Though the exact origin of the name is unknown, most locals point to the original Soquel locals, the Ohlone Indians, as giving them their area's name. Their word for the creek running through town was Osocalis and you can hear the similar sound. In the early 1800s, the area was granted to Martina Castro and became Rancho Soquel. By the way, to blend in right away, pronounce it So-kell, not So-quelle.
Though sometimes the water comes to you: until the mid-1980s, the town had quite the reputation for flooding in its lowland areas
Though the exact origin of the name is unknown, most locals point to the original Soquel locals, the Ohlone Indians, as giving them their area's name. Their word for the creek running through town was Osocalis and you can hear the similar sound. In the early 1800s, the area was granted to Martina Castro and became Rancho Soquel. By the way, to blend in right away, pronounce it So-kell, not So-quelle.
Nestled in the Redwoods, Close to the Beach
Though sometimes the water comes to you: until the mid-1980s, the town had quite the reputation for flooding in its lowland areas. Urban planning and management has improved, however, and the last major flood occurred in 1982.
This tiny, under-five square mile area in Santa Cruz County is home to about 9,600 people, as of the 2010 U.S. Census, but it is part of the larger Santa Cruz area, including the City of Santa Cruz and communities like Aptos and Capitola. Though traffic over the hill can get a bit congested, Soquel is a viable option for those working in the San Jose or Silicon Valley areas who want to come home to the sea each night. Tucked just north of iconic Highway 1, Soquel is home to plenty of retail options, restaurants, and hopefully the perfect rental home for you.
Moving to Soquel
All Santa Cruz county communities are highly desirable, and you know what happens when demand outpaces supply. Soquel is mostly home to detached houses, though you'll find some 1- and 2-bedroom apartments for rent as well.
It's always a good idea to give yourself a day or so in town before you commit to a rental apartment or house so you can become familiar with the streets and areas that match your preferences. Allow two to three months to conduct your search and to make sure you're prepared with the usual box of renter's tools: credit report, money for first and last month's rent and the security deposit, proof of income; you know, the works. This is a popular area of California, so you might face some competition--plan ahead!
A Small Place with a Sense of Place
Soquel has some general neighborhood distinctions--such as the historic old town center or areas in the vicinity of newer retail centers. Generally, Soquel functions as its own area when compared to neighboring areas such as Capitola and Aptos. If Soquel sounds like the place for you, then pretty much anywhere you find within its commonly understood boundaries will live up to your expectations.
Living in Soquel
If you move to Soquel, pack the sunscreen and your sweaters--the weather is what you'd expect for a coastal area that butts up to a redwood rainforest. It's a temperate climate--cool and rainy in the fall and winter--sunny in spring and summer. Sometimes it gets hot, but expect to dress in layers and take a few extra blankets to those summer bonfire nights on the beach.
Downtown Soquel features some architectural gems spanning the length of California history and locals enjoy plenty of time in the great outdoors--many of them down at the beach (this is Surf City, USA territory, after all). Or, if you don't dig water, head up hill and enjoy the shady forests for a hike or nature walk. New Brighton State Beach is an easy drive just to the south, and, of course, Santa Cruz offers all city amenities you could hope for, just a hop-skip-or an electric car drive away.
We suggest that after a hard day of moving into your new rental apartment or house you treat yourself to a meal at Tortilla Flats, a local restaurant widely recognized as one of the best Mexican restaurants around, and with a 25-year history to back it up (mark your calendar to catch their yearly Day of the Dead celebration, too). If Mexican isn't your favorite, you'll have a great time ambling the sunny streets of Soquel, exploring your new neighborhood and finding just the right restaurant or cafe from their many options.
