Santa Cruz Living: Homes, Local Spots & Upcoming Events June 13th 2025 Edition

 

Welcome to the newsletter!

Each Friday, get the latest on the Santa Cruz real estate market—packed with expert tips for buyers and sellers, neighborhood highlights, and a look at the coastal lifestyle that makes our community one of a kind. From market trends to hidden gems, home values to local happenings, this newsletter is your go-to guide for all things real estate and Santa Cruz living.

 

 

 

Free beach festival celebrating all things oceanic!

 

 

• Live music performances throughout the afternoon 
• Ocean-themed arts & info booths from local vendors 
• Kids’ crafts, games, and interactive learning
• Delicious eats from local food trucks

• Upper lot ($10 fee; valid for all CA state parks once paid) 
• Handicap-accessible spaces available in the lower lot near the Visitor Center 
• Reach the event via a short walk down wooden stairs from the upper lot

Proceeds from parking benefit Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks

 

 

 

Step back in time with hundreds of beautifully restored hot rods, classics, and vintage cars displayed right by the beach!

 

 

• Saturday, June 14:
  • Cruise Parade along Cliff Drive at 8:30 AM
  • Car displays throughout Capitola Village until 5:00 PM
• Sunday, June 15:
  • Show continues with awards, raffles, and music from 9:00 AM–2:00 PM

All proceeds benefit local Santa Cruz charities

 

 

 

Join the community in protecting our coast! Help remove trash and microplastics from the sand while making a real impact on our marine environment.

 

 

• Reusable gloves and buckets (if you have them)
• Refillable water bottle
• Sunscreen and a hat

Volunteers must sign a waiver onsite or ahead of time online.

 

 

Experience the ultimate Santa Cruz lifestyle in this beautifully remodeled 4-bed, 3-bath home set on over half an acre of lush, usable land. The kitchen and baths have been fully updated with permits, featuring KitchenAid stainless steel appliances, quartz countertops, and an oversized island perfect for entertaining. An open-concept layout connects the living and dining areas, enhanced by wide-plank wood flooring and designer finishes throughout. Step outside to enjoy your choice of private retreats: a professionally landscaped front garden or a heated Pebble Tec pool with a spacious 506 sq ft cabana—ideal for lounging, hosting, or converting to an ADU. Energy-efficient upgrades include double-pane windows, ceiling insulation, and central forced air heating. Located just minutes from Delaveaga Park, the beach, and downtown, and within the desirable Santa Cruz City School District, this home offers modern luxury with a coastal soul.

 

 

Welcome to 3714 Purling Brook, where modern comfort meets peaceful forest living in the scenic Soquel hills. Set at the end of a quiet cul-de-sac and surrounded by redwoods on nearly half an acre, this home’s true magic is its rare, year-round Creekside setting. The gentle sound of flowing water creates a calming backdrop for morning coffee, afternoon reading, or evening gatherings on the deck. Inside, a stadium-style kitchen anchors the home with sleek quartz countertops, stainless steel appliances, and an entertainer’s bar with a built-in wine fridge. The forest-view dining area opens directly to the deck, while vaulted ceilings and skylights bring natural light into every bedroom. The spacious primary suite features generous closet space, a spa-like bath, and a versatile lower-level family room that easily functions as a guest suite or fourth bedroom.

 

 

As we wrap up Q2, I’ve been keeping a close eye on where things are headed—and there’s reason to be cautiously optimistic. After a quiet start to the year, we’re seeing meaningful shifts in both single-family and condo activity here in Santa Cruz County.

 

Inventory has grown noticeably, rising from roughly 367 active listings in March to about 523 in May. More homes on the market typically means more choices for buyers and a bit more flexibility in negotiations. At the same time, average days on market have dropped to just 25, suggesting homes are moving faster than earlier this spring.

 

Prices remain strong. The median sale price for a single-family home is hovering between $1.35M and $1.40M, showing a 5–6% increase compared to last year. This reflects both demand for coastal properties and the continued scarcity of well-located inventory.

 

The condo and townhome market has also shown signs of life. Inventory increased from 116 active units in March to around 150 by May, offering more options for those priced out of the single-family market. Units were selling relatively quickly in April—averaging around 30 days on the market—but that pace eased a bit by May, with the average climbing to 56 days.

Prices in this segment have remained relatively stable. Median sale prices inched up from $770K in March to $781K in May, with average sale prices hovering around $852K. For many buyers, this segment remains the most accessible path into homeownership in Santa Cruz County.

 

Across the county, the overall median home price in May ranged from $1.20M to $1.35M. Average days on market dropped to 27 county-wide, and in the city of Santa Cruz, homes were flying off the market in as few as 14 days.

Market trends also show 5.7% year-over-year price growth, with 164 homes sold in May—up 4.5% from last year. That uptick in sales volume signals that demand is still very much alive, even with elevated mortgage rates.

 

We’re entering Q3 with more inventory, faster-moving listings, and steady buyer interest—particularly in the condo segment. If economic signals continue trending the way they are, we could see rate cuts later this year. That would likely spur even more activity, especially from buyers who’ve been waiting for the right moment.

 

The market is gaining momentum. Whether you’re thinking about buying, selling, or investing, Q3 could present an important window to make a move—especially if interest rate relief materializes. If you’d like a personalized strategy or want to explore options in your neighborhood or price range, I’m always happy to chat. As always, your referral to friends and family means the world to me.

 

—Danny