Santa Cruz Homes under $1.5 million

Welcome to Santa Cruz, California, a vibrant coastal city that perfectly blends stunning natural beauty with a lively cultural scene. Nestled between the majestic redwoods and the sparkling Pacific Ocean, Santa Cruz is renowned for its breathtaking beaches, iconic boardwalk, and numerous outdoor activities. Whether you're surfing the renowned waves at Steamer Lane, hiking through the serene trails of Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, or enjoying a leisurely stroll along the picturesque Santa Cruz Wharf, this city offers an unparalleled lifestyle for those who cherish nature and adventure.

Beyond its scenic allure, Santa Cruz boasts a rich history and a thriving arts community. The downtown area is brimming with eclectic shops, charming cafés, and farm-to-table restaurants, making it a delightful place to explore. The local farmers' market is a must-visit, showcasing the region's agricultural bounty and fostering a sense of community among residents and visitors alike.

For those looking to call Santa Cruz home, you'll be pleased to discover an array of beautiful homes available for under $1.5 million. From cozy bungalows nestled in quiet neighborhoods to modern townhouses with ocean views, there’s something for everyone. These homes not only offer comfort and style but also provide easy access to the city’s vibrant lifestyle and stunning natural surroundings.

Santa Cruz is more than just a place to live; it's a lifestyle choice that embraces the best of California’s coastal living. With its inviting community, stunning scenery, and diverse housing options, it’s the perfect place to create lasting memories. Come and discover your dream home in Santa Cruz today!

Newest Santa Cruz Homes under $1.5 million

$1,349,000

3 Beds ⋅ 3 Baths ⋅ ML82063022 MLS

Welcome to coastal Live Oak living at 1828 Silvana Ln! Perfectly positioned in one of Santa Cruz's most accessible neighborhoods, this 3-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom, 1,571-square-foot single-family home offers an unbeatable blend of indoor comfort and outdoor convenience. Location is everything, and this property puts the very best of Santa Cruz right at your doorstep. Enjoy effortless access to sun-soaked days at Blacks Beach, outdoor recreation and laps at the Simpkins Family Swim Center, and peaceful morning walks along the scenic Schwan Lagoon Trail. Inside, you will find an thoughtfully designed, light-filled floor plan that flows seamlessly across two levels. Living spaces are arranged for maximum functionality and ease, offering an inviting atmosphere for both everyday living and hosting guests. Step outside into your private backyard retreat featuring your very own swimming poola rare find that transforms the yard into a private oasis for summer gatherings, relaxation, and poolside fun. Layout: 3 Bedrooms | 2.5 Bathrooms | 1,571 Sq. Ft. | Attached 2 Car Garage Lot Size: 4,966 Sq. Ft. Exterior Features: In-ground private pool, sunny backyard Local Amenities: Minutes to Black's Beach, Schwan Lagoon Trail, Simpkins Swim Center, and nearby Live Oak parks and schools

1828 Silvana LN, Santa Cruz

Listed by Shemeika K. Fox, 831-588-2334 from KW Thrive Santa Cruz
(If provided) CoList: from

$1,300,000

3 Beds ⋅ 2 Baths ⋅ ML82063322 MLS

Welcome to this sun-drenched sanctuary in Santa Cruz's desirable Banana Belt! Filled with natural light from skylights throughout, this lovingly maintained single-level corner lot home in a friendly walkable neighborhood offers an easy-flowing floor plan with a spacious living room, separate den, nicely tiled bathrooms, central A/C, heated flooring in the primary bath, and a convenient loft for extra storage. Generous living spaces open to a wonderful private backyard, an inviting spot to relax, entertain, garden, or extend your living outdoors. A spacious 2-car garage and ample on-street parking add to the everyday ease. Set in a wonderful established neighborhood prized for its incredibly convenient location, you can skip much of the Hwy 1 traffic while enjoying easy access around town and Hwy 17 for easy commuting. Walk to nearby schools and DeLaveaga trails, or reach the beach, harbor, golf course, shopping, parks, hospital, and everyday amenities in minutes. A special opportunity to enjoy comfortable coastal living and the quintessential Santa Cruz lifestyle!

133 Fairland WAY, Santa Cruz

Listed by Kasey Hinchman, 831-239-3708 from David Lyng Real Estate
(If provided) CoList: from

$1,289,000

3 Beds ⋅ 2 Baths ⋅ ML82063629 MLS

Welcome HOME! This inviting single-level home offers 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, and 1,687 sqft of living space on a generous 10,019 sqft lot in the desirable Santa Cruz Gardens neighborhood. Natural light fills the home, creating a bright and welcoming feel throughout. A new roof adds peace of mind for the next owner. The updated kitchen features oak cabinetry, hardwood flooring, a large peninsula, and a sunny dining area with built-in shelving. Brand new carpet in the living room and bedrooms adds a comfortable touch, while spacious bedroom closets provide plenty of storage. The primary bathroom has also been updated. Step outside to a private backyard with room to garden, dine outdoors, entertain, or simply enjoy the relaxed Santa Cruz lifestyle. Conveniently located near parks, shopping, restaurants, schools, medical facilities and with easy access to Highway 1, this home offers comfortable living in a convenient location.

5010 Thurber LN, Santa Cruz

Listed by Patti Erickson, 831-234-2329 from KW Thrive Santa Cruz
(If provided) CoList: from

$895,000

3 Beds ⋅ 2 Baths ⋅ ML82063614 MLS

Rare Santa Cruz Opportunity: Expansive Lot on a Quiet Dead-End Street!!! Tucked at the end of a peaceful dead-end street, this rare 14,898 sq. ft. lot offers the kind of space and privacy that's hard to find in Santa Cruz. Enjoy a prime location just minutes from the beach and close to shopping, dining, and everyday conveniences. The existing 3-bedroom, 2-bath home offers 1,378 sq. ft. of living space and is in poor condition, making it an ideal canvas for a full rehab or a fresh start. Bring your vision: restore and reimagine the current home, or build the custom residence you've always wanted, with the potential to add an ADU for guests, family, or rental income (buyer to verify with the City/County). With room to spread out and endless possibilities, this is a rare chance to create something special in one of coastal California's most sought-after communities. Investors, builders, and dreamers, come see the potential!

426 Palm ST, Santa Cruz

Listed by Jim Guido, 408-472-2074 from eXp Realty of California Inc
(If provided) CoList: from

$609,000

2 Beds ⋅ 2 Baths ⋅ ML82063582 MLS ⋅ Eastbrook Court HOA BLDG.

A rare opportunity to own an upstairs 2 bedrooms 1.5 baths condo. The condo retains its original character throughout, original flooring, windows, and fixtures giving the next owner a chance to renovate to their own taste. Laminate flooring in kitchen. The condo end unit is Located in the back of a small complex. Sunny front, and back decks. Close to the Santa Cruz Metro bus line, Jose Avenue Park, Santa Cruz Upper Harbor, Crow Next, Simpkins Swim Center, and weekly Farmers Market and shopping centers.

1725 Eastbrook CT, Santa Cruz

Listed by Steve Sugidono, 831-818-2664 from Sherman & Boone Realtors
(If provided) CoList: from

$1,298,000

3 Beds ⋅ 3 Baths ⋅ ML82057359 MLS

Charming, private, and thoughtfully designed, this beautifully built 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath home offers inviting open-concept living and exceptional indoor-outdoor flow. The gourmet kitchen features quality appliances, a generous pantry, and a wine cellar near the dining area. Bright living spaces overlook the landscape, while the backyard is an entertainers delight with a pizza oven and large fireplace. The living room also features a fireplace and radiant floor heating. Spacious west-facing bedrooms, abundant closet storage, and a built-in office area add comfort and functionality. Finished one-car garage plus four front parking spaces. Conveniently located near dining, breweries, fitness, schools, and shopping, with easy biking to nearby beaches and convenient access to Highway 1 and Downtown Santa Cruz. A wonderful blend of privacy, comfort, and convenience.

319 Keystone AVE, Santa Cruz

Listed by Kelly Alpert, 831-818-8299 from Ocean Street Realty
(If provided) CoList: from

$650,000

2 Beds ⋅ 2 Baths ⋅ ML82063460 MLS

Ultimate Live/Work Compound in Midtown Santa Cruz, CA. Unlock the ultimate coastal lifestyle with this rare mixed-use masterpiece in the sun-drenched "Banana Belt." Nestled in trendy, walkable Midtown Santa Cruz, just steps from the Rio Theatre, The Buttery, and local craft breweries, this unique complex offers high-visibility commercial real estate paired with a deeply private residential retreat. Commercial Potential: Command premier attention with a high daily traffic volume . The versatile storefront features soaring open-concept ceilings and flexible entry options, perfect for an upscale boutique, showroom, or professional agency. Private Residence is a hidden 1,400 SF, 2-story oasis featuring 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. Step outside to an incredibly private, 600 SF gated patio and garden courtyard, for quiet mornings or evening entertaining. Rustic Structure, a separate 1,200 sq. ft. rear structure radiating an authentic arts-and-crafts vibe. Currently one of 3 spaces is a bike repair shop. It's a blank canvas for music studio, creative agency, or maker-space. Embrace hipster-chic energy with premier commercial presence. Permitted street parking available. Experience the perfect synergy of business and sanctuary. Tenancy In Common buys 50 percent of entire property.

1250 Soquel AVE, Santa Cruz

Listed by Paul Zech, 831-247-3007 from Coldwell Banker Realty
(If provided) CoList: from

$1,099,000

3 Beds ⋅ 2 Baths ⋅ ML82062663 MLS

In the heart of downtown Santa Cruz, this versatile duplex puts you at the center of one of California's most vibrant and eclectic coastal communities. With two separate living spaces, the property offers exceptional flexibility for investors, owner-occupants or multigenerational living. The light-filled upper residence features 2 bedrooms and 1 full bath. Downstairs, a private studio with its own full kitchen and bath creates an ideal opportunity for rental income, extended family or guests. Outside, a lush and private backyard provides an unexpected urban oasis, with mature greenery, a relaxing sauna and inviting spaces for morning coffee, outdoor dining and gardening. Leave the car behind and enjoy easy access to downtown restaurants, shops and entertainment, with the Wharf, Boardwalk, beaches and West Cliff all close by. Whether you're looking to rent both units, live in one while generating income from the other, or create a flexible multigenerational home, this unique property offers an opportunity to enjoy the best of the Santa Cruz lifestyle.

212 Cedar ST, Santa Cruz

Listed by Kasey Hinchman, 831-239-3708 from David Lyng Real Estate
(If provided) CoList: from

$1,250,000

3 Beds ⋅ 3 Baths ⋅ ML82063347 MLS

The spacious floor plan provides plenty of room for everyday living and entertaining, with well-proportioned living spaces and a natural connection to the outdoors. Large windows bring in abundant natural light, while the expansive yard offers room to garden, play, entertain, or simply enjoy the privacy of your own outdoor space. The home has seen thoughtful updates while retaining much of the architectural simplicity and character that make this era of design so appealing. For those looking to put their own stamp on a home, there is also ample opportunity to further update and personalize the spaces to reflect your own style and vision. The location adds another layer of appeal. Tucked into a Santa Cruz neighborhood, the home offers easy access to Highways 1 and 17, making it simple to get to the coast, downtown, surrounding communities, and beyond. Nearby hiking trails and open space invite you outdoors, while local recreational amenities, including a frisbee golf course, are close at hand.

131 Woodcrest PL, Santa Cruz

Listed by Christy Whiting Wohlert, 831-218-5911 from David Lyng Real Estate
(If provided) CoList: from

$1,348,000

4 Beds ⋅ 2 Baths ⋅ ML82061032 MLS

Ocean view with endless potential. Perfectly situated in one of the area's highly desirable coastal pockets, just steps from Santa Maria Beach and Sunny Cove! A truly rare opportunity just steps from the sand, surf, and local favorites. First time on the market in over 40 years, this fixer-upper offers exceptional potential to customize and take advantage of an ocean view. Bring your ideas and unlock this property's full potential.

21825 E Cliff DR, Santa Cruz

Listed by Shannon Wagner, 408-655-8010 from Christie's International Real Estate Sereno
(If provided) CoList: from

$1,050,000

3 Beds ⋅ 3 Baths ⋅ ML82063096 MLS ⋅ Isbel Court BLDG.

Rarely available in Carbonera Estates, this spacious tri-level townhome is peacefully positioned near the end of quiet Isbel Court, feeling tucked away from it all while keeping the best of Santa Cruz close at hand. Surrounded by greenery, this 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath home offers approximately 1,774 SF of light-filled living, outdoor decks and a wonderful connection to nature. Vaulted ceilings, abundant windows and greenbelt views create an airy, open feel, while the decks invite you outside to relax, entertain and enjoy the setting. The tri-level floor plan provides wonderful separation of space. The generous primary suite enjoys its own levela private retreat with a walk-in closet and deck. Two additional bedrooms offer flexibility for guests or a home office. An attached one-car garage, guest parking and the quiet cul-de-sac setting add everyday convenience. Carbonera Estates offers approximately 16 acres of park-like grounds with mature landscaping and gardens, all just minutes from the heart of Santa Cruz, beaches, dining, shopping, golf and commuter routes. Spacious, peaceful and connected to both nature and town, this is a special opportunity to enjoy the Santa Cruz lifestyle.

813 Isbel CT, Santa Cruz

Listed by MaryBeth McLaughlin, 831-252-4085 from Room Real Estate
(If provided) CoList: Magdiel Fajardo from Room Real Estate

$352,000

2 Beds ⋅ 2 Baths ⋅ ML82063143 MLS ⋅ ShangriLa BLDG.

This could be your beach house. With some of your special touches, you could have a delightful home near our beautiful coast. Bright and open living and dining areas. There is a private, shaded porch and a sunny yard. Room to do some gardening. The primary bedroom has a large walk in closet. You have two full bathrooms and a laundry room. Shangri La is a 62+ park. Located close to all the amenities you find on 41st Avenue. Only a few blocks to Pleasure Point for the sunset. Bring your creative style to this sweet home.

1040 38th AVE 43, Santa Cruz

Listed by Shelley Patton, 831-818-3771 from Coldwell Banker Realty
(If provided) CoList: from

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The data relating to real estate for sale on this display comes in part from the Internet Data Exchange program of the MLSListingsTM MLS system. Real estate listings held by brokerage firms other than Compass are marked with the Internet Data Exchange and detailed information about them includes the names of the listing brokers and listing agents.
Based on information from MLSListings MLS as of . All data, including all measurements and calculations of area, is obtained from various sources and has not been, and will not be, verified by broker or MLS. All information should be independently reviewed and verified for accuracy. Properties may or may not be listed by the office/agent presenting the information.