2025 Compare Cities Overview:
Santa Cruz, CA vs Carmel Valley Village, CA

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Highlights
Are people in Carmel Valley Village older or younger than people in Santa Cruz?
- The Median Age in Carmel Valley Village is 29.6 years older than in Santa Cruz.

Are housing costs cheaper in Carmel Valley Village or Santa Cruz?
- Carmel Valley Village housing costs are 6.2% more expensive than Santa Cruz housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Carmel Valley Village or Santa Cruz?
- The average commute for residents of Carmel Valley Village is 1.0 minutes shorter than it is for residents of Santa Cruz.

Things to do in Santa Cruz?
Santa Cruz, California is an incredible city located in the heart of the Monterey Bay area. This beautiful city offers plenty for visitors to explore such as the stunning natural beaches or the charming downtown area. Residents here also take advantage of all the outdoor activities available at Santa Cruz Boardwalk and Beach, Wilder Ranch State Park, and Seymour Marine Discovery Center. With its excellent school systems, thriving businesses, and numerous recreational opportunities, it's no wonder why so many people choose to make Santa Cruz their home.

Things to do in Carmel Valley Village?
Living in Carmel Valley Village, CA is like living in a natural paradise. With its mild climate, lush rolling hills and abundance of outdoor activities, it is the perfect place for nature lovers. There are plenty of hiking trails, beaches and parks to explore, as well as a variety of local shopping and dining options. The community atmosphere is also very inviting; people look out for one another here and everyone takes pride in their homes and the village itself. There's never a shortage of things to do or places to go - from scenic drives to nearby wineries - so whether you're looking for an adventure or just some quiet time surrounded by stunning views, Carmel Valley Village has something for everyone.

 Santa Cruz, CACarmel Valley Village, CAUnited States
 Population  Unlock4,400329,725,481
 Median Income$96,217  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock58.638.4
 Avg. Home Price$1,270,800  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock10.4%6.0%
 Avg. Commute Time23.45  Unlock26.38
Reviews for Santa Cruz    44 Reviews

I lived in the Santa Cruz area for 20 years. UCSC alum. Our kids were born there. There are wonderful things about Santa Cruz, but also many serious problems that we  More

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Over 5 years ago

I have been here for four generations! My kids are the fifth. I guess that should tell you how wonderful it is here, at least for us. It's so cool to have world class  More

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I was born over the hill in San Jose area, and as a kid I loved coming over to the boardwalk. Santa Cruz has always been and always will be a town of diversity,  More

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Reviews for Carmel Valley Village    2 Reviews

It was a great place to grow up in the 70s. However, it has become very expensive. Natural beauty abounds. Reasonable drives to get to Carmel or down the coast to Big  More

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A tresure, a precious gem, fresh, sweet smeeling air everytime I round the corner into the village, kind people, gorgeous scenes everywhere-trees, creeks, flowers,  More

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