Every day, we work tirelessly to build a good life for ourselves — and at the end of the day, we all deserve to come home to enjoy the fruits of our labors.
Soquel in Santa Cruz, California is one of the best places to settle down in. About 75 kilometers south of San Francisco, this quaint and quiet town forms part of the northern coast of Monterey Bay, and only has a population of 11,000.
It is said to have gotten its name from “osocalis,” the Spanish phonetic rendering for the creek that runs through the area. Its later derivative, “Soquel,” first appeared as the name inscribed in the Mexican land grant that established the town in 1833.
Attractions in Soquel, CA
More than 160 years old, Soquel has a distinctly rural charm that appeals to many — especially those who want a change in pace from big city life.
First, there’s the view. The Soquel creek runs through the heart of the town and empties out over the beach at neighboring Capitola. And up north, the town extends to the Santa Cruz Mountains, making this place idyllic for anyone who’s been meaning to live in close proximity to nature.
Among Soquel’s most endearing attractions is the Anna Jean Cummings Park. The biggest in the area, the 95-acre park beside the Soquel High School on Old San Jose Road is a treat for young and old alike, with its large playground and various athletic fields.
Sitting on a rare coastal prairie, the park offers grassland and riparian habitats that have been known to host rare and endangered species. It also has a large picnic area for spending downtime with family and friends, with ideally placed spots for barbecues, too!
The park also has an art installation that features four eight-foot-diameter spheres in sky blue by Steve Gillman and Katherine Keefer, which earned it its nickname, “Blue Balls Park.” The park is open from 8 a.m. until dusk. Soquel is also home to Soquel Lions, Richard Vessey, and Willowbrook Parks.
What about shopping? Soquel is hailed as Santa Cruz’s very own antiques mecca. Its main draw, Center Street Antiques, is over 5,000 square feet of space housing the collections from 25 unique dealers. Rummage for finds from French Country to Mid-Century Modern furniture and accessories. Browse ornate frames, old books, home and garden furniture, and other one-of-a-kind items. Other shops offer eclectic furnishings, curated gifts, home decor, and other unusual and timeless finds.
Soquel is also a treasure trove for those that enjoy self-guided wine tasting tours. This town has vineyards and wineries that are all but 20 minutes away from each other, so you can meander through the area and wet your whistle with a wonderful selection of the best wines the area has to offer. Bargetto Winery, the oldest in the area established in 1933, is a trusted name in handcrafted wines, including chardonnay, cabernet sauvignon, zinfandel, and other cool climate varietals. You can also explore other vineyards in the area.
Homes for sale in Soquel, CA
Soquel is home to many young professionals, families, and retirees. People are laid back and enjoy the simple but fine things in life. Here, the fact that most people own their homes rather than renting them speaks volumes about the desirability of living locally.
Soquel is also less than six miles east of Santa Cruz and around 38 miles south of Silicon Valley, making it a fantastic option for those who need to work or do business in these hubs of technological and artistic innovation.
If you’d like to check out your housing options, allow me, Amber Melenudo, to help you find the best among the variety of homes for sale in Soquel CA. My inventory features various home styles and designs that will certainly appeal to the most discerning buyer.
I offer Mediterranean-style homes in gated communities with amazing ocean views, well-preserved vintage homes in the heart of town, and modern one-story single-family homes close to the beach.
Interested? Finding the best Soquel CA real estate for you starts with understanding your needs, then streamlining and vetting your options to find the perfect fit. I hold prestigious designations, including a Certified Residential Specialist (CRS) and an Accredited Buyer’s Representative (ABR®) designation. I am also a certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist and Senior Real Estate Specialist. This means I’ve got the knowledge and experience to help you find just what you want and need in a home.
There’s no better way to go about finding your ideal home than to choose someone with a proven track record in connecting home buyers with their dream homes. Call me, Amber Melenudo, at 831.661.5591. Or get in touch with me here to discuss your options today.
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