The story of this market
The typical home in ZIP 95060 sells for about $1,278,000, or $761 per square foot.
Prices are down 6% from a year ago, which gives buyers more room to negotiate. Homes take about 23 days to sell, which is fast. HUD's fair market rent for a two-bedroom is $3,015 a month.
ZIP 95060 — Santa Cruz
The 95060 housing market is experiencing a cooling phase with median prices down 6% year-over-year and a significant increase in days on market. High interest rates and affordability constraints are driving this shift, resulting in a more competitive environment for buyers despite the price correction. Rental data shows high demand, likely sustained by the university presence.
This ZIP is well-suited for university-affiliated individuals, coastal lifestyle seekers, and commuters who prioritize proximity to natural amenities over traditional suburban affordability.
Median prices moved down 6.0% year over year.
Homes spend a median of 23 days on market with 2.5 months of supply — a fast-moving market.
0% of listings have cut prices · homes sell at 100% of asking — demand is running ahead of supply.
no recorded foreclosure-ledger notices (0.0 per 10,000 residents) · unemployment 6.0% · poverty 17.1% — a stable, low-distress profile.
ZCTA 95060, Santa Cruz County, CA
The area is served by Santa Cruz City School District, Scotts Valley Unified School District, and Pajaro Valley Unified School District, alongside various private school options.
The region faces significant wildfire and coastal hazard risks, which influence local property insurance availability and premiums.
The local economy is anchored by the University of California, Santa Cruz, which serves as a major employer and driver of regional development and infrastructure needs.
Composed from the ARED governance burden registry — tier-native tax structure (state + county + city + special districts), never averaged. State (California) — Mello-Roos Community Facilities Act Special Parcel Tax Assessment: Levies an annual direct, non-ad valorem special tax directly on the parcel's secured property tax bill to fund designated community infrastructure (e.g., roads, sewer facilities, school facilities, emergency services) and repay municipal debt bonds. State (California) — California Homeowners' Property Tax Exemption: Reduces the taxable assessed value of the qualifying owner-occupied principal residence by $7,000 against the county assessment roll, generating a direct tax savings of approximately $70 annually (computed as $7,000 × 1% base rate). State (California) — California Proposition 13 Ad Valorem Real Property Tax: Establishes a base ad valorem tax rate capped at 1.0% of assessed value plus voter-approved local indebtedness and direct assessments (typically resulting in an effective tax rate of 1.1% to 1.25%).
Commuters primarily rely on Highway 1 and Highway 17 for access to the broader San Francisco Bay Area and Silicon Valley employment hubs.
The area features extensive access to coastal beaches, redwood forest trails, and the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, with diverse shopping and dining in the downtown district.
The rental market is characterized by high demand driven by the university population, with significant pressure on vacancy rates and a notable presence of short-term rentals.
The economy is heavily influenced by higher education, tourism, and a mix of local service-sector businesses.
Transportation is centered on the Highway 1 and 17 corridors, with limited public transit options connecting to the broader Bay Area.
Development is constrained by geography and environmental protections, focusing primarily on infill and university-related infrastructure.
The Santa Cruz County Assessor manages property valuations in accordance with California state law and Proposition 13.
Parcels are subject to various special districts including school, community college, and flood control districts.
Property insurance markets are tightening due to increased wildfire risk, leading to higher premiums and limited carrier availability.
Data sourced from ZipDataPortal and Census ACS profiles.
Public schools whose reported address is in this area (NCES). Not attendance boundaries — schools that serve residents may sit outside it. Check the district's address locator for assignment.
Major research university and primary economic driver for the region.
Historic seaside amusement park and major tourist attraction.
Protected forest area featuring old-growth redwood trees.
Key-figure check: no independent anchor retained yet — first-researched cycles establish the anchor baseline this pass.