Many of you have heard about Santa Cruz, but many of you do not understand the history of Santa Cruz. Here you can learn a thing or two about this. Santa Cruz is a part of California. Just like much of the United States, before the Europeans came to settle the area, the Native Americans owned the land. The tribe that owned what is current day Santa Cruz is known as the Ohlone tribe. However, during the 18th century, Europeans came to settle the land.

In 1769, a Spanish explorer came to the area. This explorer was known as Gaspar de Portola. This wasn’t supposed to happen. He just happened to the area. His initial goal was to end up in Monterey. There are many things that he had named such as the San Lorenzo and the hills that are above the river he had named Santa Cruz. This was the twelfth area of California to be founded. The Spaniards had much control and even had moved a troop unit here. In 1820 though, Mexico was in control of most of California at the time. After that, many immigrants came to America.

By 1848, there were many Mexicans who had immigrated here. They had started the Mexican-American war here. During that time, Mexico had ceded California. This was covered in the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo. In 1850 then, California became a state. This was the first portion of this territory that was created into being a state. There are many things which have happened since then. They first legalized marijuana for medical purposes. They support their veterans. They have an activist Veteran community that supports those who have served the armed forces.

There are many recent things which have happened as well. Just during this year, you will find that there was a tsunami this year. They had a lot of damage which cost them ten million dollars worth of repair. There was much damage to some of the boats that was docked there as well. However, that didn’t hurt them and people still find this to be one of them areas that one must travel to. There is much history and for that they have a lot to show for it. This is what you have come to find out and you will love to visit here.

There are countless fun things to do in Santa Cruz. It is considered one of the top beach towns in all of California, and is a fantastic place to spend a weekend. From sunbathing to fabulous local cuisine, Santa Cruz is the best place to relax and enjoy life in California.

The most famous of all places in Santa Cruz is the world renowned Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. It has been featured in many films, such as “The Lost Boys”, and has been one the most visited tourist attractions year round. The Boardwalk is free to enter, allowing you to come and go as you please. It is host to many attractions, from the infamous Big Dipper to lesser known rides and games. The Big Dipper is a very old wooden roller coaster ride, and has been exciting thrill seekers for generations. There are also many nice candy stands where one can get a caramel apple or the classic salt water taffy. The salt water taffy along the pier is considered to be one of the best in the world.

Just along the pier, one can enjoy the lucrative beaches and ocean. No matter what, you want to look stylish, so it’s advisable to keep up with the latest beach fashions! You are free to sunbathe all day or take a swim inside the perfect salty water. If you go a little further past the Boardwalk, you will find Cowell’s beach. Cowell’s beach is a great location for surfers who may be just beginning, as it is a friendly and safe area to try the sport out for the first time. If you are heading down to the beach, be sure to protect your eyes from the dangerous UV rays. Sunglasses would be ideal for this problem, you could even do a one for one deal and give one to your friend as a gift. A Some of the other surf zones are reserved for locals and those who are more experienced, but do not be afraid to venture out and try them for yourself!

While in Santa Cruz, make sure to check out the Mystery Spot. Located atop a beautiful hiking trail, the Mystery Spot is an isolated shack full of wonder and mystery. It features gravity defying feats and a funhouse type vibe that will be sure to leave an impression on you for days. It has cult like status and is a sight certainly not to be missed. Plus, the ticket to enter and parking will only cost you around ten dollars. This is more than worth an hour long tour plus wonderfully scenic hiking.

If you go into the old town of Santa Cruz, you can find many fine theaters and cafes. Lots of old style movie theaters will play classic films at midnight, plus newer attractions alike. There are also many clubs for live music, such as the Catalyst. Along the strip you will find various diners and cafes. Many of these are great when looking for a simple coffee or a fine dining cuisine. The seafood is especially outstanding when in Santa Cruz.

There is a never ending supply of fun things to do in Santa Cruz. From going to the beach to late night dining, Santa Cruz offers everything you could want out of the California lifestyle.

The housing market has been through some drastic changes in the last several years, but if you are looking to purchase (or if you already own) a home, here are some of the best places to own a home in Santa Cruz, California.

As of 2010, Santa Cruz’ population reached over 55,000 people, which is a 2% growth from the year 2000. With a cost of living more than 45% higher than the U.S. average and an unemployment rate over 1% lower than the U.S. average, Santa Cruz can be considered one a well-off and therefore lucrative place to own a home.

The multiple unincorporated municipalities in Santa Cruz each offer their own advantages and disadvantages which should be considered:

Santa Cruz city: The city itself is famous for the beach and as a college town. University of California at Santa Cruz is here, and the city has been dubbed “Surf City, USA.” While universities can sometimes lower home values, in this case the beach and nationally renowned university make this a fun, exciting, and well-known place to buy and own a home.

Capitola: Home of the historic Venetian Hotel, Capitola has the first Condominium Beach Community in the United States. The largest age group is between the ages of 25 and 44 (prime home buying age), and only 2% of families in Capitola were below the poverty line in 2000.

Scotts Valley: Also known as Silicon Valley South as it is the high tech capital of Santa Cruz. For a home owner who works in the tech industry, Scotts Valley is an ideal location, granting many benefits of Silicon Valley itself, but reaping the advantages of a lower population and population density.

San Lorenzo Valley: This luscious mountain and forest area is prime for real estate development. The beautiful San Lorenzo River runs through the valley and home owners here will find themselves surrounded by beauty and opportunities for development, while the luxury of city life is only miles away.

Santa Cruz is far from lacking when it comes to best places to own a home. For best places to own a home in Santa Cruz, it will be important for the buyer to determine specific desires (tourism and beaches vs. the seclusion of nature) and research accordingly. Despite recent national economic struggles, however, home buyers will find that owning a home in Santa Cruz is still both viable and lucrative. Whether you are looking for wealth or beauty, it can be found in Santa Cruz.