SANTA CRUZ
Santa Cruz is the quintessential California beach town. It was here that Hawaiian royalty first introduced surfing to the mainland—and locals and visitors alike have been riding the waves ever since. Not far from the surf break, screams of delight and laughter fill the air at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, the West Coast's oldest seaside amusement park. A few blocks from the beach is Santa Cruz's downtown area. The pedestrian-friendly, tree-lined streets are filled with vibrant shops and galleries, outdoor bistros and sidewalk musicians - all in keeping with "the Original Surf City's" free-spirited personality.
Santa Cruz is a tourist destination, but it is home to many unique lifestyles as well. There are the students and staff of the University of California, multi-generational and new families, strong senior network and artist community as well as many others.
Housing in Santa Cruz is as diverse as its residents and visitors. Beach bungalows to mansions and ocean front to redwood surrounds.
Santa Cruz is the hub, but there are many surrounding cities and communities that all contribute to the lifestyle of the Santa Cruz area.