East Santa Cruz Homes under $1.5 million

Welcome to East Santa Cruz, a charming neighborhood that beautifully blends coastal living with a vibrant community spirit. Nestled in the heart of Santa Cruz County, East Santa Cruz offers a unique lifestyle that appeals to families, young professionals, and retirees alike. Known for its lush greenery, scenic parks, and proximity to the stunning coastline, this area is a hidden gem that promises both tranquility and adventure.

One of the most attractive features of East Santa Cruz is its diverse range of homes available for under $1.5 million. Whether you’re seeking a cozy bungalow, a modern townhouse, or a spacious family home, you’ll find a variety of options that cater to different tastes and budgets. The architectural styles range from charming Craftsman homes to contemporary designs, all set against the backdrop of the region's natural beauty.

Residents of East Santa Cruz enjoy easy access to numerous parks, hiking trails, and recreational activities. The nearby Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park is perfect for nature enthusiasts, offering miles of trails through towering redwoods. Additionally, the vibrant downtown area, just a short drive away, boasts a plethora of dining, shopping, and entertainment options, ensuring you’re never far from the action.

With its friendly atmosphere, excellent schools, and a strong sense of community, East Santa Cruz is not just a place to live; it’s a place to thrive. Discover the charm of this delightful neighborhood, where your dream home awaits at an affordable price!

Newest East Santa Cruz Homes under $1.5 million

$925,000

2 Beds ⋅ 1 Baths ⋅ ML82064574 MLS

Wrapped in a white picket fence and framed by landscaping, this inviting 1918 bungalow blends vintage Santa Cruz charm with a fresh 2026 remodel. A welcoming porch opens to light-filled interiors with an easy flow. The remodeled kitchen features new custom cabinetry, quartz countertops and all new stainless steel appliances. New plank flooring, fresh interior paint, updated lighting and hardware enhance the interiors. The refreshed bath pairs speckled penny tile flooring with a new vanity and toilet, bringing a playful touch to the homes classic character. A spacious laundry/mudroom opens to a private backyard with a wooden deck, brick patio, raised garden bed and mature trees. Charming stone walkways meander through the front and back yards. In 1991, the foundation, framing, porch and detached garage were rebuilt w/ permits, along with the laundry room addition, copper plumbing throughout, a new electrical panel/wiring, and more! A new sewer lateral from house to the main was installed in 2026. Adjacent to the close-knit Dakota Triangle neighborhood and a block from Central Park. Walk to Dig Gardens, enjoy nearby Mariannes, The Buttery and Shoppers Corner, with beaches and the harbor a short drive away. A charming home base for Santa Cruz living.

119 Leonard ST, Santa Cruz

Listed by Colleen Marchbank, 408-218-7967 from Compass
(If provided) CoList: from

$599,000

1 Beds ⋅ 1 Baths ⋅ ML82064570 MLS ⋅ Pacific Terrace BLDG.

Perched just five minutes from the vibrant heart of downtown Santa Cruz, this recently updated 1,028 sqft penthouse offers effortless urban and coastal living with a 45 min drive to Silicone Valley. The expansive living room immediately captivates with dramatic high ceilings and a cozy fireplace, creating an airy yet inviting sanctuary that flows seamlessly out to a private balcony with mountain views, a perfect backdrop overlooking the downtown skyline. The thoughtful layout features a separate, generously sized primary bedroom offering a quiet retreat with large closets. This is complemented by a spacious full bathroom and the ultimate convenience of in-unit laundry. Turnkey and recently refreshed, the home boasts brand-new LVP flooring, crisp new paint, and newer electrical updates. Residents enjoy premium community amenities, including a year-round swimming pool and spa and BBQ area, secured entry and dedicated underground parking and storage. Offering unmatched proximity to world-class dining, shopping, and entertainment, this penthouse is a retreat designed for remote workers, UCSC students, investors, first-time homebuyers, or anyone who refuses to compromise on location at an affordable price. This quiet and pet friendly complex is only 15 min to the Boardwalk and beach.

318 Soquel AVE A3, Santa Cruz

Listed by Kati Mcnamara, 831-900-8808 from eXp Realty of Southern California
(If provided) CoList: from

$699,000

1 Beds ⋅ 1 Baths ⋅ ML82064530 MLS

Rare opportunity to build equity or construct your dream coastal retreat at 113 Pine Street! Situated in a highly desirable, established Santa Cruz neighborhood, this property offers exceptional location value just minutes from local beaches, downtown shopping, dining, and easy highway access. The existing structures are in poor condition with significant deferred maintenance and may be potential tear-downs, making this an ideal blank canvas for contractors, builders, savvy investors, or experienced project seekers looking for their next major undertaking. Bring your architect, land planner, and vision to explore the possibilities of a complete rebuild, major expansion, or custom footprint. The property features a 448 sq. ft. 1-bedroom, 1-bathroom primary residence, along with a converted detached garage of roughly 400 sq. ft. Value is predominantly in the land and location. Opportunities at this price point in Santa Cruz are exceptionally rare, don't miss out!

113 Pine ST, Santa Cruz

Listed by Alistair Craft, 831-234-1092 from Christie's International Real Estate Sereno
(If provided) CoList: from

$1,099,000

2 Beds ⋅ 1 Baths ⋅ ML82064282 MLS

Sweet single-level home in a desirable Eastside location. Features 2 Br/1 bath, 900 Sq. feet, a corner lot, a detached garage, a storage shed, and a large fenced garden area. Solid home with hardwood floors in the dining area and a wood stove for warmth. This home is on the market for the first time in decades and has been well cared for. The location is ideal, near all the Seabright area restaurants and great shopping.

439 Stanford AVE, Santa Cruz

Listed by Michael Croghan, 831-818-5636 from Shaffer & Associates
(If provided) CoList: Wayne Shaffer from Shaffer & Associates

$729,000

3 Beds ⋅ 2 Baths ⋅ ML82063879 MLS

Sweet Townhome by downtown and the river walk! This small HOA rarely has homes on the market. Three bedrooms and one and half bath home with all new appliances (including dishwasher, range, hood and refrigerator), new windows, new floors! Bonus comes with an additional refrigerator, newer washer and dryer. Includes a single car garage and adjacent parking spot. Location is five minutes to downtown by bike or ten minutes walk down the river path. Easy access to commute HWY 17. Enjoy relaxing in a spacious backyard or in the common area with comfortable large benches, breezy trees and grasses.

166 Pryce ST 166, Santa Cruz

Listed by Caitlin Phillips, 831-325-6540 from Epique Realty
(If provided) CoList: from

$1,399,000

4 Beds ⋅ ML82061233 MLS

Great opportunity to own a centrally located duplex with flexibility for both investors and future owner-users. Each unit offers 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, and just over 900 sq. ft. of living space. Both units are currently tenant occupied, offering immediate rental income. The property may also present potential for a future single-family configuration or other uses, subject to buyer investigation and local requirements. A solid property in a convenient location with multiple possibilities for the next owner. Please do not disturb tenants.

521 Darwin ST, Santa Cruz

Listed by Ryan Hinn, 408-655-0780 from Sherman & Boone Realtors
(If provided) CoList: Ingrid Hinn from Sherman & Boone Realtors

$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

$1,250,000

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

$1,050,000

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

$688,000

1 Beds ⋅ 1 Baths ⋅ ML82063024 MLS ⋅ Frederick Street Commons BLDG.

Some homes make everyday life easy, and this Seabright condo is one of them. Tucked away on the upper floor with elevator access, it offers light-filled, single-level living, soaring ceilings, an open layout, and distant views toward the Harbor that make mornings feel a little brighter. The floor plan is what makes this home especially practical: a spacious bedroom plus a true second room that's ready to become a home office, guest room, workout space, or creative retreat. Hardwood floors, a gas fireplace, and a generous private balcony create comfortable spaces to unwind after a day at the beach or around town. The kitchen keeps things simple with granite slab countertops, stainless steel appliances, a new refrigerator and gas range, and plenty of room to cook without feeling crowded. The secure building includes a locked lobby, gated parking, private and bike storage, plus shared spaces like a bocce court, fire pit, garden courtyard, and gathering room. From here, it's easy to leave the car behind. Walk to Akira Sushi, Staff of Life, Lillian's, the Rio Theatre, Santa Cruz Harbor, Arana Gulch trails, and nearby beaches. It's the kind of place that quietly fits into your routine and makes Seabright easy to enjoy.

708 Frederick ST 309, Santa Cruz

Listed by Teresa Marlow, 831-818-3430 from Compass
(If provided) CoList: from

$899,500

1 Beds ⋅ 1 Baths ⋅ ML82063078 MLS

Eastside Cottage With Room To Grow! This sweet 1Bd. 1Ba. will surprise you! It is bright, updated, and feels very open. It is at the forefront of the lot so there is a long driveway to the detached one- car garage, and big open space in the back of the lot. The lot backs up to alley access. Maybe add another home in the back, and make the cottage an ADU? Or add on to this charming cottage, and build a large garage in the back? Maybe you always wanted a sunny open lot to plant those fruit trees? The convenient location offers quick access for commuting, or head to downtown for the live music, eateries, and shopping. Come explore and see what you think!

125 Lee ST, Santa Cruz

Listed by Caren Spencer, 831-251-1112 from Compass
(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 Bailey Properties 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.

East Santa Cruz Homes under $1.5 million

Newest East Santa Cruz Homes under $1.5 million

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