Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA


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United States / California / Santa Cruz-Watsonville Metro Area / Counties / Cities / Zip Codes
Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA

About Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA

The Santa Cruz, CA metropolitan area is a unique location situated on California's central coast boasting many attractions such us Natural Bridges State Beach where visitors can observe elephant seals or nearby Mystery Spot that promises strange phenomenon occurring within its boundaries. Outdoors enthusiasts will be pleased by the numerous parks surrounding the city where they can take advantage of activities like fishing, swimming, kayaking and camping.. Quality educational institutions are available throughout the area including prestigious universities like University Of California –Santa Cruz offering students with necessary skills for their studies.. An array of businesses from diverse industries such as healthcare, manufacturing and retail provide locals with plenty of job opportunities while affordable housing options make it an attractive option for anyone looking to settle down in a safe environment. Moderate-size metro area set in the coast and forests of Callifornia. Primary industries include tourism and agriculture. Noteworthy assets include shoreline and college town. - On the central coast of California, 30 miles southwest of San Jose and 75 miles south of San Francisco..

Location Details

State: California
County: Santa Cruz
Metro Area: Santa Cruz-Watsonville Metro Area
City: Santa Cruz, Watsonville, 30 total
Zip Codes: 95076, 95060, 95062, 95003, 95066, 95073, 95064, 95033, 95010, 95006, 17 total
Cost of Living: 88.6% higher
Time zone: Pacific Standard Time (PST)
Elevation: 36 ft above sea level
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Dig Deeper on Santa Cruz-Watsonville

The Santa Cruz, CA metro area is a special place on the central coast of California. It has a deep history that starts with the Ohlone Native American tribe. Later, Spanish explorers came in the 18th century, and it became part of Mexico before joining the United States in the mid-19th century.

The area is known for its stunning beauty, located between the Santa Cruz Mountains and the Pacific Ocean. This gives people living there amazing views and a mild climate that's nice all year. There are beautiful beaches, forests full of redwood trees, and lots of wildlife to see.

The economy in Santa Cruz is made up of different things like tourism, farming, and education. A lot of visitors come to enjoy the beaches and outdoor activities. Farming is big too, with a focus on organic food and vineyards. The University of California, Santa Cruz also plays a huge role in the community, offering jobs and making the area a place for learning and culture.

When it comes to politics, people in Santa Cruz usually support progressive and environmentally friendly candidates. They care a lot about nature and social issues, and this shows in how they vote and the things they do in their community.

Living in Santa Cruz means being part of a relaxed and outdoorsy lifestyle. There's a strong sense of community, and people enjoy spending time outside, whether it's surfing, hiking, or just enjoying the beach. The area has a lively arts scene too, with galleries, theaters, and music everywhere.

For those thinking about moving to Santa Cruz, it's important to know that living costs can be high, especially for housing. The area is very popular, so finding a good place to live might be tough and more expensive than expected. Traffic can get busy too, especially when lots of tourists visit.

In summary, Santa Cruz offers a unique way of life with its natural beauty, community spirit, and focus on environmental care. New residents should be ready for the higher cost of living but can look forward to joining a welcoming and active community.

Santa Cruz-Watsonville Cost of Living
$$$$

Near san jose, shoreline, and college town make Santa Cruz-Watsonville a great place to live.

$1,058,000
+68.0% higher than avg
$96,093
+28.2% higher than avg
$3,290 /mo
Monthly rent (2br)
+56.5% higher than avg
Santa Cruz-Watsonville Crime
46.6 / 100
Crime is ranked on a scale of 1 (low) to 100 (high). US average: 35.4
Minimum annual income
To live comfortably in Santa Cruz-Watsonville, California
$202,680
for a family
$100,000
for a single person
Pros & Cons of Santa Cruz-Watsonville
   Near san jose
Very expensive homes
   Shoreline
High unemployment
   College town
Dry climate
Cost of Living

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