Watsonville

Know nationally for its rich agricultural industry, this southernmost city in Santa Cruz County goes way beyond neat rows of crops.

Welcome to Watsonville

Watsonville Real Estate & Community
 
Watsonville is at the heart of Santa Cruz County, deeply rooted in humble beginnings, an industrious culture, and, most famously, local soil. Know nationally for its rich agricultural industry, this southernmost city in Santa Cruz County goes way beyond neat rows of crops. Here, you’ll find delicious eats, tons of places to play outside, the only airport in the county, and a thriving agricultural community waiting for you to join in. It may not be as flashy as the other big names in the county (we’re looking at you Capitola) but we’re warning you: don’t underestimate Watsonville real estate and community.
 
 
 

Watsonville Food

We’ll start with all of the good eats, because how can you be expected to do anything on an empty stomach? Begin in the heart of downtown, right on Main Street, and get some authentic Mexican fare at Jalisco Mexican Cuisine, handmade tamales at The Tamale Factory, or artisan pizza at The Slice Project.
 
If you’re looking for another local hotspot, you’ll have to check out The Hangar. This new-ish complex is at the Watsonville Airport in a converted (you guessed it) airline hangar. Check out The Beer Mule for local brews, house-made food, and tons of outdoor games. The Hangar also has Zameen, Mr.Z’s Crepes & Teas,
 
For something that’s more OG, you’ll have to go to Freedom Meat Lockers or Corralitos Market & Sausage Co. We have to warn you though: locals will absolutely ask you which of these competing butchers has your loyalty. It’s a tough choice because both have house-stuffed sausages and the freshest cuts of meat this side of the Mississippi (basically).
 
You can’t have all of that food and not need something to wash it down, right? You could head back to the Beer Mule, but you could also hit up The Slough Brewing Collective or Corralitos Brewing. Which reminds us – the Corralitos Wine Trail is a must. You won’t find anything near pretentious on this gorgeous, countryside booze cruise. You will find craft wine in some of the prettiest locations in the entire county. A few of the Strock Office favorites include Alfaro WineryLester Estate Wines, and Nicholson Vineyards. You could easily sip away a sunny afternoon on this trail.
 
 

Watsonville Family

Whether you’re looking for a relaxing solo afternoon or want to bring the whole fam along, Watsonville gives you a lot to choose from.
 
If you grew up locally, chances are you’ve been to Watsonville on a field trip to go berry picking. In a town that boasts national heavyweights like Driscoll’s and Cal Giant, it’s no wonder that everyone wants in on the action; there’s even an annual Strawberry Festival! Head over to Gizdich Ranch to pick some berries, or connect with Open Farm Tours to see which locally owned ranches are open to the public on a given weekend.
 
You could also fish at Pinto Lake, tour the historic Castro Adobe, or mark your calendar for the fall Santa Cruz County Fair (which features hog races, prize-winning chickens, and authentic funnel cake). Watsonville also has plenty of beaches where you can enjoy the coastline: Sunset Beach, La Selva, and Manresa are all local favorites. If you’d rather see a bird’s eye view of the coastline, Specialized Helicopters at Watsonville Airport gives passengers an aerial view of the entire Monterey Bay.
 
Whether you’re a large family or a couple on the go, Watsonville Real Estate has every housing option available. In town, you’ll find historic charmers running the gamut of styles, from Victorian to California Bungalow. You’ll also find beautiful homes that feature slough views, as well as trendy townhomes that are within walking distance of The Hangar.
 
Not enough space? Say no more. The Corralitos hills offer homes on acreage, folded into the beautiful countryside. Or, you could live right on the sand at Pajaro Dunes or the community of La Selva Beach. 
 
 

Watsonville Fun

Whether you’re looking for a relaxing solo afternoon or want to bring the whole fam along, Watsonville gives you a lot to choose from.
 
If you grew up locally, chances are you’ve been to Watsonville on a field trip to go berry picking. In a town that boasts national heavyweights like Driscoll’s and Cal Giant, it’s no wonder that everyone wants in on the action; there’s even an annual Strawberry Festival! Head over to Gizdich Ranch to pick some berries, or connect with Open Farm Tours to see which locally owned ranches are open to the public on a given weekend.
 
You could also fish at Pinto Lake, tour the historic Castro Adobe, or mark your calendar for the fall Santa Cruz County Fair (which features hog races, prize-winning chickens, and authentic funnel cake). Watsonville also has plenty of beaches where you can enjoy the coastline: Sunset Beach, La Selva, and Manresa are all local favorites. If you’d rather see a birds’ eye view of the coastline, Specialized Helicopters at Watsonville Airport give passengers the aerial view of the entire Monterey Bay.
 
Whether you’re a large family or a couple on the go, Watsonville has every housing option available. In town, you’ll find historic charmers running the gamut of styles, from Victorian to California Bungalow. You’ll also find beautiful homes that feature slough views, as well as trendy townhomes that are within walking distance to The Hangar.
 
Not enough space? Say no more. The Corralitos hills offer homes on acreage, folded into the beautiful countryside. Or, you could live right on the sand at Pajaro Dunes or the community of La Selva Beach. 
 
 

Watsonville Fitness

You may not realize it at first, but Watsonville is actually built on an 800-acre wetland that’s teeming with wildlife. Over seven miles of trails lace through town before running along the slough shores. Hop on your bike, go for a run, or just walk along the trails as you watch for endangered Red-Legged Frogs or Golden Eagles that call this watershed home (there are 23 threatened species).
 
For more activity, you can head over to Ramsay Park to shred on the Pump Track, join a game of tennis, or play at Soccer Central Indoor Sports. There’s also a cycling studio over at The Hangar called Ritual Ride Studio if you’re really looking to break a sweat. Lastly, the Byrne-Milliron Forest hiking trail up in the Corralitos hills is a hidden gem that gives you sweeping views of Monterey Bay.
 
We warned you: don’t underestimate the city of Watsonville. As beautiful as it is diverse, there’s something for everyone here.
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Overview for Watsonville, CA

84,281 people live in Watsonville, where the median age is 33.7 and the average individual income is $28,801. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.

84,281

Total Population

33.7 years

Median Age

High

Population Density Population Density This is the number of people per square mile in a neighborhood.

$28,801

Average individual Income

Around Watsonville, CA

There's plenty to do around Watsonville, including shopping, dining, nightlife, parks, and more. Data provided by Walk Score and Yelp.

16
Car-Dependent
Walking Score
56
Bikeable
Bike Score

Points of Interest

Explore popular things to do in the area, including Humble Sebi, Monterey Bay Farms Organic, and Laura’s Sweet Side.

Name Category Distance Reviews
Ratings by Yelp
Dining 2.49 miles 7 reviews 5/5 stars
Dining · $$ 4.82 miles 8 reviews 5/5 stars
Dining 2.01 miles 5 reviews 5/5 stars
Dining · $ 2.07 miles 8 reviews 5/5 stars
Dining 2.01 miles 7 reviews 5/5 stars
Dining · $$ 4.52 miles 12 reviews 5/5 stars

Demographics and Employment Data for Watsonville, CA

Watsonville has 23,451 households, with an average household size of 3.55. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau. Here’s what the people living in Watsonville do for work — and how long it takes them to get there. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau. 84,281 people call Watsonville home. The population density is 605.75 and the largest age group is Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.

84,281

Total Population

High

Population Density Population Density This is the number of people per square mile in a neighborhood.

33.7

Median Age

49.94 / 50.06%

Men vs Women

Population by Age Group

0-9:

0-9 Years

10-17:

10-17 Years

18-24:

18-24 Years

25-64:

25-64 Years

65-74:

65-74 Years

75+:

75+ Years

Education Level

  • Less Than 9th Grade
  • High School Degree
  • Associate Degree
  • Bachelor Degree
  • Graduate Degree
23,451

Total Households

3.55

Average Household Size

$28,801

Average individual Income

Households with Children

With Children:

Without Children:

Marital Status

Married
Single
Divorced
Separated

Blue vs White Collar Workers

Blue Collar:

White Collar:

Commute Time

0 to 14 Minutes
15 to 29 Minutes
30 to 59 Minutes
60+ Minutes

Schools in Watsonville, CA

All ()
Primary Schools ()
Middle Schools ()
High Schools ()
Mixed Schools ()
The following schools are within or nearby Watsonville. The rating and statistics can serve as a starting point to make baseline comparisons on the right schools for your family. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.
Type
Name
Category
Grades
School rating
Monte Vista Christian School
PRIVATE
6th - 12th
No rating available
Amesti Elementary
PUBLIC
K - 5th
No rating available
PUBLIC
6th - 8th
No rating available
Freedom Elementary
PUBLIC
K - 5th
1/5
Cesar E. Chavez Middle
PUBLIC
6th - 8th
1/5
Moreland Notre Dame School
PRIVATE
K - 8th
No rating available
Mount Madonna School
PRIVATE
PreK - 12th
No rating available
St Francis High School Salesian College Prep
PRIVATE
9th - 12th
No rating available
Calabasas Elementary
PUBLIC
K - 6th
No rating available
H. A. Hyde Elementary
PUBLIC
K - 5th
No rating available
Mintie White Elementary
PUBLIC
K - 5th
No rating available
Rolling Hills Middle
PUBLIC
6th - 8th
No rating available
T. S. MacQuiddy Elementary
PUBLIC
K - 5th
No rating available
PUBLIC
K - 8th
2/5
Diamond Technology Institute
PUBLIC
9th - 12th
3/5
Ann Soldo Elementary
PUBLIC
K - 5th
1/5
Green Valley Christian School
PRIVATE
PreK - 8th
No rating available
PUBLIC
K - 8th
No rating available
PUBLIC
6th - 8th
No rating available
PUBLIC
K - 12th
2/5
Starlight Elementary
PUBLIC
K - 5th
1/5
PUBLIC
K - 6th
2/5
Watsonville Charter School of the Arts
PUBLIC
K - 8th
2/5
Renaissance High Continuation
PUBLIC
9th - 12th
No rating available
Salesian Elementary & Junior High School
PRIVATE
K - 8th
No rating available
PUBLIC
9th - 12th
3/5
PUBLIC
9th - 12th
1/5
PUBLIC
K - 5th
No rating available
PUBLIC
9th - 12th
2/5
PUBLIC
K - 12th
No rating available
PRIVATE
9th - 12th
No rating available
Ceiba College Preparatory Academy
PUBLIC
6th - 12th
3/5
Echo Valley Elementary
PUBLIC
K - 6th
No rating available
PUBLIC
K - 8th
3/5
PUBLIC
6th - 8th
No rating available
PUBLIC
K - 5th
1/5
PUBLIC
K - 5th
No rating available
Hall District Elementary
PUBLIC
K - 5th
No rating available
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