Santa Cruz County Home & Community Information: California: Santa Cruz

SANTA CRUZ 55+ SENIOR MOBILE HOME PARK - SORRENTO OAKS

Santa Cruz has many lovely senior 55+ mobile home parks and Sorrento Oaks is one of the best.  This 55+ mobile home park is located near the Upper Yacht Harbor in Santa Cruz.  It is an easy walk to beaches, harbor, Crow's Nest Restaurant and more.  There are many fun activities nearby for Active Adults like kayaking in the Harbor, stand up paddle boarding, sailing, golfing, biking . . . 

Sorrento Oaks is a 55+ mobile home park that is owned as a cooperative park with low monthly dues.  The park has a nice clubhouse and is well maintained and clean.

There are a mix of styles of homes in Sorrento Oaks 55+ senior mobile home park.  There are some older double wide homes, some have been very nicely remodeled.  There are also newer manufactured homes that feel like a real home.

For seniors and people over 55+ thinking of downsizing to a smaller home or mobile home Sorrento Oaks can be a great option.  It is a nice community and clean park with low dues located right by the Yacht Harbor.  Go here to read about other 55+ Adult Communities in Santa Cruz. 

Contact me for a list of senior 55+ homes for sale or to see what your home is worth.

WESTSIDE SANTA CRUZ CONDOS - BAY TREE CONDOS BY UCSC

The upper Westside of Santa Cruz, CA is arguably one of the best places to live in Santa Cruz with the sunny climate and pleasant neighborhoods.  Westside Santa Cruz Homes and Condos tend to be higher on average than other parts of Santa Cruz County because there is a demand here; many people want to own homes or rent homes on the Westside of Santa Cruz. 

UCSC (University of California at Santa Cruz) is located on the upper Westside of Santa Cruz.  There almost 20,000 students at UCSC and this creates a huge demand for housing during the school year.  Rents on the Westside of Santa Cruz remain some of the highest in the nation because of the influx of students as well as many others that just want to live near the beach.

For some parents of UCSC students, buying a home or condo near UCSC & Santa Cruz's Westside can make sense.  Their child/student can have a secure place to live and avoid the mad housing search.  Typically Westside Santa Cruz real estate prices have remained steady or climbed over a 4-5 year period so parents will ideally sell for a profit when their student graduates.  With homes and condos in Santa Cruz at record low prices, for many families of UCSC students now many be a good time to invest locally.  

The median price in of a Westside Santa Cruz Condo in 2009 was $392,500 which is way down from 2008 when the median price was $455,000. 

One option for lower priced real estate on the Westside of Santa Cruz is a small condo or townhome.  The Bay Tree Condo Complex off Bay St in Santa Cruz has great little condos, mostly 2 bedroom units and some 3 bedroom units.

The Bay Tree condo complex includes Peach Terrace, Castillion Terrace, Torrey Pine Terrace.  The Bay Tree Santa Cruz Condos are clean, secure and easy to maintain.  From these Santa Cruz condos one can walk to UCSC, bus lines, hiking, mountain biking trails, dog park. 

Bay Tree Condos in Santa Cruz are a great option for UCSC Students & First Time Home Buyers.

For a list of Westside Santa Cruz Condos and homes currently for sale please contact me. 

SANTA CRUZ ON A BIG WAVE DAY

When a big ocean swell hits Santa Cruz the whole aura of the town seems to change.  There is a heightened level of excitement even if you are not a surfer for some reason, it must be contagious.  Santa Cruz is a quintessential surf town.  We have so many surf spots and different types of waves for every level. 

When a big ocean swell hits and the waves are breaking people flock to the beaches and bluffs to watch the surf.  Just up the coast at Mavericks a couple weeks ago a big wave surf contest was held, over 20,000 people came to watch the waves and surfers that Saturday.

The photo on the right was taken at Steamer's Lane.  You can see all the people gathered at the point to watch the surfers and swell.

It's Beach near the Lighthouse on West Cliff Dr.  When the waves get really big in Santa Cruz they cause a mist to form in the air, giving the day a slightly surreal feeling.

For photographers and scenery lovers, walking along the West Cliff Dr in Santa Cruz on a big wave day provides some great shots and scenes.

Santa Cruz is a surf town and weather you surf or not you cannot help but to be drawn to the ocean on a big wave day.  There are so many ways to enjoy the water like sailing, paddle boarding, kite surfing, kayaking, swimming or just walking along the beach it is just great to just get out there!

LIVING IN HISTORY - VICTORIAN HOMES IN SANTA CRUZ, CA

In the City of Santa Cruz and throughout Santa Cruz County you will find many lovely Victorian Homes.  In Santa Cruz City many Victorian Homes are located close to Santa Cruz's Downtown area on the tree lined Walnut St, Lincoln St, Chestnut, Church, Union and Locust Ave.  Santa Cruz was first incorporated as a town in 1886 and many of these Victorian Homes date to the 1880's and before.  Start here to Search for your Santa Cruz Home.

'Victorian Homes' is actually a misnomer because 'Victorian' refers to a period not a style.  The Victorian period was from about 1840-1900.   There were many architectural styles during the Victorian period like Queen Anne, Gothic, Romanesque, Italianate, Second Empire.  What we now refer to as 'Victorian Homes' are mostly a mix of some of these architectural styles of the Victorian Period.  In Santa Cruz you will find Victorian Homes that are a blend of these styles.

This Victorian Home off WestCliff Dr in Santa Cruz has a classic wrap around porch and beautiful ornate trim details.

     You can find this Santa Cruz Victorian Home on Walnut St near Downtown.  The elaborate trim and decorative work shows the influence of the EastLake style with the jigsaw brackets and lathe shaped porch columns.

Located off Mission St in Santa Cruz in this Victorian Home one can see elements of the Second Empire Style with the high, boxy Mansard Roof, bay windows and small entry porch.

  Santa Cruz Victorian Home features elements of the Queen Anne style of architecture with the turret over the entryway, elaborate trim, steep roof and bay windows.  Many Victorian Homes are painted in bright, flashy colors earning them the nickname "Painted Ladies"

For those that love older homes and Victorian Homes Santa Cruz offers many options and there are Victorian Homes for sale.  Owning and caring for a Victorian Home will take extra time and money compared to owning a newer home.  Living in a Victorian Home connects you to a time past and you will usually have to live without some amenities that new homes have like walk in closets, kitchen/living room combos, spacious garages.  Many times newer homes try to replicate the look and feel of 'Old World'  & Victorian homes but they can never have the same feel as a true Antique Home no matter how much money they spend to build it.

I live in a 1920's Craftsman home myself and I love all the charming details and comfortable, classic feel of the home.  I have had many clients prefer to buy older homes and Victorian Homes even though they will be more work; most feel that it is worth it to live in a piece of history.  For more details about Victorian Homes for sale in Santa Cruz feel free to contact me at (831) 419-9345. 

55+ ADULT COMMUNITIES IN SANTA CRUZ COUNTY, CA

For seniors and people over 55+ in Santa Cruz County there are a many adult communities 55+ for you.  In Santa Cruz City there is a lovely historic building that houses a co-op condo residence called Piedmont Court located on High St in Santa Cruz. 

Built in 1912 Piedmont Court exudes period charm and is a beautiful and comfortable place to call home.  Piedmont Court is made up of 1 bedroom and studio units.  A 1 bedroom unit in this 55+ adult community sold in December 2009 for $210,000. 

Another adult community 55+ is located in Watsonville, the Adult Village.  This is an adult community of about 600 single family homes, mostly 2 bedrooms and single level.  This adult community 55+ is located within walking distance to shopping, bus lines and ammenties making it a very convenient location for senior residents.  In 2009 the average home price in the Adult Village was $231.584.

Other adult community 55+ options for Seniors in Santa Cruz include several mobile home parks for ages 55+ and 62+.  One very nice senior park is Tradewinds Mobile Home Park located on Jade St in Capitola.  Tradewinds in a 55+ park and a co-op which means that the residents own the park together and the land is not leased.  This makes obtaining a loan for a mobile home there somewhat easier and is more desirable than a park where you lease the land.  Tradewinds is within walking distance to 41st Avenue, a hub of shops, entertainment, restaurants and transportation.

Sorrento Oaks Mobile Home Park is another lovely Adult Community 55+ in Santa Cruz.  It is a  cooperatively owned park by the residents.  Sorrento Oaks Mobile Home Park is located off 7th street near the upper Yacht Harbor in Santa Cruz.  The mobile and manufactured homes here are well maintained with many residents showing off their 'green thumb' on their patios.  In 2009 sale prices in this adult community 55+ ranged from $117,000 to $150,000.

  From Sorrento Oaks one can walk to the beach or Santa Cruz Yacht Harbor. 

There are many more Adult Communitity 55+ senior mobile home parks in Santa Cruz County in various prices ranges and locations.  For more details please feel free to contact me anytime! 

Start Here to Search for Your Santa Cruz Home!

WESTSIDE SANTA CRUZ 2 BEDROOM HOME FOR SALE IN FANTASTIC NEIGHBORHOOD!

*This home SOLD in July 2010 *  For information about other Santa Cruz Homes for sale or to see what your home is worth call Jessica at (831) 419-9345 or email cjess4homes@yahoo.com

Westside Santa Cruz 2 bedroom Home for sale is located in an excellent neighborhood on the Upper Westside of Santa Cruz close to UCSC.  Mira Vista Dr is a quiet street with lovely properties, this would be a great family home with the nice backyard and there is room to expand up or out.  Expanding up would have potential ocean views! and increase the home's value.

This Westside Santa Cruz Home for sale features 2 bedrooms, 1 recently updated bathroom, 2 car garage and a great backyard with fruit trees.  This is a classic clean home built in the 1950's on a large lot of 6,621 SF that allows for easy expansion.  

Westside Santa Cruz 2 bedroom home for sale is close to shopping, we have a new Safeway on the Westside of Santa Cruz as well as a new branch of New Leaf Market, a Santa Cruz favorite.  There are some great restaurants nearby like Ristoranti Avanti, Sushi Totoro, Hawgs as well as fun places to grab a quick drink and chat with friends like Bonny Doon Vineyard Tasting Room & Cafe and the Santa Cruz Mountain Brewery.

   I call Westside Santa Cruz home myself & I love living here.  There are so many great activities and  amenities all within walking distance of your home!  Feel free to contact me anytime for information about the area and schools and start here to

 Search for your Santa Cruz Home!

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HOME PRICES IN LIVE OAK, CA - A Neighborhood in Santa Cruz County

Live Oak is a part of Santa Cruz County, CA that lies between the Seabright/Yacht Harbor area and Capitola, CA.   According to the 2000 census there were almost 17,000 people living there at that time.  Live Oak is not its own city like Capitola or Scotts Valley but it is an area in Santa Cruz that has its own characteristics and attributes.  There are some lovely beaches in Live Oak, like Sunny Cove at the end of 17th Ave.

Within Live Oak there are suburban type neighborhoods with more moderate home prices for the Santa Cruz area.  There are also ocean front beach homes that sell for millions of dollars.  In 2009 the highest home price in Live Oak was a beach front home that sold for $5,125,000.  The lowest home sale in 2009 in Live Oak was major fixer for $150,000.

Let's take a look at home prices in Live Oak over the past 2 years 2008 & 2009.

Graph of Median Home Prices in Live Oak 2008-2009

As the graph above illustrates home prices in Live Oak have fluctuated throughout the past 2 years showing a slight trend downward.  The median Live Oak home price in 2009 was $595,000 which is down from 2008 when the median home price was $650,000.  With the drop in home prices the number of sales started to grow in 2009:

Graph of # of Sales in Live Oak in 2008-2009

The total # of single family homes sold in Live Oak in 2009 was 145 which is way up from 2008 when only 100 homes were sold in Live Oak.  As home prices decreased more First Time Home Buyers have been able to afford homes in Live Oak and there has been interest from investors as well.  Currently there is not a lot of inventory and demand has risen with the first time buyer tax credit and great interest rates. 

For those interested in buying a home in the Live Oak area visit here to Search for Your Live Oak/Santa Cruz Home and you will receive accurate and up to date information about homes including foreclosures.

For a more detailed look at a specific neighborhood or price range in Live Oak or Santa Cruz please Contact Me.  I also wrote a recent blog about Santa Cruz County Home Prices as a whole and as well as Capitola Home Prices and Soquel Home Prices.

* All stats and graphs from Claurs Market Metrics and MLSListings.com

WESTSIDE SANTA CRUZ OCEAN VIEW HOME FOR SALE

*This home sold in June 2010 for $1,350.000* For information about other Westside Santa Cruz Ocean View homes for sale or to see what your home is worth contact Jessica Wallace, Realtor at 831.419.9345  or cjess4homes@yahoo.com

This lovely ocean view home for sale on the Westside of Santa Cruz was just constructed this year!  Brand spanking new for all you new home lovers.  Walk only 2 blocks from this ocean view home for sale to Beautiful West Cliff Dr, one of the best places to walk in Santa Cruz County.  Enjoy the lifestlye of living by the beach in Santa Cruz.  You can walk or ride your bike to shopping, restaurants, wineries, world class Mountain Biking, and our local Organic Brewery.  There are many types of ocean view homes for sale in Santa Cruz County, really something for everyone.  Click here to Search for Your Santa Cruz Home

The features of this ocean view home for sale include 2 story entry with a sweeping staircase, radiant hardwood floor throughout, open living/kitchen/dining grand room, top of the line kitchen, granite counters.  The Master Bedroom Suite is incredible!  Featuring Ocean View Private Balcony, master bath with fireplace, marble, walk in closet, very peaceful and lightfilled.  There are not many new homes in the Santa Cruz area due to our lack of buildable land.  This ocean view home for sale is a real find with it's quality features and walk to the beach location.  4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms 3000 square feet. All this for only $1,595,000!

As your local Santa Cruz Realtor I would be happy to show you this lovely home and any other type of property that fits your needs.  Click here to Read my Client Testamonials

There are many types of ocean view homes for sale in Santa Cruz County for all price ranges and personal styles from Mountain Estates, small beach condos, Oceanfront Stunners, Traditional Craftsmans, cozy beach bungalows . . .  Please feel free to Contact Me

Jessica Wallace, Realtor

(831) 419-9345

CJess4Homes@yahoo.com

Santa Cruz Real Estate Website

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People love to talk about the weather and I guess I fall in there too.  It has been absolutely beautiful summer weather here in Santa Cruz this week with 70+ temp.  I actually pray for rain/snow because we need it but it has been like skipping time and being in summer for a week in mid-January.  I walk my dogs several times a week on West Cliff Dr and it is packed right now!  So get out there and enjoy while you can.

I wanted to comment on a positive trend I have noticed in my personal Real Estate business this year.  I service the Santa Cruz County in California which is a higher priced beach area just south of Silicon Valley and north of Monterey.  I was born and raised here and like many of my peers couldn't imagine living anywhere else.  I've tried it (I've lived in Argentina, Spain, Italy) but I always come home.  The geographical setting of the Monterey Bay is gorgeous, the community is great and there is just so much to do for every type of person.

Being in a high demand, beach area our prices have been out of reach for most people and many of my peers that I have grown up with.  I am realitively young ( I just turned 30) and people my age with young families have not been able to find a way to make it here and moved out of the area to states like Washington, Utah, Idaho where they could afford to buy a house.  Well with the steep drop in real estate prices this year I am happy to say they are coming home!  I have worked with several young families that had moved out of Santa Cruz and never thought they could come home.  This year they were able to buy homes here and raise their family in the same place they were.  I know the real estate market has affected many people in a very negative way but this is something positive for our community to have young families being able to buy here again.

So come on home to Santa Cruz!  I will be happy to help you find your home here, just give me a call at (831) 419-9345 or an email at cjess4homes@yahoo.com

Jessica Wallace, Realtor

Century 21 Lad

Santa Cruz, CA