From a small coastal town that lived on its agricultural and fishing industries to a tourist hotspot and an ideal place to call home, the City of Santa Cruz in California has grown by leaps and bounds over the years. Its 64.5 thousand-strong population consists mostly of young professionals, many of whom are cementing their careers either in the tech or tourism sectors – two of the top industries here. They bring with them their new families and are mostly renting their residences as a way to start their journey toward homeownership in the future.
Given these attractive characteristics of the city’s population, it would be safe to say that investing in homes for sale in Santa Cruz, CA is a smart move.
Reasons to buy a home in Santa Cruz, CA
Spending a substantial sum to invest in anything is a serious matter. You’ll have to think long and hard before letting go of that money. The good news is that in the City of Santa Cruz, you’re assured not only of value for your money but also of attractive returns on your investment – whether you’re using your property as a primary or secondary home or as a short- or long-term rental.
Below are some of the best reasons to buy property in Santa Cruz.
Market factors
Home values in California have been historically high; more so, now. This is due to the increased demand for real estate here despite the scarcity of available housing stock. The situation is not any different in Santa Cruz as prime waterfront properties here are much sought-after, and yet, rarer. The latest median home price here is well beyond the $1-million mark.
Home features
You’ll find an extensive selection of properties in Santa Cruz ranging from single-family homes and apartments to luxury condos and massive mansions, many of which are located close to or along the coastline. Common features here consist of a pool, family room, soaker tub, and attached garage. Home buyers also desire beachside properties with great security features.
Location
Whether you want to wake up to the crashing of waves on the shore or the woodsy forest air, you’ll get your chance to do so in Santa Cruz. The city sits comfortably between the Monterey Bay coastline and the gorgeous redwood forests of California. As such, Santa Cruz becomes a venue for an entire range of outdoor activities – both land-based and water-based. Explore the many scenic trails of nature parks like the Pogonip Open Space Reserve one day then ride the waves on a surfboard the next.
Santa Cruz is also home to a campus of one of the state’s finest academic institutions, the University of California. That said, a good number of the city’s renters also include students of the said university. Many of these students stay
after graduation and begin their careers in the tech companies and startups that have sprouted in the area. This has given rise to a fast-growing tech hub that has been providing jobs to many of the city’s residents.
Culture
Something about the sunny beach brings out the best of arts and culture in the community. The Santa Cruz calendar of events is filled with celebrations like the Santa Cruz County Fair and a Greek Food and Cultural Festival, among many others. There are also several artists’ groups that come together to organize exhibits throughout the city and the rest of the county.