---
title: "Davenport, Santa Cruz County — Neighborhood Guide"
description: "Tiny coastal town, big views"
url: https://giselesasso.com/neighborhoods/davenport
lastUpdated: 2026-03-23
dataAsOf: "March 2026"
sources: ["GreatSchools","Redfin","Google Maps"]
---

# Davenport

> Tiny coastal town, big views

Davenport is a tiny coastal town about 10 miles north of Santa Cruz along Highway 1. With a population under 500, it offers a truly small-town experience with dramatic ocean bluffs, whale watching, and a handful of local businesses. The surrounding area includes farmland, beaches, and state parks. Davenport appeals to buyers seeking solitude, stunning coastal views, and a retreat from the pace of city living.

## Vibe

A tiny coastal hamlet north of Santa Cruz where Highway 1 meets dramatic bluffs. Whale watching, quiet beaches, and a slower pace. About as far from the rat race as you can get.

## Highlights

- Dramatic coastal bluffs and ocean views
- World-class whale watching from shore
- Tiny village with a few local gems
- Close to Waddell Beach and state parks
- Rural, peaceful atmosphere

## Market Stats

- **Median Price:** $950,000
- **Average Days on Market:** 45
- **Population:** 400
- **Median Household Income:** $95,000
- **Owner-Occupied:** 70%
- **ZIP Codes:** 95017
- **Coordinates:** 37.013, -122.186

## Best For

remote-workers, outdoor-enthusiasts

## Schools

| School | Type | Grades | Rating | District |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Pacific Elementary | Elementary | K-8 | 6/10 | Pacific |
| Mission Hill Middle | Middle | 6-8 | 9/10 | Santa Cruz City Schools |
| Santa Cruz High | High | 9-12 | 10/10 | Santa Cruz City Schools |
| Gateway School | Private | K-8 | Niche A+ | Private |

## Peak Commute Times

- **Netflix HQ:** 55 min
- **Adobe HQ:** 58 min
- **Zoom HQ:** 58 min
- **PayPal HQ:** 1h
- **Broadcom HQ:** 1h
- **Cisco HQ:** 1h 5m
- **ServiceNow HQ:** 1h 5m
- **Samsung Semiconductor:** 1h 5m
- **Apple Park:** 1h 8m
- **Amazon Sunnyvale:** 1h 8m
- **LinkedIn HQ:** 1h 8m
- **Googleplex:** 1h 12m
- **Meta HQ:** 1h 18m
- **Salesforce Tower:** 1h 32m

## FAQs

**Is Davenport a good place to live?**

Davenport is ideal for people who value solitude, natural beauty, and a tiny-town lifestyle. It has very limited services (no grocery store, few businesses), so residents drive to Santa Cruz for most errands. The ocean views and peaceful setting are the main draw.

**How far is Davenport from Santa Cruz?**

Davenport is about 10 miles north of Santa Cruz along Highway 1, roughly a 15 minute drive. The road is scenic but can be slow with traffic or fog.