---
title: "Seacliff, Santa Cruz County — Neighborhood Guide"
description: "Quiet bluffs above the waves"
url: https://giselesasso.com/neighborhoods/seacliff
lastUpdated: 2026-03-23
dataAsOf: "March 2026"
sources: ["GreatSchools","Redfin","Google Maps"]
---

# Seacliff

> Quiet bluffs above the waves

Seacliff is a prestigious beachfront community known for its stunning state beach and the famous cement ship S.S. Palo Alto. The neighborhood features upscale homes with ocean views, a quiet residential atmosphere, and direct beach access. It's popular among established professionals and retirees seeking a peaceful coastal lifestyle.

## Vibe

Prestigious beachfront living at its finest. Ocean views, the iconic cement ship, and a peaceful residential atmosphere. Premium coastal real estate.

## Highlights

- Seacliff State Beach
- Historic cement ship S.S. Palo Alto
- Ocean view properties
- Quiet, established neighborhood
- Premium beachfront living

## Market Stats

- **Median Price:** $1,850,000
- **Average Days on Market:** 20
- **Population:** 4,000
- **Median Household Income:** $135,000
- **Owner-Occupied:** 75%
- **ZIP Codes:** 95003
- **Coordinates:** 36.971, -121.909

## Best For

retirees, tech-workers

## Schools

| School | Type | Grades | Rating | District |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Rio Del Mar Elementary | Elementary | K-6 | 9/10 | Pajaro Valley Unified |
| Aptos Junior High | Middle | 7-8 | 6/10 | Pajaro Valley Unified |
| Aptos High | High | 9-12 | 9/10 | Pajaro Valley Unified |
| Mar Vista Elementary | Elementary | K-6 | 6/10 | Pajaro Valley Unified |
| Twin Lakes Christian School | Private | K-8 | — | Private |
| Santa Cruz Montessori School | Private | K-9 | — | Private |

## Peak Commute Times

- **Netflix HQ:** 44 min
- **Adobe HQ:** 50 min
- **Zoom HQ:** 50 min
- **PayPal HQ:** 52 min
- **Broadcom HQ:** 52 min
- **Cisco HQ:** 58 min
- **ServiceNow HQ:** 58 min
- **Samsung Semiconductor:** 58 min
- **Apple Park:** 1h
- **Amazon Sunnyvale:** 1h 2m
- **LinkedIn HQ:** 1h 2m
- **Googleplex:** 1h 5m
- **Meta HQ:** 1h 10m
- **Salesforce Tower:** 1h 28m

## FAQs

**What is special about Seacliff State Beach?**

Seacliff State Beach features the historic cement ship S.S. Palo Alto, a long fishing pier, calm waters for swimming, and some of the best sunset views in Santa Cruz County.

**Is Seacliff expensive?**

Yes, Seacliff is one of the premium neighborhoods in the area with a median price around $1.85 million. The premium reflects the beachfront location and exclusive community feel.