Santa Cruz County Homes under $1 million

Welcome to Santa Cruz County, a stunning coastal gem nestled along California's picturesque central coast. Known for its breathtaking beaches, vibrant redwood forests, and a laid-back atmosphere, Santa Cruz offers an unparalleled lifestyle that blends outdoor adventure with a thriving cultural scene. From its iconic boardwalk to the charming downtown area, there’s always something to explore in this dynamic community.

One of the most exciting aspects of Santa Cruz County is the availability of homes under $1 million, making it an attractive option for first-time buyers, families, and investors alike. The real estate market here features a diverse range of properties, from cozy beach cottages to modern townhomes, all set against the backdrop of the stunning natural beauty that defines the region. Imagine waking up to the sound of waves crashing or enjoying your morning coffee while surrounded by towering redwoods.

The neighborhoods in Santa Cruz are as varied as its residents, with options that cater to different lifestyles. Whether you prefer the vibrant energy of downtown Santa Cruz, the serene coastal vibe of Capitola, or the charming small-town feel of Soquel, there’s a perfect home waiting for you.

With its mild climate, excellent schools, and abundant recreational opportunities, Santa Cruz County is not just a place to live; it’s a lifestyle choice. Take advantage of the opportunity to own a piece of this enchanting coastal paradise without breaking the bank. Discover your dream home in Santa Cruz today!

Newest Santa Cruz County Homes under $1 million

$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 of 12K31K vehicles. 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 a bike shop, it's a blank canvas for a world-class 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

$444,950

4 Beds ⋅ 2 Baths ⋅ ML82063415 MLS ⋅ Meadows Manor MHC BLDG.

Welcome to this brand-new 2025 manufactured home in the desirable Meadows Manor Community in Watsonville. This move-in ready home offers 4 bedrooms and 2 full bathrooms with a bright, open layout designed for comfortable everyday living. The floor plan seamlessly connects the living room, dining area, and kitchen, creating an inviting setting for both relaxing and entertaining. The kitchen features energy efficient appliances, contemporary cabinetry, and ample counter space. The primary suite includes a private bathroom, while additional bedrooms provide flexible space for family, or a home office. Model Match Next Door!

49 Blanca LN 33, Watsonville

Listed by Ella King, 408-209-7577 from Tierra Real Estate
(If provided) CoList: from

$999,000

3 Beds ⋅ 2 Baths ⋅ ML82063405 MLS

The ocean view is not something you have to step outside to appreciate. From your dining room table, the Monterey Bay becomes the backdrop to everyday mornings, dinners, and everything in between. This corner unit's elevated perspective means you are not sitting eye level with neighboring units, allowing your view to carry toward the trees, sky, and Monterey Bay beyond. The private balcony gives you another place to take it all in, from morning coffee to a glass of wine at the end of the day. Inside, three bedrooms and 1,240 square feet offer room for guests while keeping the ease of single-level living. An elevator adds everyday convenience, while beautifully maintained grounds, a pool, spa, and exercise room make life here feel a little more like a getaway. New Brighton State Beach is almost directly across the street, while Capitola Beach and Capitola Village are about a mile from home. Spend the day by the water, have dinner in the Village, then come home to your own view of the bay. For retirement by the coast, a second home with room for family, or simply an easier way to enjoy Capitola, this is a combination that is hard to replicate.

850 Park AVE 15C, Capitola

Listed by Strock Team, 831-688-9800 from eXp Realty of California Inc
(If provided) CoList: from

$979,000

2 Beds ⋅ 3 Baths ⋅ ML82063365 MLS

Perched on the South Bluff of Seascape Resort, this renovated villa offers a blend of coastal luxury and seclusion. The interior is framed by windows looking out onto lush greenery creating a serene atmosphere. The layout features two spacious en-suite bedrooms and a main-level powder room for ultimate comfort. The main suite has its own balcony with a view over the arroyo and down to the Bay. The open-concept kitchen and living area flow to a private balcony where you can take in the salt air and ocean views. Life at Seascape feels like a vacation. Owners and guests enjoy access to a premier suite of amenities, including swimming pools, putting green, game room, and BBQ areas. The resort offers beach access for sunset strolls and features an acclaimed on-site restaurant for world-class dining. Just beyond the resort gates, youll find a sports club, championship golf, and shopping centers. Perfectly positioned for exploring the Central Coast, it is a short drive from Santa Cruz, Carmel, and Monterey. Enrolled in a vacation-rental pool, this property offers the unique opportunity to own a high-end coastal getaway that generates income when you arent there enjoying it yourself. Experience the best vacation home living in one of the regions most renowned destinations.

450 Seascape Resort DR, Aptos

Listed by Bill Franzosa, 831-345-8400 from Compass
(If provided) CoList: Dan Mead from Compass

$849,000

1 Beds ⋅ 2 Baths ⋅ ML82063309 MLS

Wake up to the sound of the surf & endless ocean views from this truly oceanfront home in La Selva Beach! Enter into the gated community, arrive at unit 302 one flight down from parking, where outside the front door is a foot wash to keep the sand out & a large storage bin to keep all the beach gear organized. Step inside & floor-to-ceiling walls of glass reveal a large private deck with nothing but sand between you & the ocean, where surfers, dolphins & whales are part of the everyday view. The kitchen offers a breakfast counter, & the sink looks right out to the waves. The ocean-facing living room includes a bonus area that can be partitioned to create a 2nd sleeping area or dedicated office. Down the hall, the full bath features a walk-in shower & single-sink vanity. The primary suite also faces the ocean through walls of sliding glass & includes 2 closets, a vanity area & a separate toilet and shower room. With 864 sf, 1 bedroom plus bonus area & 2 baths, this home is ready for your personal touches. Located in a small community of just 8 residences, with access to a shared deck, fire pit & stairs leading directly to the sand. A rare opportunity to own a beachfront home with a blank canvas, ready to create your own personalized getaway with the ocean as your backdrop.

300 Oceanview DR 302, La Selva Beach

Listed by Janet Souza, 408-805-3349 from Christie's International Real Estate Sereno
(If provided) CoList: from

$949,000

4 Beds ⋅ 3 Baths ⋅ ML82060540 MLS

Comfortable, energy-smart living in Watsonville! Welcome home to 2,314 square feet of well-designed living space, with 4 bedrooms and 3 full bathrooms on an easy-care 3,267 sq ft lot. At the heart of the home, the kitchen features a center island with a prep sink, a gas range, microwave, dishwasher, and a refrigerator with ice maker. It opens directly to the family room and dining area, so cooking, dining, and relaxing all happen in one connected space. Bonus: a downstairs bedroom and bathroom for guests or multi-generational living! Hardwood and tile flooring run throughout, and gas-burning fireplaces add warmth on cool coastal evenings. Year-round comfort comes from central air conditioning and forced-air heating, while owned solar, dual-pane windows, and a tankless water heater help keep utility costs in check. Everyday conveniences include an included washer and dryer and an attached two-car garage. The home is served by Pajaro Valley Unified School District.

729 Vista Montana DR, Watsonville

Listed by Julie Hoefling, 408-657-7006 from Christie's International Real Estate Sereno
(If provided) CoList: from

$625,000

2 Beds ⋅ 1 Baths ⋅ ML82062364 MLS ⋅ Forest Springs BLDG.

Bright and welcoming home nestled in the desirable Forest Springs neighborhood! Enjoy great community amenities, including a refreshing community pool and water included with the HOA. Skylights in the kitchen and living room flood the interior with natural light, highlighting the upgraded kitchen and beautiful flooring throughout. The versatile layout features a spacious loft that can serve as a 3rd bedroom, home office, or creative space, plus a dedicated indoor laundry room. Outside, enjoy rare off-site parking, a sunny fully-enclosed backyard, and a brand-new redwood deck. Ideally located just minutes from downtown Boulder Creek and the Golf & Country Club, with a ~40-minute commute to San Jose and Santa Cruz beaches.

121 Mahogany WAY, Boulder Creek

Listed by Brant Schenk, 831-227-5739 from eXp Realty of California Inc
(If provided) CoList: from

$919,000

3 Beds ⋅ 2 Baths ⋅ ML82063190 MLS

Wonderful, single level, turnkey, 3-bedroom, 2 bath, home on a well-groomed 6,000+ sq ft parcel in a truly wonderful Corralitos neighborhood! Located on the Corralitos wine trail & only 6 to 7 minutes to town & all amenities as well as 11-14 minutes to Aptos & the beach, this incredible home has everything you're looking for! Features include: kitchen with new granite counter, dishwasher, sink, faucet; Dual pane windows; hardwood flooring; primary suite; 2 car garage; stone fireplace; recently updated furnace & water heater. Outside you will find expansive pastoral views of the surrounding Corralitos hills and the sunsets are truly spectacular! The expansive deck just a step out of the family room or primary bedroom invites you to your beautiful backyard w/raised planting beds; well-groomed EZ care landscaping and plenty of room to entertain a party of 40 or enjoy an intimate dinner for two! Within Bradley, Aptos Jr/High boundaries- don't hesitate, this is the one!

225 W Phillips RD, Corralitos

Listed by Tyanne Scaletti, 831-234-8004 from Bailey Properties
(If provided) CoList: Pat Simmons from Bailey Properties

$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

$444,950

4 Beds ⋅ ML82063129 MLS

49 Blanca 32, Watsonville

Listed by Ella King, 408-209-7577 from Tierra Real Estate
(If provided) CoList: from

444 Whispering Pines DR 36, Scotts Valley

$519,000

3 Beds ⋅ 2 Baths ⋅ ML82063123 MLS ⋅ Vista Del Lago BLDG.

Situated in one of Scotts Valleys most sought-after communities, Vista Del Lago. Vista Del Lago is an all age park and offers, playground, pool, sauna, hot tub, workout facility, dog park and community room for events. Dont miss out on this fantastic opportunity! This home offers unbeatable access to everything the area is loved for: locally owned restaurants, grocery stores, theaters, and world-class outdoor recreation, including hiking and mountain biking. Youre just minutes from the scenic beaches of Santa Cruz and a short drive to the heart of Silicon Valley, making this location ideal for both relaxation and convenience. Inside, youll find a top to bottom updated turnkey home with a thoughtfully designed floor plan which provides excellent separation of space with plenty of room to spread out. The property features updated LVP floors, light fixtures, an updated kitchen with updated appliances, quartz countertops, newly remodeled bathrooms and more. The interior offers an abundance of natural light. The property also features A/C and an energy efficient water heater. This one is without a doubt a must see!

444 Whispering Pines DR 36, Scotts Valley

Listed by The Madani Team, 831-234-6683 from Room Real Estate
(If provided) CoList: from

$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

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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 Intero Real Estate Services 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.