Best Luxury Neighborhoods in Santa Cruz

Bay Area residents who are looking to move to a new location often consider the beautiful city of Santa Cruz. With its stunning coastline, vibrant community, and proximity to nature, Santa Cruz has become a popular destination for those seeking luxury living. If you’re a long-time homeowner in the Bay Area and are considering a move to Santa Cruz, this page will showcase the best luxury neighborhoods in Santa Cruz that you should definitely check out.

If you are not very familiar with Santa Cruz, it bears mentioning that while Santa Cruz does have some of the highest-cost real estate in the entire country, much of it would not be what most people consider to be luxurious. The way the county has developed over time is very organic, having slowly transformed from a rugged, rural, agricultural and coastal-and-mountain region into something that more resembles a suburb of Silicon Valley today.

The best luxury neighborhoods in Santa Cruz are spread out across the county, with many of them being somewhat removed from the beach. While there are pockets of luxury homes near the beaches in Santa Cruz, many of the homes close to the water are on small lots, and, while expensive, may not offer the privacy and quiet that many luxury home buyers are looking for.

Map of the Best Luxury Neighborhoods in Santa Cruz

Pasatiempo in Santa Cruz

Located in the heart of Santa Cruz, Pasatiempo is the original luxury community in Santa Cruz.  Pasatiempo is known for its upscale homes and prestigious golf course, designed by Alister MacKenzie, one of the most famous golf course architects of the 20th century. With its tree-lined streets and stunning views, this neighborhood offers a peaceful and serene living environment that is perfect for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. It’s also a gated community and boasts a community swimming pool, tennis courts, clubhouse, and restaurant.

Woods Cove in Santa Cruz

Nestled in the gorgeous embrace of a coastal redwood forest, Woods Cove is a gated community that offers peace, quiet, privacy, and natural splendor all within a short drive of the cities of Santa Cruz and Scotts Valley. This exclusive neighborhood is known for its luxurious homes and quiet atmosphere, making it the perfect place for those seeking a tranquil coastal lifestyle.

Los Barrancos in La Selva Beach

Located just outside the picturesque enclave La Selva Beach, Los Barrancos is an exclusive gated community that offers privacy and seclusion. With its expansive properties (some with stunning ocean views), this neighborhood is perfect for those looking for a luxurious and secluded retreat. Los Barrancos offers a pool and tennis courts for residents to enjoy, and is a very short drive to the seaside community of La Selva Beach.

Depot Hill in Capitola

Depot Hill: Situated in the charming town of Capitola, Depot Hill is known for its quaint cottages and beautiful Victorian homes. With its close proximity to the Capitola Village and vibrant beach esplanade, this neighborhood offers the perfect blend of luxury and small-town charm.

Monte Fiore in Scotts Valley

Just a short drive from Santa Cruz, Monte Fiore is a gated community tucked away in the hills of Scotts Valley. With its spacious homes, beautiful views, and close proximity to nature trails, this neighborhood offers a luxurious and serene living experience. It’s a great choice for people looking to buy a home in an area with excellent schools, good proximity to the beaches of Santa Cruz, and still be able to drive to work in many parts of Silicon Valley in 30 minutes or less.

Seacrest in Soquel

Located in Soquel, Seacrest is an exclusive gated community known for its stunning, upscale homes, some with breathtaking ocean views. With its close proximity to beaches and outdoor activities, this neighborhood is perfect for those who want to enjoy the best of coastal living. It also has a great commute location to Silicon Valley via Old San Jose Road, and is only a hop skip and a jump from the restaurants, cafes, and other delights of Soquel Village.

Seascape Uplands

For those wanting to live in heaven on Earth, Seascape Uplands is a sought-after gated community located in the charming coastal town of Aptos in Santa Cruz County, just above the Seascape subdivision. This residential community offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, convenience, and a relaxed coastal lifestyle. There’s a very limited quantity of homes in this neighborhood but some of them – especially those with stunning ocean views, are truly spectacular.

Live by the Beach

Opal Cliffs in Santa Cruz

Opal Cliffs is a hidden gem nestled along the stunning coastline of Santa Cruz between Pleasure Point and Capitola Village. This upscale neighborhood offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, tranquility, and luxurious living.  The homes right along the cliff will offer stunning views of Monterey Bay, while being a short walk or bike ride to numerous restaurants, cafes, and shops. Many of these homes are owned by elites of Silicon Valley and have undergone magnificent renovations in the past few years.

Meder Street in Santa Cruz

Meder Street: Situated in Santa Cruz, Meder Street is a prestigious neighborhood known for its large estates and beautiful homes. With its tree-lined streets and close proximity to parks and hiking trails, this neighborhood offers a luxurious and nature-filled living experience.  This area is also close to the University of California at Santa Cruz, the largest employer in Santa Cruz County, 

Spring Street in Santa Cruz

Spring Street: Located in the Upper West Side of Santa Cruz, Spring Street isa desirable neighborhood known for its classic homes, generously-sized lots, and tree-lined streets. With its close proximity to UCSC, Westlake Park and Westlake Elementary, downtown Santa Cruz and the vibrant Pacific Avenue, this neighborhood offers the perfect blend of charm and convenience.

Bayview/Cliff Drive in Rio del Mar

The Bayview/Cliff Drive neighborhood in Rio del Mar neighborhood of Aptos is an upscale and charming coastal neighborhood that offers a picturesque and serene living experience. Nestled along the beautiful Monterey Bay, this neighborhood boasts stunning ocean views, nearby sandy beaches, and a sense of tranquility that is truly captivating.  While the area has been known to be foggy, climate change has made it considerably less so, while still maintaining enough fog to keep it cool.

Seascape Beach Estates

Seascape Beach Estates in Aptos is a gated and exclusive coastal community that offers an ocean-front lifestyle in the heart of Santa Cruz County. Situated along the breathtaking shoreline, this neighborhood provides residents with unparalleled beauty and access to some of the finest amenities in the area.  It’s located adjacent to the Seascape neighborhood, a short walk to Seascape Village and the Seascape Resort.

Carbonera Estates in Santa Cruz

Carbonera Estates in Santa Cruz is a highly desirable and exclusive neighborhood that offers a harmonious blend of natural beauty and luxurious living. Tucked away in the scenic hills of Santa Cruz, this prestigious community provides residents with breathtaking views, stunning homes, and a serene environment. It also provides an excellent commute location to those working in Silicon Valley.

Forest and Meadows in Aptos

The Forest and Meadows neighborhood in the Day Valley area of Aptos is one of those very special neighborhoods that showcase what genteel Aptos living is all about.  There’s no gate here, but it maintains an atmosphere of quiet affluence with large homes on acre-plus parcels, only a few minutes drive from the beaches, shops, and schools that Aptos is renown for.

Pajaro Dunes in Watsonville

Pajaro Dunes in Watsonville is a hidden coastal gem situated along the pristine shoreline of Monterey Bay. This picturesque beachfront community offers a tranquil and idyllic lifestyle for those seeking a peaceful retreat away from the hustle and bustle of city life.

Luxury Home Listings in Santa Cruz

Ready to elevate your lifestyle? Explore our exclusive collection of luxury home listings and unlock a world of opulence and refinement. Discover elegant residences with breathtaking views, state-of-the-art amenities, and unparalleled craftsmanship. It’s time to find your dream home—indulge in the extraordinary and embrace the epitome of luxury living. Start your journey towards unparalleled elegance today.

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