---
title: "Midtown, Santa Cruz County — Neighborhood Guide"
description: "Central, walkable, near beach and harbor"
url: https://giselesasso.com/neighborhoods/midtown
lastUpdated: 2026-05-21
dataAsOf: "May 2026"
sources: ["GreatSchools","Redfin","Google Maps"]
---

# Midtown

> Central, walkable, near beach and harbor

Midtown is one of Santa Cruz's most livable pockets, anchored along Soquel Avenue between the San Lorenzo River and Live Oak. Locals often call this area Midtown or Seabright depending on the block, and many homes are referred to as both. Close to the beach, the harbor, downtown, and everyday conveniences, the area combines laid-back coastal living with a strong residential feel. You'll find tree-lined streets, classic bungalows, local coffee shops, and a mix of longtime residents, young families, and professionals who love being close to everything without sitting in the middle of the tourist activity. Seabright leans a little more beachy and relaxed; Midtown feels central, practical, and connected.

## Vibe

Central and connected. One of Santa Cruz's most livable pockets, often called Midtown or Seabright depending on the block. Close to the beach, the harbor, downtown, and the eastside.

## Highlights

- Great walkability and local shops
- Walk to Seabright Beach and the harbor
- Classic bungalows and Craftsman homes
- Bikeable to downtown and the eastside
- Central, between downtown and Live Oak

## Market Stats

- **Median Price:** $1,300,000
- **Average Days on Market:** 19
- **Population:** 14,000
- **Median Household Income:** $94,000
- **Owner-Occupied:** 46%
- **ZIP Codes:** 95060, 95062
- **Coordinates:** 36.971, -122.009

## Best For

families, first-time-buyers, outdoor-enthusiasts

## Schools

| School | Type | Grades | Rating | District |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Westlake Elementary | Elementary | K-5 | 9/10 | Santa Cruz City Schools |
| De Laveaga Elementary | Elementary | K-5 | 8/10 | Santa Cruz City Schools |
| Mission Hill Middle | Middle | 6-8 | 9/10 | Santa Cruz City Schools |
| Branciforte Middle | Middle | 6-8 | 9/10 | Santa Cruz City Schools |
| Santa Cruz High | High | 9-12 | 10/10 | Santa Cruz City Schools |
| Harbor High | High | 9-12 | 7/10 | Santa Cruz City Schools |
| Gateway School | Private | K-8 | Niche A+ | Private |
| Kirby School | Private | 6-12 | Niche A+ | Private |
| Holy Cross School | Private | PK-8 | — | Private |
| Santa Cruz Waldorf School | Private | PK-8 | — | Private |

## Peak Commute Times

- **Netflix HQ:** 43 min
- **Adobe HQ:** 49 min
- **Zoom HQ:** 49 min
- **PayPal HQ:** 51 min
- **Broadcom HQ:** 51 min
- **Apple Park:** 54 min
- **Cisco HQ:** 55 min
- **ServiceNow HQ:** 55 min
- **Samsung Semiconductor:** 55 min
- **Amazon Sunnyvale:** 57 min
- **LinkedIn HQ:** 57 min
- **Googleplex:** 59 min
- **Meta HQ:** 1h 4m
- **Salesforce Tower:** 1h 22m

## FAQs

**Where is Midtown in Santa Cruz, and how does it relate to Seabright?**

Midtown covers the area between the San Lorenzo River and Live Oak, anchored along Soquel Avenue. The beach-side pocket closer to the Santa Cruz Harbor is also called Seabright, and many homes sit in both areas depending on who you ask. Locals use the names interchangeably, and most homes here are referred to as both.

**Is Midtown walkable?**

Yes, especially around Seabright Avenue and Soquel Avenue. You can walk or bike to Seabright Beach, the Santa Cruz Harbor, local coffee shops, and neighborhood restaurants like Seabright Deli, The Buttery, Akira Sushi, and Charlie Hong Kong.

**How close is Midtown to the beach?**

Most homes in the Seabright side of Midtown are within a 5 to 15 minute walk of Seabright Beach or Twin Lakes State Beach. Homes further inland on the Midtown side are a short bike ride away.