2025 Compare Cities Overview:
Santa Cruz, CA vs Thornton, CO

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Highlights
Are people in Thornton older or younger than people in Santa Cruz?
- The Median Age in Thornton is 4.7 years older than in Santa Cruz.

Are housing costs cheaper in Thornton or Santa Cruz?
- Thornton housing costs are 60.3% less expensive than Santa Cruz housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Thornton or Santa Cruz?
- The average commute for residents of Thornton is 6.8 minutes longer 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 Thornton?
Thornton, Colorado is a vibrant city located in the northern corner of the United States. Home to attractions such as Cattail Creek Park and The Double Header Little League Park, visitors can explore outdoor activities and sports when visiting Thornton. There are also plenty of museums, galleries, and performance venues such as the Greasewood Flat Schoolhouse. For entertainment, visitors can explore boutique shops and restaurants along with movie theaters and live music clubs. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an exciting night out, Thornton has something for everyone!

 Santa Cruz, CAThornton, COUnited States
 Population  Unlock140,538329,725,481
 Median Income$96,217  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock33.738.4
 Avg. Home Price$1,270,800  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock6.9%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 Thornton    5 Reviews

Good place. Very suburbany (similar to the Springs). The houses are very small and old and yet still very expensive (albeit cheaper than southern Denver). Actually lots  More

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Over 5 years ago

I like Denver metro, but some cities aren’t too great. Thornton being one of them. Moved here because of highway access, and convenience to DIA for business travel. Am  More

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Over 10 years ago

The quality of life here in not good. The traffic is bad all the time. To try to get to the mountains takes forever! Also most lakes along the front range you can't even  More

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