Situated on the edge of Monterey Bay and known for its beach houses, boardwalk amusement park, laidback vibe and redwoods, Santa Cruz is certainly an appealing draw for beach bums, hippies, and nature lovers looking to settle down. “Surf City”, as it’s known to some, is home to a college campus (UCSC, which is also the city’s largest employer) and has a youthful and very liberal vibe to it. Nope, there’s nothing conservative or buttoned-up about this seaside town. Expect to meet people from all walks of life and those that consider their surfboard an extra appendage. Your downtime as a Santa Cruz resident will most likely involve a lot of water sports, lighthouse admiring, historic touring, green space dwelling, and peaceful reading in the great outdoors.
Of course, there will be times when you need to head on in, rest your head and make yourself at home
Situated on the edge of Monterey Bay and known for its beach houses, boardwalk amusement park, laidback vibe and redwoods, Santa Cruz is certainly an appealing draw for beach bums, hippies, and nature lovers looking to settle down. “Surf City”, as it’s known to some, is home to a college campus (UCSC, which is also the city’s largest employer) and has a youthful and very liberal vibe to it. Nope, there’s nothing conservative or buttoned-up about this seaside town. Expect to meet people from all walks of life and those that consider their surfboard an extra appendage. Your downtime as a Santa Cruz resident will most likely involve a lot of water sports, lighthouse admiring, historic touring, green space dwelling, and peaceful reading in the great outdoors.
Of course, there will be times when you need to head on in, rest your head and make yourself at home. Where you do that is entirely up to you, but here are some helpful tips to renting an apartment in él Santa Cruz.
Downtown
Downtown Santa Cruz is a hotspot for many reasons. The old Spanish architecture mixed with newly constructed apartments make for an eye-pleasing abode and the views of downtown, hillside and the beach are an added bonus. Living down here also means proximity to the highway, culture and history, UCSU campus and the beach. The tree-lined streets, public transit options and active neighborhood are added perks.
Beach
Another coveted area in Santa Cruz is, big surprise here, down by the beach. Nearby Lagoon (or the area close to Pacific Ave. and Depot Park) is sought after for its closeness to the wharf, boardwalk and beachy-keen way of life. Minutes from downtown, bursting with independently owned boutiques/shops and restaurants, residents relish their home in this ‘hood. Where else can you wake up and watch morning surfers with a cup of coffee in hand from the comfort of your very own home? The homes here are typically two to three bedrooms, often bungalows, but sometimes large two story dwellings. Apartments lovers here can choose between townhomes or basic apartments, featuring pet parks, picnic areas and sometimes even a picket fence.
West Side
The areas of Seabright Ave. and the west side (near the beach and the highway) are also great options. Featuring bungalows, good schools and walkability to entertainment, these areas are bit more single-family home than apartment living but are excellent choices.
One last mention about surfing
No matter where you choose to hang your surfboard in this city (there ya' go), odds are you will be very happy you did. The residents are as go-with-the-flow as the weather and the living is easy. Good luck finding your own inner-cool (and your new home) in Santa Cruz.
