Monica Lussier Blog

Santa Cruz is famous for its duality. On one hand, you have the laid-back surf culture, where it feels like nobody is in a rush to get anywhere. On the other hand, you have the reality of being a coastal city with limited entry points, meaning traffic is a very…

When people start looking for homes for sale in Santa Cruz, they usually fall in love with the lifestyle first—the surf, the redwoods, and that distinct slow-paced vibe. But unless you’re retiring, the second question is almost always about work. The local economy here is a bit of a paradox.…

If you are currently sitting in a cubicle—or a home office—in San Jose, staring at a screen and dreaming of a lunch break on the beach, you aren’t alone. We see a massive trend of Millennials and Gen Z professionals looking over the hill, asking the same question: Can I…

Deciding where to plant roots in Santa Cruz County usually comes down to a single question: do you want the vibrant, eclectic energy of a beach city, or the semi-rural tranquility where the redwoods meet the sea? Both Santa Cruz and Aptos offer stunning ocean access and that distinct Central…

If you’re looking at homes on the Central Coast, you’ve likely hit the classic dilemma: should you live right in the mix of Santa Cruz, or head just six miles up the hill to Scotts Valley? It’s a debate I hear constantly from buyers. On paper, these two cities are…

When people think of Santa Cruz, the first images that usually pop up are the giant dipper roller coaster, the surfers at Steamer Lane, or the redwood forests. But if you’re looking at living in Santa Cruz, it helps to understand that our history goes much deeper than just summer…

If you’re dreaming of moving to the coast, you’ve probably narrowed it down to the northern side of Monterey Bay. It’s hard to go wrong here—both Santa Cruz and Capitola offer access to redwoods, surfing, and that incredible ocean air. But once you look past the postcards, these two neighbors…

There is a specific feeling people get when they drive over Highway 17 and catch that first glimpse of the Monterey Bay. It’s the reason so many people dream of moving to Santa Cruz. You get the redwoods, the ocean, and a laid-back culture that feels a world away from…

Retiring here offers a mix that’s hard to find anywhere else in California. You get the classic beach town vibe on one side and the majestic silence of the redwoods on the other. It’s a unique setting for your next chapter, whether you are an active adult looking to hike…

If you are looking at moving to the coast or just planning a weekend getaway, you have probably heard the rumors. Santa Cruz is famous for two conflicting things: its incredible surf culture and Redwoods beauty, and a reputation for grit that can make newcomers nervous. The short answer to…