Deciding where to plant roots in Santa Cruz County usually comes down to a single question: do you want the vibrant, eclectic energy of a beach city, or the semi-rural tranquility where the redwoods meet the sea? Both Santa Cruz and Aptos offer stunning ocean access and that distinct Central Coast air, but the day-to-day […]

The post Santa Cruz vs. Aptos: Choosing Your Coastal Lifestyle in 2026 appeared first on Monica Lussier Blog.

If you’re looking at homes on the Central Coast, you’ve likely hit the classic dilemma: should you live right in the mix of Santa Cruz, or head just six miles up the hill to Scotts Valley? It’s a debate I hear constantly from buyers. On paper, these two cities are neighbors, separated by a short […]

The post Santa Cruz vs. Scotts Valley: Beach Town or Mountain Gateway? appeared first on Monica Lussier Blog.

When people think of Santa Cruz, the first images that usually pop up are the giant dipper roller coaster, the surfers at Steamer Lane, or the redwood forests. But if you’re looking at living in Santa Cruz, it helps to understand that our history goes much deeper than just summer vibes and beach boardwalks. The […]

The post From Sacred Lands to Surf City: The Evolution of Santa Cruz appeared first on Monica Lussier Blog.

If you’re dreaming of moving to the coast, you’ve probably narrowed it down to the northern side of Monterey Bay. It’s hard to go wrong here—both Santa Cruz and Capitola offer access to redwoods, surfing, and that incredible ocean air. But once you look past the postcards, these two neighbors feel drastically different. I always […]

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There is a specific feeling people get when they drive over Highway 17 and catch that first glimpse of the Monterey Bay. It’s the reason so many people dream of moving to Santa Cruz. You get the redwoods, the ocean, and a laid-back culture that feels a world away from the hustle of Silicon Valley. […]

The post Living in Santa Cruz: The Reality Behind the Postcard appeared first on Monica Lussier Blog.

Retiring here offers a mix that’s hard to find anywhere else in California. You get the classic beach town vibe on one side and the majestic silence of the redwoods on the other. It’s a unique setting for your next chapter, whether you are an active adult looking to hike Henry Cowell every weekend or […]

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If you are looking at moving to the coast or just planning a weekend getaway, you have probably heard the rumors. Santa Cruz is famous for two conflicting things: its incredible surf culture and Redwoods beauty, and a reputation for grit that can make newcomers nervous. The short answer to “Is Santa Cruz safe?” is […]

The post Is Santa Cruz Safe? A Local’s Honest Perspective for 2026 appeared first on Monica Lussier Blog.

If you’re thinking about moving to California or shifting from the high-pressure environment of Silicon Valley, Santa Cruz often floats to the top of the list. It’s hard to beat the lifestyle here. We have world-class surf breaks, ancient redwood forests, and a cultural vibe that is significantly more relaxed than what you find “over […]

The post Is Santa Cruz, CA Good for Families? A Local’s Perspective appeared first on Monica Lussier Blog.

When people think about living in Santa Cruz, the first images that come to mind are usually the Boardwalk, the redwoods, or the surf culture. But for parents and homebuyers, the conversation quickly turns to education. The school landscape here is surprisingly diverse for a town of our size, offering a robust mix of traditional […]

The post Navigating Schools in Santa Cruz, CA: A Local’s Guide to Education appeared first on Monica Lussier Blog.

Searching for a home in Santa Cruz usually comes down to trade-offs you can actually feel once you start touring. Location matters, but so does condition, parking, storage, and how the house handles the coastal environment. Some buyers arrive focused on a short walk to town. Others care more about a yard, a garage, or […]

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