Santa Cruz native but living in DC for 20 years. I loved my hometown but boy it’s changed. A real host of unsavory folks there along with major traffic through every corridor (not even talking about hwy 17). Two friends have stayed and raised kids: mixed feelings for both.

homelessness is a big problem there. I think it would be a good experience but the homeless population is out of control.

I live in SF and have two friends with kids who live in SC. Both say there's a RAMPANT drug culture - tons of meth, not even just weed.

Seabright is my favorite area of Santa Cruz. It is somewhat walkable, but if your child will be kindergarten age you may have some challenges unless you're okay with the neighborhood school there (Gault). Westside is probably better for that. I think both areas have some young families, although the nature of Santa Cruz is that you'll get a mix of retirees, vacation homes, college students, and families. Craigslist is probably the best place to look for rentals, though you might also be able to negotiate a year lease with one of the VRBO/AirBnB owners if you want a furnished place.

OP here. Also, we run an online business so no commute so to speak.

We have been talking about moving to California for several years, and now an opportunity has come. We would be moving with our 4 year old. We currently live in a walkable part of NW. We don't mind a mix of walking and driving, but it would be lovely to have a restaurant or two within walking distance. Also, our current neighborhood is pretty tight knit, and DD has several friends that we can do last minute play dates with. It would be awesome if we could have the same in the new neighborhood. (Not too transitional, some young children). So far we likes Seabright and the West Side, but any other ideas? Also, recommendations on where to look for places to rent?