Is Santa Cruz California safe?? (San Jose, Monterey: apartment complex, violent crime, employment)

[jessemh431]

UCSC is one of the top weed-smoking universities in the whole country. I think 5th.

[Woof]

I think people often confuse homeless people with gangsters and thugs, but even though there are huge numbers of homeless in Santa Cruz they're mainly well-behaved. They get free food, shelter if desired, and free hot showers, so they're reasonably content.

[lexiecat]

I have lived in Santa Cruz County since 1978. From Watsonville, to Capitola, SC, Aptos, Felton. Covered it all. Currently downtown SC. I've Seen this county go thru many changes. Some not for the better imho. Aptos has a much better 'feel' than SC. As does Capitola. The whole county is expensive.

Downtown SC is crowded. cars, bikes, pedestrians. IF you plan on walking it works fine.
Biking downtown, if you run a stop sign, or are on the wrong side of the road even for one second, you get a $150.00 ticket. and if you let your parking meter run out, you WILL get a ticket within a couple minutes if not seconds. They are ruthless. Also alot of bikers are Everywhere and do not follow the rules of the road. there are too many of everything and not following rules. imho many are just plain rude. You have to drive or ride your bikes very defensively or you WILL get hit.

I'd opt for Aptos tho that wasn't on your list. Santa Cruz county has a pretty good transit system, tho pricey. 1.50 every time you get on. or transfer.

There are Many UCSC college students in SC downtown. And alot of alternate lifestyles.
One end of the major downtown area, Pacific Avenue, where the transit station is, is pretty unsafe, feels dirty, and at night, for sure not safe. when the bars close, there is violence and gang related activity. getting worse on a yearly basis.

Traffic is BAD on all of the major thru streets.

The climate is GREAT. The redwoods rock! It's a nice place to visit.
Monterey is more spread out. I would say that Monterey has LESS crime and violence, and I feel safer when I visit there. Go to the boardwalk WITH your kids. gangs are there now.

Many of the rentals are old and pricey. and higher than Monterey I believe.

SC county has great stores for grocery shopping, major stores like Safeways', and the good ones like Staff of Life, and several other Organic (Real food) stores, if that's what you prefer.

I would go for Monterey, there is a really nice indoor health club and swimming pool, for all ages. clean, big, friendly.

The Westside of SC is the BEST. imho.

Traffic at commute times is BAD on the freeway. It takes 1 hour or more to get 17 miles from SC to Watsonville at 3-6 in the eves.

hope this helps you decide. go for Monterey. not Marina or Seaside, parts of Watsonville are okay. and a little cheaper than SC. There IS a gang problem in Watsonville. Especially in certain areas. stay OUT of South Watsonville. stay more towards Freedom which is North Watsonville and next to APTOS. good luck.

lexiecat in SC

[jessemh431]

Wow. I had no idea such a small city could have that bad problems. It can't be anything like LA though right?

[Woof]

It's not that bad, Jesse. They're exaggerating and confusing scary-looking homeless people with thugs and gangs.

[Grumbler]

Originally Posted by lexi

We are in the process of planning a move to Monterey but one of my two kids is pushing for Santa Cruz.

One other viable option that you could look into would be Carmel Valley. My parents were the resident managers of the Carmel Valley Inn (became the bloody ex$pen$ive Bernardus Lodge) during early-60s to mid-70s.

The weather in Carmel Valley is absolutely superb compared to Carmel and Monterey. Haven't visited Carmel Valley for close to a decade now so am not well versed with the rental market there although cost of housing is insane.

My oldest sister lived in Pacific Grove, and that's another town well worth checking out.

[lboucher]

Mexican gangs have moved into Santa Cruz and the city government will admit the fact. The city has huge gang problems!!!

[lboucher]

Shootings , stabbings and rape the New Santa Cruz!!

[Golden-mind-State]

Dont listen to the hype..its safe just stay on your toes.

[KARL_MARX]

please don't listen to this idiots. When shootings/stabings occur they aimed at opposing gang members. Your more likely to get struck by lighting and they waking up finding a chinese bible.