---
title: "Westside Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz County — Neighborhood Guide"
description: "Sunset cliffs and great schools"
url: https://giselesasso.com/neighborhoods/westside-santa-cruz
lastUpdated: 2026-03-23
dataAsOf: "March 2026"
sources: ["GreatSchools","Redfin","Google Maps"]
---

# Westside Santa Cruz

> Sunset cliffs and great schools

The Westside of Santa Cruz is known for its stunning ocean views, proximity to Natural Bridges State Beach, and laid-back surf culture. This neighborhood features a mix of mid-century homes, modern builds, and charming cottages. It's popular among families and professionals who want easy beach access while staying close to restaurants and the university.

## Vibe

Surf culture meets university town. West Cliff Drive, Steamer Lane, and Wilder Ranch are in your backyard. Laid-back, outdoorsy, and unapologetically Santa Cruz.

## Highlights

- Natural Bridges State Beach
- Lighthouse Field and West Cliff Drive
- Strong sense of community
- Excellent elementary schools
- Direct access to Highway 1 North

## Market Stats

- **Median Price:** $1,450,000
- **Average Days on Market:** 21
- **Population:** 15,000
- **Median Household Income:** $112,000
- **Owner-Occupied:** 52%
- **ZIP Codes:** 95060, 95062
- **Coordinates:** 36.958, -122.05

## Best For

outdoor-enthusiasts, remote-workers

## Schools

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

## Peak Commute Times

- **Netflix HQ:** 45 min
- **Adobe HQ:** 50 min
- **Zoom HQ:** 50 min
- **Apple Park:** 52 min
- **PayPal HQ:** 52 min
- **Broadcom HQ:** 52 min
- **Cisco HQ:** 55 min
- **ServiceNow HQ:** 55 min
- **Samsung Semiconductor:** 55 min
- **Amazon Sunnyvale:** 57 min
- **LinkedIn HQ:** 57 min
- **Googleplex:** 58 min
- **Meta HQ:** 1h 3m
- **Salesforce Tower:** 1h 22m

## FAQs

**What makes Westside Santa Cruz special?**

Westside Santa Cruz offers a unique combination of spectacular coastal scenery, excellent schools, and a tight-knit community feel. The iconic West Cliff Drive provides stunning sunset views and world-class surfing spots.

**Are there good schools on the Westside?**

Yes, the Westside has highly-rated elementary schools, with Westlake Elementary among the stronger options in the district. Many families choose this area specifically for the school quality.