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Top 5 communities in Santa Cruz County, CA

Santa Cruz County boasts an excellent quality of life, a pleasant climate year-round, a top-notch school system, and a diverse real estate selection. There’s plenty to do in the area with great shopping, dining, and entertainment destinations all around. 

Before you start looking for homes for sale in Santa Cruz, CA, it’s best to know your options first. Find the perfect place to call home by checking out this list of Santa Cruz County’s most desirable neighborhoods:

  1. Santa Cruz

    The City of Santa Cruz is the county seat and has a population of over 60,000 residents. It’s famous for its long stretches of stunning beaches, exciting outdoor activities, and lovely weather. 

    In this city, you will find bustling urban centers like shopping malls, cultural facilities, and historical landmarks. You will find tranquil residential neighborhoods here, as well. 

    The real estate in the area consists of single-family homes, gated communities, and apartment complexes. If you’re looking for Santa Cruz luxury homes for sale, this is the best place to shop around.

  2. Aptos

    Aptos is an unincorporated area in Santa Cruz County that includes Rio Del Mar, Seacliff, and Seascape. The town is known for its scenic landscapes from towering redwoods to gorgeous beaches like Seacliff State Beach. This is a popular choice for nature aficionados and growing families because of the outdoor recreation and top-rated schools. 

    Aptos also has a friendly community atmosphere that’s sure to make everyone feel right at home.

    You’ll find a variety of real estate options such as custom-built single-family homes, luxury properties, and more. Most properties here have custom architecture and interior design. 

  3. La Selva Beach

    For those looking for great Santa Cruz beach homes for sale, look no further than La Selva Beach. This gorgeous oceanfront community offers exclusive neighborhoods and amenities for those in need of a peaceful retreat.

    La Selva Beach has a wonderful selection of residential properties for you to choose from. It has plenty of remodeled and updated houses, as well as condos and townhomes. 

  4. Watsonville

    One of the larger cities in Santa Cruz County, Watsonville has a population of over 50,000 residents. The diverse neighborhoods and rich culture are what make this city such a wonderful place to live. 

    Watsonville also offers excellent amenities like retailers, parks, and more. Visit the Historic Downtown Watsonville for a myriad of shopping, dining, and entertainment destinations. Also, expect to see gorgeous homes sitting on sprawling ranch land.

  5. Scotts Valley

    Scotts Valley is a small city found along the Santa Cruz mountains. It has a unique landscape surrounded by lovely forested regions filled with redwood trees. This city has the charm of small-town living with all the amenities you can expect from the city. 

    Homes for sale in the area consist of single-family homes, new construction homes, townhouses, and luxury properties. Common features include hardwood floors and marble countertops.

Still unsure which neighborhood is the perfect fit for you? Get in touch with me, Amber Melenudo— the top Santa Cruz County Realtor. My in-depth knowledge of the communities and hands-on real estate approach have resulted in countless buyers finding their dream home in Santa Cruz County. Give me a call at 831.661.5591 or send a message to amber(at)davidlyng(dotted)com to learn more.