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Santa Cruz Eastside

Highly sought after for its proximity to beaches, surf breaks, parks, and everyday amenities.

Welcome to Santa Cruz Eastside

Homes, Beaches, Surf & Schools
 

Discover Santa Cruz Eastside

The Eastside of Santa Cruz stretches from Downtown Santa Cruz east toward Seabright, the Santa Cruz Harbor, Live Oak, and Pleasure Point, offering one of the city’s most desirable blends of coastal living, walkable neighborhoods, and strong community identity.
 
Highly sought after for its proximity to beaches, surf breaks, parks, and everyday amenities, the Eastside appeals to a wide range of buyers — from surfers and outdoor enthusiasts to families and professionals seeking convenience and long-term livability. With quick access to Capitola, Highway 1, and major commercial corridors, the Eastside feels connected while remaining distinctly local.
 

A Brief History & Neighborhood Evolution

Historically shaped by fishing, farming, and the early roots of California surf culture, the Eastside has long been tied to the ocean. What began as working waterfront and agricultural land evolved into one of Santa Cruz’s most dynamic residential areas, while still preserving its coastal character.
 
Today, the Eastside is defined by established neighborhoods with deep local roots, where generations of families, longtime surf culture, and newer residents coexist. The result is a community that feels energetic, authentic, and firmly grounded in Santa Cruz tradition.
 

Coastal Living & Surf Culture

The Eastside is widely regarded as the modern heart of Santa Cruz surf culture, anchored by Pleasure Point and the iconic stretch of East Cliff Drive.
 
World-class surf breaks including The Hook, First Peak, Second Peak, and Jacks shape daily life here. Surf schools, board shapers, and multi-generation surf families are woven into the fabric of the neighborhood, and daily routines often revolve around tides, swell forecasts, and sunrise or sunset sessions.
 
Beyond surfing, the Eastside coastline offers family-friendly beaches that define everyday coastal living:
 
  • Twin Lakes State Beach for swimming, picnics, and long shoreline walks
  • Sunny Cove and Blacks Beach for smaller, sheltered coves
  • Harbor Beach, ideal for beginners and calm-water activities
The Santa Cruz Harbor adds a distinctive maritime feel, with sailing, kayaking, paddleboarding, fishing, and waterfront dining forming a natural extension of daily life.
 

Outdoor Living & Recreation

Away from the shoreline, the Eastside offers excellent access to parks, open space, and neighborhood recreation:
 
  • Arana Gulch Open Space – Trails with wetland views, harbor overlooks, and biking paths
  • Frederick Street Park – A neighborhood gathering place with playgrounds and green lawns
  • Schwan Lake – A popular walking loop and bird habitat
  • Corcoran Lagoon – Quiet trails and coastal nature views
With beaches, parks, and trails woven throughout the area, outdoor activity feels effortless and integrated into everyday routines.
 

Community Life & Local Events

Community on the Eastside is shaped by strong neighborhood connections and year-round traditions. Residents gather weekly at the Live Oak Farmers’ Market, a longtime favorite for local produce, prepared foods, and live music. Surf contests, memorial paddles, and ocean-focused events regularly take place along East Cliff Drive, reflecting the community’s deep connection to the sea.
 
Seasonal highlights include harbor festivals, sailing events, and the beloved Lighted Boat Parade during the holidays. Beach cleanups, stewardship days, and informal gatherings further reinforce a shared sense of pride and care for the coastline.
 
Daily life unfolds organically — neighbors crossing paths on morning walks, families returning to the same beach access points, and familiar faces meeting at local markets — creating a strong sense of continuity and belonging.
 

Neighborhoods & Housing

The Eastside is made up of several distinct neighborhoods, each with its own personality:
 
  • Pleasure Point & East Cliff – Coastal homes near iconic surf breaks
  • Seabright – A classic harbor-adjacent beach neighborhood with bungalows and cottages
  • Live Oak – More residential and family-oriented, with larger lots and neighborhoodschools
  • Midtown & Soquel Avenue Corridor – Walkable, centrally located, with excellent transit access
Housing options include beach bungalows, Craftsman cottages, mid-century homes, duplexes, condos, townhomes, and newer infill development. Compared to the Westside, the Eastside tends to be denser, more walkable, and more varied in price points, offering
opportunities for first-time buyers and long-term residents alike.
 

Schools on the Eastside of Santa Cruz

Families are drawn to the Eastside for access to Santa Cruz City Schools and the Live Oak School District, along with the area’s abundance of parks, playgrounds, and youth programs.
 
Public Schools Serving the Eastside Include:
 
  • Live Oak Elementary School
  • Green Acres Elementary School
  • Del Mar Elementary School
  • Shoreline Middle School
  • Branciforte Middle School
  • Harbor High School
Several charter and private school options are also located nearby, offering families additional flexibility and educational choice.
 

Why Buyers Love the Eastside

The Eastside of Santa Cruz offers a rare combination of:
 
  • Immediate access to beaches and world-class surf
  • Walkable neighborhoods and everyday convenience
  • Strong community traditions and local events
  • Excellent outdoor recreation
  • Diverse housing options
  • Central access to Downtown Santa Cruz, Capitola, and Highway 1
For buyers seeking an active, social, and authentically coastal Santa Cruz lifestyle, the Eastside remains one of the city’s most compelling places to call home.

 

Property Listings

For Sale
MLS® ML82003250

$14,950,000

4140 Opal Cliff Drive, SANTA CRUZ, CA 95062
4 Beds 4.5 Baths 4,050 Sq.Ft.
For Sale
MLS® ML82032603

$11,470,000

21661 East Cliff Drive, SANTA CRUZ, CA 95062
13,510 Sq.Ft.
For Sale
MLS® ML82007169

$8,500,000

1703 East Cliff Drive, SANTA CRUZ, CA 95062
4,754 Sq.Ft.
For Sale
MLS® ML82033309

$7,490,000

4250 Opal Cliff Drive, SANTA CRUZ, CA 95062
4 Beds 2.5 Baths 2,657 Sq.Ft.
For Sale
MLS® ML82014981

$3,800,000

3811 Portola Drive, SANTA CRUZ, CA 95062
2,366 Sq.Ft.
For Sale
MLS® ML82031354

$3,650,000

704-718 Broadway, SANTA CRUZ, CA 95062
5,213 Sq.Ft.
Pending
MLS® ML82024909

$3,497,750

100 Bay Crest Road, SANTA CRUZ, CA 95062
3 Beds 3.5 Baths 2,454 Sq.Ft.
For Sale
MLS® ML82019549

$3,395,000

4150 Bye Way, SANTA CRUZ, CA 95062
5 Beds 4.5 Baths 3,165 Sq.Ft.
For Sale
MLS® ML82017054

$3,250,000

1450 Merrill Street, SANTA CRUZ, CA 95062
4,370 Sq.Ft.
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Overview for Santa Cruz Eastside, CA

36,047 people live in Santa Cruz Eastside, where the median age is 42.7 and the average individual income is $63,000. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.

36,047

Total Population

42.7 years

Median Age

High

Population Density Population Density This is the number of people per square mile in a neighborhood.

$63,000

Average individual Income

Around Santa Cruz Eastside, CA

There's plenty to do around Santa Cruz Eastside, including shopping, dining, nightlife, parks, and more. Data provided by Walk Score and Yelp.

61
Somewhat Walkable
Walking Score
82
Very Bikeable
Bike Score
32
Some Transit
Transit Score

Points of Interest

Explore popular things to do in the area, including Sante Arcangeli Family Wines, Blue Lava Cafe, and Dance Santa Cruz / Avila Dance Instruction.

Name Category Distance Reviews
Ratings by Yelp
Sante Arcangeli Family Wines Logo
Dining 4.95 miles 9 reviews 5/5 stars
Blue Lava Cafe Logo
Dining 1.43 miles 5 reviews 5/5 stars
Dance Santa Cruz / Avila Dance Instruction Logo
Active 1.99 miles 22 reviews 5/5 stars
Lola's Gym Logo
Active 1.72 miles 5 reviews 5/5 stars
Garth Taylor Jiu-Jitsu and Martial Arts Logo
Active 3.46 miles 9 reviews 5/5 stars
Redwood Coast Tours Logo
Active 2.03 miles 6 reviews 5/5 stars

Demographics and Employment Data for Santa Cruz Eastside, CA

Population Households Employment

Santa Cruz Eastside has 15,478 households, with an average household size of 2.25. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau. Here’s what the people living in Santa Cruz Eastside do for work — and how long it takes them to get there. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau. 36,047 people call Santa Cruz Eastside home. The population density is 7,134.22 and the largest age group is Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.

36,047

Total Population

High

Population Density Population Density This is the number of people per square mile in a neighborhood.

42.7

Median Age

46.66 / 53.34%

Men vs Women

Population by Age Group

0-9:

0-9 Years

10-17:

10-17 Years

18-24:

18-24 Years

25-64:

25-64 Years

65-74:

65-74 Years

75+:

75+ Years

Education Level

  • Less Than 9th Grade
  • High School Degree
  • Associate Degree
  • Bachelor Degree
  • Graduate Degree
15,478

Total Households

2.25

Average Household Size

$63,000

Average individual Income

Households with Children

With Children:

Without Children:

Marital Status

Married
Single
Divorced
Separated

Blue vs White Collar Workers

Blue Collar:

White Collar:

Commute Time

0 to 14 Minutes
15 to 29 Minutes
30 to 59 Minutes
60+ Minutes

Schools in Santa Cruz Eastside, CA

All ()
Primary Schools ()
Middle Schools ()
High Schools ()
Mixed Schools ()
The following schools are within or nearby Santa Cruz Eastside. The rating and statistics can serve as a starting point to make baseline comparisons on the right schools for your family. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.
Type
Name
Category
Grades
School rating
Santa Cruz Eastside Santa Cruz Eastside Santa Cruz Eastside

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A Smooth Journey Starts Here

Whether you’re buying, selling, or evaluating land, Kathleen Manning is ready to guide you with integrity, organization, and a deep understanding of the region.

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Contact Details

Kathleen Manning | CA DRE# 00885315

Phone

831.566.3127

Email

[email protected]

Address

627 Capitola Ave Capitola, CA 95010

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