Pleasure Point, Santa Cruz

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Overview

Pleasure Point is a community located at Santa Cruz's east end. It is one of California's most sought seaside neighborhoods, filled with surf shops, delightful beach cottages, and a sunny shoreline. It has a population density of 5,846 in an area of 2.0 square miles, 0.8 square miles land, and 1.3 square miles water.

The population spreads to 17.6% for minors (under 18), 8.2% for people from 18 to 24 years old, 32.1% aged 15 to 44, 31.8% aged 45 to 64, 10.3% for over 65 years old.

With over 2,650 households, more than 20% have children under 18 living with parents, 35% are married couples living together, and a smaller population with less than 10% for unmarried partnerships, someone living alone, or senior citizens. In this place, the average household size is 2.2, while the average family size is 2.85.

The median household income is $92,569, slightly above the Santa Cruz Metro Area of $89,986. Moreover, the income per capita is $58,513 compared to $44,278 in Santa Cruz Metro Area.

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Real Estate

Pleasure point has 3,091 housing units, where owners occupy 52% of it and 48% are rented out. In correlation to the population, 53.3% lived in their own homes while 46.5% lived in rental units across the town.

Pleasure Point homes have appreciated by 3.6% for the past ten years. The average home value in this town costs $1,177,400 to $1,469,000, and the median rent is $3,800 compared to $1,717 in Santa Cruz Metro Area.

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History

Before the Spaniards came in 1769, the Ohlone people were the early inhabitants of the Central Coast. They arrived with a mission to introduce Christianity to indigenous people and convert them. It continued for twelve years as the Spanish mission pushed through, holding on to the land and power during their occupation. In 1821, the inhabitants had their Mexican independence from Spain. As a result, the Mexican government seized all the missions, including land use, and distributed them to a few powerful families in the locality. The Rodriguez and Aranda families are among those who received the land grant.

Activities

Shopping

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Pleasure Point’s 41st Avenue is the spot for many shops where visitors can explore and immerse themselves in surfing culture.

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Freeline Surf Shop

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The first owner, John Mel, opened the Freeline Surf Shop when he was 23 years old in 1969. Today, the new owners are fortunately his son, Peter, and his wife Tara, who updated the business. They integrate new technology and solutions. Moreover, they improved and made internal and external changes when they took over in 2017. It is the perfect shop to represent their family since Peter and his son, John, named after his grandfather, are both titleholders in various competitions they joined as big wave surfers. It has become a vital part of the Santa Cruz surfing community, and it is one of the favorite surf shops in Pleasure Point. It is a beautiful place where you can buy or rent surfboards, bodyboards, wetsuits, etc. They keep Freeline tradition in the next generation, which also promotes and complements the existing surf culture in the county.

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Address: 821 41st Avenue Santa Cruz, CA 95062

Phone: 831-476-2950

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O’Neill Surf Shop

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The famous family-owned business, O’Neill Surf Shop, opened in 1952. It features the largest selection of O’Neill wetsuits globally and over 250 surfboards up for grabs. You can find swimwear, clothing, and footwear for men, women, and the whole family. It is a one-stop-shop, where you can also choose among the accessories they display to finish off your outfit. Their friendly staff is always ready to assist you. It is a lovely shop to stop by before heading to where you want to go.  

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Address: 1115 41st Avenue Capitola, CA 95010

Phone: 831-475-4151

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Live Oak Farmers Market

Shopping at the Live Oak/Eastside Farmers Market is part of the Sunday morning routine for locals. Ready shoppers arrive early at the makeshift public plaza to grab fresh seasonal vegetables from around the region. Many farms surround the place, making it a strategic hub for farmers to bring their organic produce. You can also enjoy coffee and al fresco dining to live music after shopping.

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Address: 15th & Portola Santa Cruz, CA 95062

Phone: 831-454-0566

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Restaurants

Pleasure Pizza East Side Eatery

A quaint venue that offers a casual dining experience in an inviting atmosphere, known as Pleasure Pizza East Side Eatery. Derek Rupp, a former Google Executive Chef, owns and operates the place. With his rich culinary experience and connections with local producers for the ingredients, the menu offers delicious pizzas, sandwiches, and house specials. They serve all-time favorites in the eatery and some dishes with unique twists with various flavors and textures. It's a great place to hang out and enjoy breakfast, lunch, or dinner choices from their menu and pair them with a cold local beer or wine selection.

Address: 800 41st Avenue Santa Cruz, CA

Phone: 831-431-6058

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Zameen

Zameen at the Point is a lovely place for a fresh and flavorful menu of soups, wraps, salads, and fries. Anyone can enjoy their specialties at great prices. They serve Mediterranean street food with a Californian twist. They have lamb, beef, chicken, and seafood for meats and vegan options. It's a perfect blend of flavors that makes it exciting and delicious! If feeling unsure what to order, don't fret. You can't go wrong with anything on their menu, and they even have kiddie meals for young ones. This place is a thumbs up if you want fast, convenient, and yummy!

Address: 851 41st Avenue Santa Cruz, CA

Phone: 831-713-5520

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Süda

In Estonian translation, Süda means "heart." Süda brings a warm environment to the heart of Pleasure Point with its healthy and flavorful food and crafty cocktails. They offer a variety of inventive dishes that pair seasonal produce from local farmers with caught fish and lean hormone-free beef. They have something yummy to offer to everyone, including vegan and gluten-free options. The rustic-modern décor complements the lively atmosphere the place has. It's a cool face and fun ambiance with their friendly staff and barista who knows the food and drinks they serve. It is a highly recommended place for any local and tourist who loves food and wants to have a great time.

Address: 3910 Portola Dr Santa Cruz, CA

Phone: 831-600-7068

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Penny Ice Creamery

Beach waves and ice cream are always a perfect combo. The Penny Ice Creamery is making delicious ice cream ultimately from scratch. The only ice cream shop in Santa Cruz with a licensed pasteurizer. They filled the shop with seasonal and whimsical flavors of ice cream and other frozen desserts. The creamery uses fresh local and sustainably grown ingredients in addition to the organic dairy for their production. They have an open kitchen at the shop that allows the customers to look behind the scenes in making delicious artisanal ice cream.

Address: 820 41st Avenue Santa Cruz, CA

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Schools

Elementary Schools

• Main Street Elementary School
• Del Mar Elementary School
• Santa Cruz Gardens Elementary School
• Soquel Elementary School
• Ocean Alternative Education Center

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Middle Schools

• New Brighton Middle School
• Shoreline Middle School
• Ocean Alternative Education Center

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High Schools

• Harbor High School
• Special Education Preschool

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