Live Oak

Beachfront properties and modestly luxe homes with broad, panoramic ocean views.

Welcome to Live Oak

Beach, family, and surfing are the main elements of this quaint, oceanside town

Located between Capitola and Santa Cruz, Live Oak is home to more than 18,000 residents and features a mix of beachfront properties and modestly luxe homes with broad, panoramic ocean views.

Once a strictly rural location, Live Oak is now full of quaint, affordable neighborhoods and pockets of cute eateries and boutiques. Steeped in surf culture, there’s a great, beachy shopping district here, and the popular 41st Avenue contains lots of sushi bars, coffeehouses, and thrift stores.

Houses in West Santa Cruz neighborhoods vary widely in price and property style, from luxe properties with expansive acreage to smaller condominiums and townhouses. Divided into sections - Upper West Side and the Lower West Side - you'll find a range of Victorian-style houses and Craftsman bungalows here. Some homes are located just steps from the beach, while others sit at higher elevations and feature expansive views.

Home to UC Santa Cruz since 1965, this town features a highly educated population and an influx of students throughout the school year. Numerous parks and nature preserves make this area attractive to outdoor enthusiasts, and hiking, biking, and walking trails abound.

What to Love

A mix of beachfront property and ocean view homes
Lots of quaint, affordable neighborhoods
Pocktes of cute eateries and boutiques

Local Lifestyle

Surf culture and family vibes dominate Live Oak, and most residents are devoted to a laid-back lifestyle.

Dining, Entertainment & Shopping

West Santa Cruz offers a range of eclectic eateries. Local favorites include Bantam Restaurant, where a wood-burning oven churns out Neapolitan pizzas and seasonal, organic plates; Jack O'neill Bar and Grill, located at the Dream Inn, which uses regional ingredients to drive the menu; Companion Bakeshop, offering flaky, buttery pastries; Santa Cruz Mountain Brewery, which serves organic beer and pub-style eats; and West End Tap Room, serving a gastropub menu with Californian leanings and plenty of craft beer.

Things to do

There’s a plethora of shopping located on 41st Avenue - including the famed O’Neill’s Surf Shop. Residents of Live Oak frequently visit Moran Lake Park & Beach, a spacious lakeside and oceanside park offering beach space for fishing, surfing, and picnics.

At Chaminade Resort & Spa, you can book a day or weekend of relaxation or celebrate major milestones, like a wedding, on this expansive property overlooking Monterey Bay.

The Crow’s Nest, located right on the beach where the Harbor meets the sea, is one of Santa Cruz’s most beloved restaurants. For over 50 years, guests have returned for the breathtaking panoramic views of Santa Cruz Harbor and to enjoy award-winning cuisine, spirits, and live entertainment. New Bohemia Brewing Company, a lofty, industrial-chic brewery and taproom serving European-style beers and charcuterie, is also a popular social destination.

Schools

The Live Oak School District was established in 1872 and currently serves approximately 1,900 students in three elementary schools, one middle school, one K-8 independent charter school, and one alternative school.