873 Houses For Rent in Santa Cruz, CA

Sort: Best Match
Loading...
Loading...
Loading...
61-90 of 873 properties

Page 3 of 30

  1. Home
  2. California
  3. Santa Cruz

Overview of Santa Cruz, California

Known for its scenic coastline, sprawling redwoods, and vibrant arts scene, Santa Cruz is a city that beckons to those in search of relaxation and adventure. Situated on the northern edge of Monterey Bay along the Pacific Coast Highway, this California gem offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and city living. The city is home to a multitude of beautiful houses for rent, perfectly suited for those who want to explore what the city has to offer.

Neighborhoods in Santa Cruz such as Pleasure Point and Westside offer excellent proximity to the coastline with an array of houses for rent providing easy access to surfing spots and beautiful beaches. Moving inland, neighborhoods like Seabright and Midtown are perfectly positioned near commercial hubs where you'll find enticing local boutiques, scrumptious eateries, and innovative craft breweries.

Santa Cruz boasts pristine parks including Natural Bridges State Beach featuring a stunning natural rock bridge over the ocean surf while Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park offers serene hiking trails amongst towering redwood trees. The iconic Beach Boardwalk is also one not to miss when in Santa Cruz. Meanwhile, commuting options are ample with Highways 1 and 17 nearby providing easy connections to neighboring cities like San Jose and Monterey.

Finding a house for rent in Santa Cruz allows you to fully immerse yourself in what many describe as the quintessential Californian lifestyle: an exhilarating blend of outdoor activities mixed with an inviting laid-back atmosphere.

Location Highlights of Santa Cruz, California

Nestled along California's Central Coast, Santa Cruz is a vibrant city awash with natural beauty and recreational opportunities. With the vast Pacific Ocean on one side and sprawling redwood forests on the other, Santa Cruz is a dream location for those seeking houses for rent with easy access to both beach and forest adventures. The city seamlessly weaves nature's grandeur into its urban fabric, ensuring residents enjoy a spectacular backdrop to their daily life.

The downtown area holds an eclectic mix of boutiques, eateries, and galleries along Pacific Avenue while the buzzing Wharf provides an array of seafood joints and views of frolicking sea lions. Nearby, UC Santa Cruz's vibrant campus blends in with the lush surroundings and offers intellectual stimulation with its various lectures, exhibitions, and performances open to the public. Outdoor enthusiasts can soak up sun rays at Main Beach or explore the trails at Pogonip Open Space located off Highway 9. For those who appreciate viticulture, numerous wineries like Bargetto Winery are just around the corner in Soquel Drive offering tastings and scenic views.

Population and Community

Santa Cruz has a population of 63,856 residents that mirrors its diverse environment. This community is characterized by its mix of students due to proximity to UC Santa Cruz, professionals drawn by Silicon Valley's lure further north along Highway 17 as well as artists who find inspiration in this coastal haven. The myriad demographic blend contributes to an enriched cultural mosaic reflected in various festivals such as Open Studios Art Tour or Capitola Art & Wine Festival held annually in neighboring Capitola Village.

This community-centric city offers numerous social spaces where residents come together fostering stronger ties among neighbors. The West Cliff Drive features a popular walking path from which locals often watch surfers braving waves at legendary Steamer Lane while weekends see families enjoying picnics in parks like DeLaveaga. Santa Cruz is, therefore, an ideal location for anyone seeking houses for rent in a locale that values its natural splendor and the vibrant community it sustains.

Things to Do and Points of Interest in Santa Cruz, California

Santa Cruz, California is a vibrant city alive with activities and points of interest for all types of visitors. The famous Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, for instance, is a must-see for anyone new to the area. It's a classic seaside amusement park complete with thrill rides, games, live entertainment, and plenty of dining options. With a picturesque backdrop where the mountains meet the sea, it is certainly an attraction that shouldn't be missed.

You could also explore one of the many parks in the city like Natural Bridges State Park where you can hike trails and even spot migrating Monarch butterflies if you visit during the right time of year. There's also Pacific Avenue in downtown Santa Cruz which offers a plethora of unique shops, cafes and art galleries. For those considering making this charming city their home and are looking for houses for rent, these local attractions add to the appeal of living here.

Is Santa Cruz, California a Good Place to Live?

Deciding on whether or not Santa Cruz, California is a good place to live can depend on many factors. This city offers plentiful recreational opportunities from surfing at Steamer Lane to biking along West Cliff Drive. The panoramic views found along this scenic route are simply breathtaking.

For food enthusiasts, there's a medley of restaurants serving diverse cuisine from around the world located throughout town including on Soquel Avenue and Seabright Avenue. Families considering moving here might find comfort knowing there are numerous well-maintained parks including DeLaveaga Park which spans over 600 acres with facilities for picnics and other outdoor activities. Additionally, those looking into houses for rent may appreciate living near UC Santa Cruz—an acclaimed institution known for its research-oriented programs—given its lush campus that often hosts engaging community events. Thus while varied aspects inform such decisions as relocating or choosing where to settle down next—such as personal preferences, lifestyle choices, and so on—Santa Cruz provides unique local amenities that may support your choice.

What It's Like Living in Santa Cruz, California

Santa Cruz, California offers a vibrant and eclectic life experience full of beaches, mountains, and an array of outdoor activities. Known for its world-famous boardwalk and historic amusement park, this coastal city is nestled at the base of the Santa Cruz Mountains. Living here means having access to some of the most beautiful natural landmarks in California such as the iconic Big Basin Redwoods State Park and Natural Bridges State Beach. The climate is comfortable year-round with sunny summer days and mild winters.

The city is awash with cultural opportunities ranging from art galleries on Pacific Avenue to live performances at the Rio Theatre. The foodie scene in Santa Cruz is also noteworthy with a wide array of unique eateries, weekly farmers’ markets on Cedar Street, and not-to-miss seafood venues lining the harbor.

Advantages of Renting a Home in Santa Cruz, California

Renting a home in Santa Cruz offers residents the flexibility to explore different neighborhoods such as Eastside or Seabright without committing long term. A rented house gives you access to all the amenities that come with living in this coastal town without tying you down by ownership. It's an opportunity that allows for experiencing various architecture styles unique to Santa Cruz - from charming sea cottages near Cowell's Beach to modern lofts nearby Downtown.

Having houses for rent available near major thoroughfares such as Highway 1 makes commuting easy whether you’re heading north towards Davenport or south towards Capitola. Moreover, being centrally located means enjoying close proximity to local gems including Lighthouse Field State Beach or taking leisurely strolls around Neary Lagoon Park all just minutes away.

The community vibes are strong in Santa Cruz where streets are often lined with coffee shops, boutiques, and surf shops fostering a small-town feel within this bustling city. Whether it’s joining locals at Derby Park or attending events at San Lorenzo Park, renting a home in Santa Cruz puts you right in the heart of it all.

Median Earnings in Santa Cruz, California

In the picturesque coastal city of Santa Cruz, California, the median earnings paint an intriguing picture. Residents here fall within an income bracket of $75,000 to $100,000 as their median salary. This higher-than-average earning capacity reflects the diverse economic landscape that Santa Cruz offers - a blend of established industries and emerging opportunities. The vibrant economy is one of many reasons why individuals seeking houses for rent often choose Santa Cruz as their ideal destination.

Santa Cruz's earnings scenario strengthens its lure for potential residents who value work-life balance. Undoubtedly, this city situated along Highway 1 has become an attractive prospect for those wishing to have a rewarding career while relishing the charm of coastal living. Its proximity to renowned landmarks such as Natural Bridges State Park and Mission Hill adds further allure to its appeal.

Schools & Education in Santa Cruz, California

Education forms a core pillar of every community, and Santa Cruz is no different with its impressive tally of 37 schools within city limits. These schools span from elementary level right up to high school, offering comprehensive education opportunities ensuring the steady growth and development of young minds.

The variety in educational institutions makes Santa Cruz an appealing choice for families seeking houses for rent in California. When you choose to live here, you'll have access to a range of schools that are conveniently situated near residential neighborhoods like Westlake and Eastside. Additionally, many schools are nestled close to scenic locales such as DeLaveaga Park or around bustling areas like Soquel Avenue.

Santa Cruz's focus on education underscores the city's commitment towards fostering a well-rounded community. With easy access to quality educational institutions right from downtown areas up towards more secluded regions near Pogonip Multi-Use Trail and University Terrace Park, families have diverse options when it comes to choosing neighborhoods that provide convenient school commuting times.

Downtown Santa Cruz is a vibrant area that seamlessly blends modern charm with historic appeal, featuring a variety of shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues. Those looking for houses for rent will find numerous options in this pedestrian-friendly locale. Beach Hill, mere steps away from Downtown and the famed Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, offers potential renters stunning ocean views and easy access to outdoor recreation. Lastly is the diverse Beach Flats neighborhood with close proximity to the beach, making it an ideal choice for individuals seeking houses for rent within walking distance to sand and surf while still being conveniently located near downtown amenities. Each neighborhood offers a unique charm embodying the laid-back beach town spirit of Santa Cruz.

Is Santa Cruz a Good Place to Live?

Learn more about Santa Cruz

Common questions asked in Santa Cruz, California

🏠 Where can I find cheap rental houses in Santa Cruz, California?

Check out Rentals.com's cheap rental houses in Santa Cruz. You can use our price filters to find rental houses under $1500, under $2000, under $2500, under $3000, under $4000, under $5000

🏠 How big of a rental house can I afford?

Find Studio, 1 Bedroom, 2 Bedroom, 3 Bedroom, 4 Bedroom rental houses within your budget in Santa Cruz, California. Or you can search for houses over 600 sq.ft, 800 sq.ft, 1000 sq.ft, 1200 sq.ft, 1400 sq.ft, 1600 sq.ft.

🏠 How can I find a rental house in a specific school district?

Rentals.com was built with parents in mind. Within Santa Cruz we have 873 rental houses spread across multiple school districts. To help narrow your search, simply enter the school name within the Rentals.com search bar to find rental homes in that school district.

Rentals.com is part of the Rent. Network of Sites
© 2024 Rent Group Inc. All photos, videos, text and other content are the property of Rent Group Inc. RENTALS.COM and the RENTALS.COM Trade Dress are registered trademarks of Rent Group Inc. All rights reserved.
If you are using a screen reader, or are having trouble reading this website, please email accessibilityfeedback@rent.com.
Equal Housing Opportunity
Showing 0 of 873