 stars | |
|
|
||||
|
|
||||
|
|
||||
|
|
||||
|
|
||||
|
|
Santa Cruz, CA has 37,205 households, with an average household size of 2.36. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau. Here’s what the people living in Santa Cruz, CA do for work — and how long it takes them to get there. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau. 99,985 people call Santa Cruz, CA home. The population density is 3,593 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:
Blue vs White Collar Workers
Blue Collar:
White Collar: