Santa Cruz East Side: Residential Peace & Park Access

PROPERTY LISTINGS

Price

Living Area

For Sale

MLS® ML82003250

Welcome to Santa Cruz - East Side

A Blend of Surf, Culture, and Community

Santa Cruz’s Eastside neighborhood is a hidden gem, offering a more relaxed, residential vibe compared to the bustling downtown and more commercialized areas of the city. Eastside is known for its laid-back atmosphere, strong sense of community, and proximity to some of the best surf spots along California's central coast.

The Eastside offers a wide range of real estate options, from charming beach bungalows to more modern, spacious homes. The area is known for its tight-knit, family-friendly neighborhoods, where residents can enjoy the benefits of coastal living while still being close to essential services and conveniences. Homes here are particularly appealing to those looking for a quieter, more residential area, with easy access to both beaches and the downtown scene.

Properties on the Eastside tend to be more affordable than their Westside counterparts, making it a popular option for first-time homebuyers or those looking for a more budget-friendly way to enjoy coastal living. Many homes feature large yards, ocean views, and proximity to parks, making it an attractive area for families and outdoor enthusiasts. Real estate here has also been steadily appreciating, making it a solid investment for buyers looking for long-term value.

Local Shops, Dining, and Attractions

The Eastside is home to a variety of local shops and dining establishments that reflect Santa Cruz’s eclectic and creative spirit. East Cliff Village Shopping Center is a popular destination, offering convenience stores, coffee shops, and casual dining options. One of the neighborhood’s highlights is The Point Market, known for its grab-and-go deli options perfect for beach picnics. For fresh organic groceries, Staff of Life Natural Foods Market is a beloved spot among residents.

Dining on the Eastside offers a laid-back, local feel. Pleasure Pizza is a go-to spot for surfers looking to fuel up after catching waves at Pleasure Point. Meanwhile, Lillian’s Italian Kitchen serves up authentic Italian dishes in a cozy, family-friendly environment. For those in search of fresh seafood, Johnny’s Harborside offers a casual waterfront dining experience at the nearby Santa Cruz Harbor.

The Eastside is also home to one of Santa Cruz’s most iconic attractions—Pleasure Point, a world-renowned surf spot that draws surfers from all over the globe. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a beginner looking to take your first lesson, Pleasure Point’s gentle waves and scenic coastline make it an ideal surf destination.

Outdoor Activities and Parks

Eastside residents embrace the outdoors, with easy access to beaches, parks, and scenic coastal trails. Sunny Cove Beach, a smaller, more secluded spot than the busier Main Beach, offers a peaceful escape for sunbathing or beachcombing. Just a short drive or bike ride away is Twin Lakes State Beach, known for its calm waters and family-friendly environment.

For those looking for more than just beach days, the Eastside also boasts beautiful green spaces like Arana Gulch, a nature preserve offering walking and biking trails with stunning views of the harbor and coastal wetlands. Families enjoy visiting Frederick Street Park, which provides playgrounds, picnic areas, and dog-friendly spaces, making it a popular weekend spot.

Community and Events

While the Eastside might be more low-key than other parts of Santa Cruz, it has its share of community events that bring neighbors together. The Harbor’s Annual Lighted Boat Parade is a favorite winter event where festively decorated boats sail through the Santa Cruz Harbor, spreading holiday cheer.

The Eastside is also close to the Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds, which hosts several annual events like the Santa Cruz County Fair, offering rides, games, and live entertainment for the whole family. Local farmers’ markets, including the Live Oak Farmers Market, are a staple of the community, providing fresh produce, artisan goods, and live music throughout the year.

Schools in Santa Cruz Eastside

Families in Santa Cruz Eastside are served by the Santa Cruz City Schools District, with a variety of well-regarded schools for children of all ages:

Gault Elementary School: Known for its strong academic focus and supportive community, Gault Elementary provides a nurturing environment for young learners.
Branciforte Middle School: Offering a wide range of academic and extracurricular programs, Branciforte is recognized for its commitment to student growth and development.
Harbor High School: Situated on the Eastside, Harbor High is celebrated for its academic rigor, sports programs, and strong connection to the local community. It also offers Career Technical Education (CTE) pathways, preparing students for future career success.

For younger children, several preschools and daycare centers can be found throughout the neighborhood, providing options for early education close to home.

From local dining to outdoor adventures and unique shopping, Eastside provides a perfect blend of beachside living and everyday convenience.

Included below are homes for sale and real estate in East Side Santa Cruz.

If you would like more information on any of these East Side Santa Cruz real estate listings, just click on a property to access the full details. From there, you can request more information or schedule a tour. And we'd be happy to provide you with disclosures, past sales history, dates, and prices of properties which have recently sold nearby, and more, so just let us know how we can help!

And, for your convenience, feel free to register for a free account to receive email alerts whenever new East Side Santa Cruz listings come on the market that match your specific criteria.

Overview for Santa Cruz - East Side, CA

99,985 people live in Santa Cruz - East Side, where the median age is 37.6 and the average individual income is $57,294.881. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.

99,985

Total Population

37.6 years

Median Age

High

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

$57,294.881

Average individual Income

Around Santa Cruz - East Side, CA

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

1

Car-Dependent

Walking Score

24

Somewhat Bikeable

Bike Score

Points of Interest

Explore popular things to do in the area, including Dash Hemp Santa Cruz, Patti Kiersted Training, and Oakstrong Martial Arts.

Name	Category	Distance	Reviews	Ratings by Yelp
Visit the Dash Hemp Santa Cruz page on Yelp Search 303 Potrero St on Google Maps	Shopping	4.59 miles	11 reviews	5/5 stars
Visit the Patti Kiersted Training page on Yelp Search 7940 E Zayante Rd on Google Maps	Active	3.69 miles	5 reviews	5/5 stars
Visit the Oakstrong Martial Arts page on Yelp Search 6191 Highway 9 on Google Maps	Active	2.01 miles	5 reviews	5/5 stars
Visit the Kymm Ann Wallin page on Yelp Search Mother's Journey on Google Maps	Beauty	4.62 miles	12 reviews	5/5 stars
Visit the Curls With Pearls page on Yelp	Beauty	4.96 miles	5 reviews	5/5 stars
Visit the Bonny Doon Farm English Lavender page on Yelp Search 600 Martin Rd on Google Maps	Beauty	3.28 miles	9 reviews	5/5 stars
Visit the Alcinda Walters page on Yelp Search 303 Potrero St on Google Maps	Beauty	4.61 miles	13 reviews	5/5 stars
Visit the Sacred Mud Henna Blessings page on Yelp Search 1030 River St on Google Maps	Beauty	4.45 miles	8 reviews	5/5 stars
Visit the Idlewild Tattoo Parlour page on Yelp Search 16 Camp Evers Ln on Google Maps	Beauty	3.94 miles	7 reviews	5/5 stars
Visit the Thayse Cesar page on Yelp Search 303 Potrero St on Google Maps	Beauty	4.59 miles	5 reviews	5/5 stars

Demographics and Employment Data for Santa Cruz - East Side, CA

Population Households Employment

Santa Cruz - East Side has 37,205 households, with an average household size of 9.44. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau. Here’s what the people living in Santa Cruz - East Side do for work — and how long it takes them to get there. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau. 99,985 people call Santa Cruz - East Side home. The population density is 3,593.396 and the largest age group is Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.

99,985

Total Population

High

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

37.59489723458519

Median Age

48.65 / 51.35%

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

37,205

Total Households

9.44

Average Household Size

$57,294.881

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 - East Side, CA

All ()

Primary Schools ()

Middle Schools ()

High Schools ()

Mixed Schools ()

The following schools are within or nearby Santa Cruz - East Side. 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

Explore Other Neighborhoods

Aptos

Combining coastal beauty with a vibrant community feel, it makes it a popular place for both locals and visitors.

Ben Lomond

Perfect for those looking for a peaceful retreat with a strong connection to nature.

Bonny Doon

A serene, unincorporated community located in the Santa Cruz Mountains.

Boulder Creek

Known for its beautiful redwood forests, outdoor activities, and small-town charm.

Capitola

A charming coastal town known for its vibrant beachside community, colorful architecture, and welcoming atmosphere.

Felton

Nestled in the heart of the Santa Cruz Mountains, offers a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of nearby cities.