Amenities
Conveniently located, the area boasts a variety of amenities, including grocery stores, shopping, coffee shops and entertainment options all within walking distance.
Commute
The high commute score in this area could imply easy access to public transportation, as well as shorter-than-average commute times to your workplace.
Employment
With higher than average median household income, income per capita and lower unemployment rates, this area scores extremely well in the employment category.
Health & Safety
Accessible health facilities like hospitals, doctors offices, clinics and nursing homes as well as good air quality are all factors that have led to a high score in this category.
Schools
The high score in the schools category can be attributed to outstanding test scores, elevated graduation rates and the convenient placement of elementary and high schools in this area.
Cost Of Living
This area is known for its high cost of living, which means you should anticipate higher costs for everyday goods and services, housing, groceries, and health care.
Crime
Reporting high crime rates per 100,000 people, this area may be perceived as an unsafe place to reside. These statistics encompass both violent and property crime rates.
Ratings
Through surveys and polls, AreaVibes obtained feedback from local residents in the area, and the results did not indicate a favorable outlook on factors like local amenities and the safety of the area.
Santa Cruz is a moderately-sized city located in the state of California. The city has a population of 67,016 people. With a population density of 5,260 people per square mile, Santa Cruz is well above the nation's average density level. According to the most recent Census, 73% of Santa Cruz residents are White, 10% Asian and 2% Black. Santa Cruz could be a great place for young adults and students as the average age of 28 years old is below the nation’s average. Single men and women might be happy to hear that in Santa Cruz, only 32% of the population is married. Long commute times to work can be incredibly frustrating, ranking just behind housework on the list of life's annoyances. If you opt to make Santa Cruz your home, your one-way commute time will typically last around 23 minutes, a duration that aligns with the national average commute time of 26 minutes.
Are you trying to decide if living in Santa Cruz is the right fit for your lifestyle? To ensure a good experience before relocating to any new city in California, you will probably want to make sure that you check all of the most important boxes. Several key factors deserve attention. For one, safety is paramount, ensuring that your new area is low in crime is key. Proximity to workplaces or schools minimizes commute times and fosters convenience. Access to essential amenities like parks, grocery stores, food, fitness, shops and healthcare facilities enhances daily life. Efficient public transportation options provide mobility and connectivity. The sense of community creates a welcoming and supportive environment. Lastly, the overall atmosphere, encompassing the vibe, aesthetics, and lifestyle offerings, contributes to a fulfilling living experience. Considering these elements helps identify the ideal neighborhood for your needs and preferences. With useful information like crime, health & safety, employment and other key data points, finding the best places to live in Santa Cruz and in the areas around Santa Cruz is a much easier task.
With a livability score of 74 out of 100, Santa Cruz is ranked #4,243 in the United States and #137 in California. If we dig a little deeper into each category within the livability score, we see that Santa Cruz has higher than average rankings for the following: education (A) and employment (A+). Santa Cruz does not fare well for the following: crime (F) and cost of living (F). It might be a good idea to take a closer look at each category to find out why.
Living in Santa Cruz offers many benefits and offers an extensive array of local amenities. These amenities play a crucial role in enhancing the quality of life in this vibrant community. From readily accessible grocery stores to charming coffee shops, diverse dining options and generously spaced parks, Santa Cruz provides a wide spectrum of resources for its residents. This ensures that your daily requirements are effortlessly met and creates abundant opportunities for leisure and recreation. The abundant local offerings contribute to the area's overall appeal, making it an attractive destination for those seeking convenience, variety and a fulfilling lifestyle. If you're considering a move, the wealth of local amenities continues could be a defining feature of this remarkable locale. A few of the enjoyable things to experience and sights to see are: Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, Santa Cruz Wharf, and University of California at Santa Cruz.
Being close to public transit, grocery stores, parks and other conveniences are all important when weighing your options for a new home in Santa Cruz. Before you determine if any of these amenities are available in the area, you will also want to know if the real estate prices in Santa Cruz are affordable. The median home price for Santa Cruz homes is $1,610,207, which is 120.1% higher than the California average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in Santa Cruz, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 12.5, which is 62.3% higher than the California average.
| Statistic | Santa Cruz | California | National |
| Average one way commute | 23min | 28min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 58.1% | 73.5% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 6.1% | 10.6% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 5.4% | 5.2% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 7.0% | 1.1% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 11.8% | 2.7% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 9.9% | 5.4% | 4.6% |
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