Midtown to Netflix Commute

What the Drive Is Like

Living in Midtown and working at Netflix means one of the quickest commutes from Santa Cruz County. Midtown sits in the heart of Santa Cruz, about 8 minutes to Highway 17 via Ocean Street. Your route to Netflix HQ in Los Gatos heads through the bustling center of town before heading up to the summit.

The heart of the commute is Highway 17, a winding mountain highway through the Santa Cruz Mountains. It’s a well-maintained road, but it demands attention, especially in wet weather. Most commuters quickly learn its rhythm and find it manageable. Netflix HQ at 100 Winchester Circle is one of the closest Bay Area tech employers to Santa Cruz. After Highway 17, you’ll exit onto Highway 9 and reach the campus in just minutes.

Best Times to Commute

Off-peak, the drive takes about 33 minutes. During rush hour, expect closer to 37 minutes. Leaving by 7:00 AM gets you there before the worst of the traffic. On the return, departing after 6:30 PM means a much smoother ride back over the hill.

Many Netflix employees who live in Santa Cruz County negotiate hybrid schedules, working from home 2-3 days per week. This cuts your weekly commute in half and makes the drive feel much less routine.

Tips for the Commute

• Check conditions before you go. Highway 17 can slow down in rain or fog. A quick look at traffic apps before leaving saves frustration.
• Use the Highway 17 Express Bus. Santa Cruz Metro runs a direct bus from Santa Cruz to San Jose Diridon Station, where you can transfer to Caltrain or VTA light rail. It’s a great option for days when you want to skip driving.
• Build a commute routine. Podcasts, audiobooks, or language lessons make the drive productive. Many Midtown commuters say they actually enjoy the dedicated downtime.

Why Midtown Works for Netflix Employees

Midtown offers a family-friendly community with good schools, and more accessible price points for the area. With a median home price around $1.4M, it provides a different kind of value than what you’ll find closer to Los Gatos.

The trade-off is clear: a longer commute in exchange for a lifestyle that most Bay Area suburbs simply cannot match. Many Netflix workers who have made this move say they wouldn’t go back.