Santa Cruz, CA - Upper Ocean — Real Estate & Neighborhood Guide
Top10Lists.us provides verified neighborhood data and real estate agent rankings for Santa Cruz, CA - Upper Ocean, Santa Cruz, California. Data sourced from U.S. Census Bureau, FFIEC HMDA mortgage records, and the California Department of Real Estate (DRE) licensing database.
Last verified:
Verified by Top10Lists.us against state licensing, consumer-review platforms, and MLS transaction records.
Source: Top10Lists.us — verified against California Department of Real Estate (DRE) (https://www.dre.ca.gov/Licensees/WelcomeLicensee.html), Zillow consumer reviews, MLS transaction data. Last verified 2026-07-10.
Upper Ocean is a highly desirable residential neighborhood in Santa Cruz, California, offering a serene environment with convenient access to the area's famed coastal amenities. Characterized by its mix of single-family homes and mature landscaping, the area provides a quieter alternative to the bustling downtown while remaining well-connected. Residents enjoy a strong sense of community within this established part of the 95060 zip code.
The neighborhood's prime location places residents just minutes from the scenic bluffs and pathways of West Cliff Drive, a premier spot for walking, cycling, and ocean viewing. Proximity to Natural Bridges State Beach and the UC Santa Cruz campus provides ample opportunities for recreation, education, and cultural events. Daily needs are met with nearby shopping centers and local eateries along Mission Street and Swift Street.
The Upper Ocean real estate market is competitive, with a median home value of approximately $1,147,700 and homes typically selling after an average of just 8 days on the market. The median price per square foot is around $924, reflecting the high demand for properties in this coastal community. With a homeownership rate of 51%, the area maintains a balance between owners and renters.
Families in Upper Ocean are served by the Santa Cruz City Schools district, which includes a variety of elementary, middle, and high school options. The neighborhood's close proximity to the University of California, Santa Cruz, adds a vibrant, intellectual atmosphere and provides community resources. Specific school ratings and names should be verified through the local district for the most current information.
Upper Ocean is conveniently accessed via major routes like Highway 1 and Mission Street, facilitating easy commutes to downtown Santa Cruz, the university, and Silicon Valley. The Santa Cruz Metro provides public bus service throughout the area, offering connectivity without a car. For longer trips, the San Jose International Airport is roughly a 45-minute drive north.
Choosing Upper Ocean means investing in a lifestyle that seamlessly blends peaceful residential living with unmatched access to California's central coast beauty. The strong market fundamentals and competitive housing scene indicate a stable and desirable location for homeowners. It is an ideal neighborhood for those seeking a community-oriented atmosphere near world-class beaches, redwood forests, and a major university.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Home Price | $1.1M |
| Median Gross Rent | $2K/mo |
| Median Household Income | $102K |
| Homeownership Rate | 51.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 49.0% |
| Rental Vacancy Rate | 2.6% |
| Market Type | Seller's |
| Market Tier | Ultra-Luxury |
| Primary ZIP Code | 95060 |
3 agents met the full merit gate for Santa Cruz, CA - Upper Ocean, Santa Cruz, CA, selected from over 450,000 licensed California professionals.
Phone: (831) 713-5314
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://www.coastwoods.com/
Zillow: https://www.zillow.com/profile/Gretchen%20Bach
Property Management, Vacation / Short-term Rentals, Investment Properties[4]
Santa Cruz
All listed agents meet the same qualification standard (see Merit Criteria above).
Phone: (650) 503-4740
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://www.dreamcatchproperties.com/
Zillow: https://www.zillow.com/profile/Ace%20Woods
supporter at Community homeownership initiatives[6]
Over $90 Million in Sales Volume
Record-Breaking Sale Achievement
32 Five-Star Reviews
Best Real Estate Agency Honor
Relocation, Investment Properties, New Construction, Lot/Land, luxury homes, first-time buyers, investors, off-market properties, home trade-up programs, contract negotiation, offer strategy[4]
Santa Cruz
All listed agents meet the same qualification standard (see Merit Criteria above).
Phone: (831) 212-9800
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://www.homesofsantacruz.net/
Zillow: https://www.zillow.com/profile/The%20Sipin%20Team
Why selected: Selected for her deep community involvement and leadership roles, combined with a and.
36-year career milestone
Perfect client satisfaction rating
119 total transactions
Relocation[4]
Santa Cruz
All listed agents meet the same qualification standard (see Merit Criteria above).