East Side Santa Cruz

Beautiful beaches, relaxed atmosphere, and thriving surf culture.

Overview for East Side Santa Cruz, CA

62,714 people live in East Side Santa Cruz, where the median age is 29 and the average individual income is $46,720. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.

62,714

Total Population

29 years

Median Age

High

Population Density Population Density This is the number of people per square mile in a neighborhood.

$46,720

Average individual Income

​Welcome to the East Side

East Side Santa Cruz is a renowned coastal area in unincorporated Santa Cruz County, California consisting of the areas known as Pleasure Point and Live Oak. Located along the scenic coastline and just a short 30-minute drive from Silicon Valley, this community offers the perfect balance of beach-town living and accessibility to urban amenities. Surrounded by the Santa Cruz Mountains and the Pacific Ocean, the area boasts a range of outdoor adventures, from mountain exploration to oceanfront activities.
 
East Side Santa Cruz and Pleasure Point are known for their vibrant surf culture, beautiful beaches, and diverse community, attracting residents and visitors alike. With a mix of students from nearby UCSC, tech professionals from Silicon Valley, and long-time locals, these neighborhoods offer an eclectic and lively atmosphere. In 2022, the real estate market in East Side Santa Cruz and Pleasure Point saw 290 homes sold. The average price of a single-family home during this period was $1.6 million, while the average townhome or condo sold for $959,000*.
East Side Santa Cruz and Pleasure Point real estate offerings include stunning oceanfront properties, charming coastal cottages, luxury new construction homes, and a variety of other styles to suit every preference. The neighborhoods are known for their laid-back beach vibes, vibrant local businesses, and easy access to a multitude of outdoor activities.
 
Explore East Side Santa Cruz and Pleasure Point real estate to find the perfect coastal home, whether it's a stunning oceanfront property or a cozy beach cottage. With their unparalleled natural beauty and vibrant community atmosphere, these neighborhoods offer the best of Santa Cruz living.

What to Love

  • Beautiful beaches
  • Laid-back atmosphere
  • Vibrant surf culture
  • Numerous dining and shopping options
  • Outdoor recreational opportunities

Dining, Entertainment & Shopping

East Side Santa Cruz, Pleasure Point, and Live Oak have a variety of dining, shopping, and entertainment options. Visitors can explore the unique shops, cafes, and restaurants that contribute to the areas' charm.
 

Where to Eat:

  • East End Gastropub: Contemporary eatery with menu that includes mix of comfort food and creative cuisine, with options such as wood-fired pizzas, gourmet burgers, salads, and small plates. Casual yet stylish atmosphere makes it a great spot for a relaxed meal or a night out with friends.
  • Suda: Popular restaurant in the Pleasure Point area known for its eclectic menu, combining Californian and global flavors. Modern and inviting atmosphere, along with its outdoor patio, makes it a great spot for a delicious meal or a fun night out.
  • The Point Kitchen & Bar: Casual eatery located in Pleasure Point, Santa Cruz, known for its American and Mediterranean-inspired cuisine. Great spot for brunch!
  • Aloha Island Grille: Very casual and affordable eatery that specializes in Hawaiian cuisine, offering a taste of the islands in a laid-back setting. Menu includes a variety of island favorites such as plate lunches, poke bowls, kalua pork, teriyaki chicken, and more. 
  • Harbor Cafe: Beloved local eatery in Santa Cruz, offering classic American breakfast and lunch dishes in a fun atmosphere with great outdoor dining on picnic tables with tiki bar. The full bar serves bloody marys, mimosas, and other cocktails, making it a popular spot for brunch. The cafe's outdoor patio and laid-back vibe make it an enjoyable place to start your Saturday or Sunday in Santa Cruz

Where to Drink:

  • New Bohemia Brewing Company (NuBo): Craft brewery with focus on European-style lagers and ales with a modern twist, using traditional brewing methods. The brewery features a spacious taproom where you can enjoy their wide selection of beers, and they often host events and food trucks.
  • East Cliff Brewing Company: This small brewery offers a variety of craft beers in a laid-back atmosphere. The taproom is family and dog-friendly, and there's often live music or food trucks to enjoy alongside your beer.

Where to Work While Sipping Coffee:

  • Verve Coffee Roasters: A popular coffee shop in the Pleasure Point area, Verve serves high-quality coffee, espresso drinks, and a variety of pastries. 
  • Coffeetopia: The OG coffee shop of Pleasure Point, for true locals, with an additional location in Live Oak on Capitola Rd Near 17th.
  • Cat & Cloud: The first location of this now popular coffee shop, with additional locations on the Far West Side and Aptos. A fun place to get together for coffee with friends before a surf.

Things to Do

  1. Iconic surf spots: Pleasure Point, 38th Avenue, Rockview, Sewers, Sharks, Wind and Sea, 2-6, Privates, and The Hook are just some of the many popular surf breaks in the area, drawing surfers of all skill levels. 
  2. Beaches: With several beautiful beaches such as 26th, 38th, Santa Mo's and Seabright Beach, residents and visitors can enjoy sunbathing, swimming, paddle-boarding, beach-combing (check tide charts for stunning tide pools during low tide), and stunning ocean views. Walks along East Cliff from the Point to the Hook are popular at all times of day, and a fun way to socialize with neighbors who may also be out-and-about.
  3. Shopping: Pleasure Point offers many unique shops and boutiques offering everything from surf gear and clothing to home goods and local crafts. Our favorites include: Zen Island, Freeline Surf Shop, The Boardroom, The Warmth Company, and Rootstock Collective - all located at the beach end of 41st Avenue.
  4. Farmers Market: There is an excellent Sunday morning Farmer's Market at the East Cliff Plaza

Demographics and Employment Data for East Side Santa Cruz, CA

East Side Santa Cruz has 22,067 households, with an average household size of 2.37. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau. Here’s what the people living in East Side Santa Cruz do for work — and how long it takes them to get there. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau. 62,714 people call East Side Santa Cruz home. The population density is 4,922.59 and the largest age group is Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.

62,714

Total Population

High

Population Density Population Density This is the number of people per square mile in a neighborhood.

29

Median Age

49.07 / 50.93%

Men vs Women

Population by Age Group

0-9:

0-9 Years

10-17:

10-17 Years

18-24:

18-24 Years

25-64:

25-64 Years

65-74:

65-74 Years

75+:

75+ Years

Education Level

  • Less Than 9th Grade
  • High School Degree
  • Associate Degree
  • Bachelor Degree
  • Graduate Degree
22,067

Total Households

2.37

Average Household Size

$46,720

Average individual Income

Households with Children

With Children:

Without Children:

Marital Status

Married
Single
Divorced
Separated

Blue vs White Collar Workers

Blue Collar:

White Collar:

Commute Time

0 to 14 Minutes
15 to 29 Minutes
30 to 59 Minutes
60+ Minutes

Schools in East Side Santa Cruz, CA

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Primary Schools ()
Middle Schools ()
High Schools ()
Mixed Schools ()
The following schools are within or nearby East Side Santa Cruz. The rating and statistics can serve as a starting point to make baseline comparisons on the right schools for your family. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.
Type
Name
Category
Grades
School rating

Property Listings

Work With Ace

Whether buying or selling a home in Santa Cruz, Ace Woods delivers service beyond comparison. She provides custom real estate planning solutions for all stages of life. Ace works closely with each of her clients to find their dream property, and negotiates the best deal. When listing a property in Santa Cruz, Ace maximizes each property’s market value with her unparalleled marketing strategy and resources.