What makes Pasatiempo a luxury neighborhood?

Pasatiempo is known for its Alister MacKenzie-designed golf course (one of the top public courses in the U.S.), custom homes on large lots, mature redwood trees, and a private, exclusive atmosphere. It is the highest-priced neighborhood in Santa Cruz.

How is the commute from Pasatiempo to the Bay Area?

Pasatiempo sits right off Highway 17, giving residents one of the fastest commutes to Bay Area employers. Typical drive times are 35 to 50 minutes to Apple, Google, and other major campuses.

Santa Cruz County

Pasatiempo

An exclusive enclave on the hills above Santa Cruz, anchored by the legendary Pasatiempo Golf Club. Large lots, mature trees, and panoramic views. Quiet luxury.

Living in Pasatiempo

Pasatiempo is Santa Cruz County's most prestigious residential enclave, centered around the legendary Pasatiempo Golf Club designed by Alister MacKenzie. The neighborhood features spacious custom homes on large lots, many with golf course or canyon views, nestled among towering redwoods. Located just off Highway 17, Pasatiempo offers a short commute to the Bay Area while maintaining the feel of a private retreat.

What We Love

01 Legendary Pasatiempo Golf Club
02 Custom homes on large, private lots
03 Redwood forest and canyon views
04 Quick Highway 17 access to Bay Area
05 Exclusive, quiet residential setting

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At a Glance

Bay Area Commute Time: 40-55 min
Median Home Price: $1.8M
Top-Rated School: 10/10
Days on Market: 32
Population: 5,500

Education

Schools in Pasatiempo

Ratings for every public and private school, from GreatSchools and Niche.

Public

GreatSchools

Public schools in Pasatiempo, rated by GreatSchools
School	GreatSchools rating
Santa Cruz High High
Mission Hill Middle Middle
Brook Knoll Elementary Elementary

Private

Niche

Private schools in Pasatiempo, graded by Niche
School	Niche grade
Gateway School Private · K-8
Kirby School Private · 6-12

Getting to Work

Commute from Pasatiempo to the Bay Area

Rush-hour drive times on Highway 17 to Bay Area tech hubs.

Peak drive times from Pasatiempo to Bay Area employers
Employers	Peak drive time
Netflix, Zoom, Adobe +5 more Los Gatos to San Jose, Santa Clara	30-50 min
Apple, Amazon, Google +2 more Cupertino to Menlo Park, Sunnyvale, Mountain View	40-60 min
Salesforce San Francisco	1h 34m

View detailed commute guides

24 notable spots

Around Pasatiempo

Beaches, trails, markets, and places to eat, all within reach. Distances measured from Pasatiempo Golf Club .

Beaches

Santa Cruz Beach

2.8 mi, 14-min bike ride

Surf Spots

Steamer Lane

3.6 mi, 9-min drive

Cowell's 2.9 mi
The Hook 2.5 mi
Pleasure Point 4.5 mi

Parks & Trails

Pogonip Open Space

1.1 mi, 6-min bike ride

Recreation

West Cliff Drive

3.6 mi, 9-min drive

Grocery & Markets

Trader Joe's

2.1 mi, 11-min bike ride

Shopping & Dining

Verve Coffee Roasters

1.9 mi, 10-min bike ride

Common Questions

What buyers ask about Pasatiempo

What makes Pasatiempo a luxury neighborhood?: Pasatiempo is known for its Alister MacKenzie-designed golf course (one of the top public courses in the U.S.), custom homes on large lots, mature redwood trees, and a private, exclusive atmosphere. It is the highest-priced neighborhood in Santa Cruz.
How is the commute from Pasatiempo to the Bay Area?: Pasatiempo sits right off Highway 17, giving residents one of the fastest commutes to Bay Area employers. Typical drive times are 35 to 50 minutes to Apple, Google, and other major campuses.

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