Santa Cruz California Information

Located on the pacific coast of California, just south of the San Francisco Bay Area, Santa Cruz County forms the northern coast of Monterey Bay.  It is one of the original counties of California, created at the same time of its statehood.  In the original act, the county was given the name of “Branciforte,” after the Spanish pueblo founded in that area in 1797.  Santa Cruz is a Spanish word, meaning “Holy Cross.”

Among the counties of California, only San Francisco is physically smaller than Santa Cruz.  The county has a total land area of 445 square miles and has a population of 249,666 (as of 2005).  It is a strip of land about 10 miles wide nestled between the coast and the crest of the Santa Cruz Mountains along the northern end of Monterey Bay.  Its topography is characterized by cliff-strewn, majestic redwood forests, and vibrant cityscapes which is accessible through breathtaking coastal drives.

Santa Cruz County is composed of 21 cities, towns, and communities.  The county seat is located in the city of Santa Cruz.  The county can be roughly divided into 4 regions: the rugged “north coast;” the urban center, with the cities of Santa Cruz, Capitola, and Aptos; the mountainous area composed of Bonny Doon, San Lorenzo River Valley, and Soquel; and the fertile “south county.”

The fertility of the county lands enables it to support its thriving wine-grape growing industry.  Both the growing of the grapes and their vinting is an important part of the economic and cultural life of Santa Cruz County.  The wineries of Santa Cruz produce one of the finest tasting wines in the whole world.  Two of its wineries (Ridge Vineyards and David Bruce Winery) churned out great tasting wines that it was selected to participate in the historic Paris Wine Tasting of 1976.  This event showcased to the world the excellence of Santa Cruz County wine making.

Santa Cruz Real Estate

The county’s real estate is relatively affordable priced considering the fertility of its land, its awe inspiring natural beauty, and its proximity to the Bay Area.  More and more commuters from the bay area had chosen the county as their preferred relocation site.  The opportunity to bask at the opportunities of two worlds – urban and rural life – is a chance only a selected few were able to avail of.  However, as the county’s real estate market is on an upswing, more opportunities are made available to an even more number of interested parties.

Santa Cruz MLS

Santa Cruz County real estate is made even more attractive if one should consider the numerous opportunities available for recreation and relaxation.  29 miles of breezy, fun-filled beaches offer the perfect setting for a wide array of activities.  Whether you enjoy swimming, surfing, playing beach volleyball, building sand castles, basking in the warmth of the sun, hiking along the coastal bluffs, picnic with the whole family, a romantic coastline stroll, or just simply sit back and enjoy the dramatic sunset, the beaches offer something for everyone. 

Experience Santa Cruz County’s fine wines, rich history, acclaimed arts, and year round activities in a picturesque setting, lying in wait for everyone’s enjoyment.

Santa Cruz Realtors

© Copyright 2006 Free-MLS-Online.com All Right Reserve