Prospect Heights

Prospect Heights, an enchanting neighborhood nestled in the heart of Santa Cruz, is a gem waiting to be explored. This article delves into the distinctive attributes that make Prospect Heights a coveted destination for homebuyers. From its impressive real estate market to the community’s proactive approach to safety, we will reveal why Prospect Heights is more than just a neighborhood – it’s a lifestyle.

Geographical Splendor

Prospect Heights is conveniently situated on the northern edge of Santa Cruz, separated from the Banana Belt by the freeway. Its unique location (under area 42) and the prevalent zip code of 95065, further distinguish this neighborhood within the city.

Accessibility is a noteworthy advantage of Prospect Heights. The primary gateway to this neighborhood is via the Morrissy Blvd. exit, thus ensuring seamless connectivity for the residents.

Real Estate Overview

The neighborhood is predominantly characterized by homes from the 50’s and 60’s, with a sprinkling of development projects from the 80’s. This blend of older and newer homes adds to the diverse architectural landscape of Prospect Heights.

One of the highlights of Prospect Heights is the larger than average lot sizes, especially when compared with other Santa Cruz neighborhoods. The more recent homes, which flaunt contemporary styles, are notably larger and come with modern amenities.

The neighborhood streets bear names that resonate with the local culture. From extensions of Banana Belt names like Pacheco, San Juan, Marnell, and Trevethan, to unique names like Allerton, Wanda, Heather, Carol, and Rooney, each street has a story to tell.

Real Estate Market

As per a 2019 analysis, the median real estate price in Prospect Heights stands at a whopping $1,166,922, positioning it among the priciest 82% neighborhoods in California and the top 4% nationwide.

The average rental price in the neighborhood is currently $5,978, which is higher than 95.9% of California neighborhoods. This trend reflects the high demand for homes in this area.

The real estate market in Prospect Heights is primarily composed of medium-sized (three or four-bedroom) to small (studio to two-bedroom) single-family homes and townhomes, adding to the neighborhood’s suburban charm.

Community and Lifestyle

Prospect Heights is home to the De Laveaga Elementary School, which is attended by many local kids, including those from the Banana Belt. The proximity of Harbor High School further enhances the neighborhood’s appeal for families with children.

The western end of the neighborhood houses the entrance to the De Laveaga Golf Course and an uncommon Frisbee Golf course, offering residents a unique blend of recreation and nature. There are also several trails accessible from Prospect Heights, perfect for nature enthusiasts.

Safety and Security

Prospect Heights holds the distinction of being the first firewise suburb in the area. This certification, granted by the National Fire Protection Association, implies that the community has taken significant steps to protect their homes against wildfires.

The community has been proactive in improving their neighborhood’s safety. From conducting neighborhood meetings to organizing cleanups and partnering with the Santa Cruz Fire Department, the residents of Prospect Heights have demonstrated a commendable commitment to safety.

Noteworthy Characteristics

With a current vacancy rate of 0.0%, Prospect Heights boasts one of the lowest real estate vacancy rates in the U.S., indicating a strong demand for homes in this neighborhood.

The neighborhood is home to a diverse mix of residents, including a significant number of college students, making it a vibrant and dynamic community.

The residents of Prospect Heights come from a wide range of ethnic backgrounds. German, Irish, Italian, and English ancestries are prevalent, adding to the neighborhood’s cultural richness.

A significant portion (52%) of the working population in Prospect Heights is employed in executive, management, and professional occupations. Sales and service jobs account for 31.6% of the employed residents, followed by clerical, assistant, tech support occupations (10.9%), and government jobs (7.4%).

Income Levels

According to NeighborhoodScout’s analysis, Prospect Heights ranks among the 15% highest income neighborhoods in America. An impressive 91.6% of the neighborhood earns a higher income than the majority of U.S. neighborhoods.

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