154 movers in Santa Cruz
My Move & Cross Country Movers
"My Move subcontracted to Dumbo moving which subsequently broke items and lost a large box of items including a car jack! Driver tried to shake us down for extra $."
Clutch Moving Company
"This was my first time using movers. Honestly, I don't understand how this company is sitting comfortably at 4.8 stars. The rating made me feel comfortable along with the quote I received, but there was nothing "clutch" about this move or my exper..."
Got2Move
"When looking for a rental company, you go to reviews and other people’s experience. This is my experience. My $2000 4 month old Frame TV was smashed somewhere during the move. The owner thinks possibly in transit, but didn’t have an exact answer. ..."
Viking Moving and Storage
"Terrible on all counts: Customer experience, damaged items, storage and final delivery. Do not use, under any circumstances!"
Ron Ron Moving Co.
"The worst moving company I have ever worked with. They are late for 3 hours. They broken one chair, bed frame and TV. And It seems they blocked my number."
Emerald Moving & Storage
"PLEASE.. PLEASE.. IF YOU ARE LOOKING FOR A MOVING COMPANY PLEASE DO NOT USE THIS COMPANY!! They do not hold their end of the deal at all. I moved from Washington to Michigan and the night prior to my delivery date they were in Kentucky well the d..."
What to know when moving to Santa Cruz, CA
Santa Cruz at a Glance
- The Vibe:
- A highly educated area with 55.2% of residents holding a bachelor's degree.
- The Major Draw:
- A median household income of $106,040 provides a solid economic base.
- The Reality Check:
- With a poverty rate of 17.1%, some residents face economic challenges.
- Commute:
- Only 3.7% of residents use public transit, making it a car-dependent area.
- Top Tip:
- Expect to budget around $2,356 per month for rent.
The 'Vibe' Check: Who Thrives Here?
Santa Cruz features a mix of homeowners and renters, with 48.1% of the population renting. The community is educated, with over half of residents holding a bachelor's degree. However, the 17.1% poverty rate indicates that not everyone shares in the area's economic prosperity. Rainy days make up a significant part of the year, so having an umbrella handy is a good idea.
Probably not your spot if: You prefer a strong public transit system, as only 3.7% of residents rely on it.
Your Money: Housing & Cost Snapshot
- Median rent is $2,356, which reflects the high demand in the area.
- The median owner-occupied home value is $1,189,300, indicating a competitive housing market.
- About 55.2% of residents have a bachelor's degree, contributing to the community's character.
- The poverty rate stands at 17.1%, which may affect local economic conditions.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Data Profiles.
Crime & Safety: What the Numbers Say
In California, the annual property crime rate is 1,764 per 100,000 residents, which is 14% higher than the national average. The violent crime rate is 415.5 per 100,000 residents, 27.7% higher than the national average.
- Violent crime: 415.5 per 100k vs. national 325.3, a decrease of 17.4% since 2022.
- Property crime: 1,764 per 100k vs. national 1,546.9, a decrease of 26.1% since 2022.
- Notable trend: The homicide rate has dropped by 44.9% since 2022, now at 3.2 per 100k.
Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer (state-level summarized data for California).
Schools & Higher Ed
Access to education is strong in the area, with three postsecondary institutions available nearby:
- University of California-Santa Cruz
- Five Branches University
- Cabrillo College (in Aptos)
Source: ArcGIS Postsecondary School Locations, U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard.
Weather & Getting Outside
Santa Cruz offers a variety of outdoor spots for nature lovers. Here are a few popular nearby options:
- Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk - 4.6 stars (49,119 reviews)
- Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park - 4.8 stars (8,019 reviews)
- Big Basin Redwoods State Park - 4.8 stars (5,220 reviews)
- Lighthouse Field State Beach - 4.7 stars (3,989 reviews)
- Wilder Ranch State Park - 4.8 stars (2,586 reviews)
Source: Google Places API.
Jobs & the Local Economy
The job market in Santa Cruz County is competitive, with an unemployment rate of 6.4% as of December 2025. The labor force consists of approximately 137,384 individuals.
- Unemployment rate: 6.4% (December 2025)
- Employed: 128,578
- Labor force: 137,384
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Local Area Unemployment Statistics.
