WEST SIDE

Hi! This is Bri, owner of Live Love Santa Cruz.

If you're considering relocating to the Santa Cruz area and need expert guidance on selecting the ideal neighborhood to purchase a home, look no further! I have a wealth of knowledge about various parts of town, as well as valuable insights and insider tips. I'm particularly discerning when it comes to the ambiance of a neighborhood and even which streets are better than others. I'm well-versed in identifying the best places to put down roots (and those to avoid).

As an avid surfer, I've experienced nearly all of the local surfing spots and am familiar with the intricacies of buying property near each one. Microclimates are important! Being a sun enthusiast, I've spent years studying the warmest areas of town and if you are going to live on the coast, a few blocks can make the difference between coffee and fog and coffee and sunshine.

As a devoted parent to two energetic little ones, and a fitness junkie, I am uniquely positioned to guide you toward the perfect neighborhood that suits your lifestyle needs. Balancing work, family, and health has given me a deep understanding of the importance of finding a home in a community that fosters growth and fulfillment. I am passionate about discovering the ideal balance of excellent schools, safe parks, and vibrant recreational opportunities to ensure that your family thrives both mentally and physically.

If you're new to the area, my mission is to guide you through the process of narrowing down your search to find the perfect home in the perfect neighborhood that aligns with your lifestyle requirements.

Call/Text BRI @ 831.200.6338

West Side

Annual Single Family Real Estate Statistics*

$1,659,000

Average Price

$1093

Average Price Per Square Ft

249

Homes Sold

1,671

Average Home Sq Ft

*Data taken from MLS and SCCAR Statistics

Overview

The west side of Santa Cruz offers all of the benefits that make the central coast special: natural beauty, a vibrant food and beverage scene, recreational activities, and options for education from kindergarten to college prep to graduate school.

One of the defining features is West Cliff Drive, a scenic route for cars, bikes, skateboards, and even surfers walking back up to the cliff jump off spot for steamer lane. The surfing museum inside the lighthouse at the point cements this towns reputation and moniker as Surf City, USA.

The west side also hosts a lunch, beer thirty, and dinner crowd in the bustling Swift Street commercial district, where locals and visitors can explore a diverse range of restaurants and brewpubs, known for their exceptional cuisine and locally crafted beers.

The West Side of Santa Cruz isn't all about the coastal charm and surf. The area boasts excellent schools and is proximal to the renowned University of California, Santa Cruz (UCSC), making it an ideal location for families and academics alike. It offers ample lifestyle options for the adventurous too. With numerous mountain biking trails within a short distance, residents have easy access to some of the best off-road cycling in the region. A well developed organic food scene, famous local bakeries and coffee roasters, and farmer’s market rounds out some of the options available. This blend of natural wonders, educational opportunities, culinary delights, and outdoor activities makes owning a home on the West Side of Santa Cruz a true value proposition.

Neighborhoods

The neighborhoods on the West Side of Santa Cruz include the Upper West Side, Lower West Side, Circles, Downtown, Seabright, Harbor West, Beach Flats, and Midtown.

Things to Do

Natural Bridges State Beach Visit this beautiful beach known for its natural arch rock formations and tide pools. It's a great place for picnicking, beachcombing, and wildlife viewing.

Seymour Marine Discovery Center Located on the UC Santa Cruz Coastal Science Campus, this center offers interactive exhibits and displays that educate visitors about the marine environment and conservation efforts.

Wilder Ranch State Park This park features over 7,000 acres of rugged coastal terrain with hiking and biking trails. Enjoy scenic views of the coastline, explore historic buildings, and learn about the area's agricultural past.

Swift Street Courtyard This vibrant area is home to several wineries, breweries, and a distillery. Take a tour, taste local wines and craft beers, and enjoy the lively atmosphere.

West Cliff Drive Take a leisurely walk or bike ride along this scenic oceanfront pathway. Enjoy breathtaking views of the coastline, watch surfers, and take in the stunning sunset.

Santa Cruz Surfing Museum Located in the Mark Abbott Memorial Lighthouse on West Cliff Drive, this museum showcases the history of surfing in Santa Cruz, including vintage surfboards and memorabilia.

Natural History Museum Located on the UC Santa Cruz campus, the museum houses exhibits on the natural history and cultural heritage of the region. Learn about the local flora, fauna, and geological features.

Westside Farmers Market Held on Saturdays, this market offers a variety of locally grown produce, artisanal food products, crafts, and live music. It's a great place to experience the local community.

Pogonip Open Space Preserve This nature preserve offers miles of hiking and biking trails through redwood forests and meadows. It's a peaceful retreat where you can connect with nature.

Food

Laili Lamb, seafood & veggie dishes get a contemporary twist at this elegant Mediterranean & Afghan spot.

West End Tap and Kitchen Eatery with rustic-industrial looks offers a gastropub menu with Californian leanings & craft beer.

Tramonti Contemporary-casual spot serving pizza & Italian eats such as pasta, calzones & chicken cacciatore.

Stagnaro Brothers Seafood Seaside eatery turning out seafood staples like chowder & fish 'n' chips with views of the Pacific.

Lillians Italian Kitchen Cozy venue offers traditional Sicilian recipes along with regional wines in a warm dining room.

Akira Sushi Laid-back sushi spot with specialty rolls, local craft beers & funky street art-style decor.

Penny Ice Creamery Eclectic & seasonal flavors of organic, made-from-scratch ice cream served in a spare, rustic space.

Coffee

Cat and Cloud Coffee Airy, artsy neighborhood cafe for coffee & pastries served in contemporary digs with outdoor seats. Has two west side locations - one on Swift and one on Cooper.

Verve Coffee Roasters NorCal-originated chain for thoughtfully sourced coffee drinks in a modern space with wooden decor. Has three west side locations - Bronson, Pacific and Fair.

Grocery

New Leaf Community Market Specialty grocery store focused on natural products, also offering an on-site juice bar & deli. Has two west side locations - one on Pacific and one on Fair.

Whole Foods Market Eco-minded chain with natural & organic grocery items, housewares & other products (most sell wine).

Shoppers Corner Old-fashioned market open since 1938 stocking meat, wine, baked goods, produce & gifts.