Question 1

Is 87522 a safe area?

Accepted Answer

ZIP code 87522 in Santa Cruz has a crime score of 50/100, which is roughly average for the region. Reported incidents per 1,000 residents track close to the Santa Cruz city median. Both violent and property crime fall within the expected range for an urban ZIP code. Reviewing the Full Crime Report for 87522 and checking the local police department's crime mapping tool for current incident patterns before making decisions is recommended.

Question 2

What are the best schools near 87522?

Accepted Answer

ZIP code 87522 has a school score of 70/100, based on NCES EdFacts proficiency data for nearby public schools. Schools in 87522 perform near state averages on math and reading assessments — neither significantly above nor below the Santa Cruz district benchmark. For families with school-age children, the Full School Report for 87522 provides proficiency rates and enrollment data for each individual school. Scores reflect SY 2020-21 assessment data.

Question 3

What is the average home price in 87522?

Accepted Answer

The median home sale price in 87522 is approximately $327K, based on recent Zillow Research ZHVI data. This places 87522 near the metro median for comparable neighborhoods. Median rent in 87522 is available in the Full Market Report. Prices fluctuate with market conditions; Zillow data reflects trailing sale prices, not current listing prices.

Question 4

Is 87522 a good place to live?

Accepted Answer

ZIP code 87522 has an overall NeighborScore of 56/100, which is below average for the Santa Cruz metro. The score weights crime (40%), schools (35%), and relative property value (25%). A score below 60 typically reflects above-average crime rates, below-average school proficiency, or both — though the property value component may show strong relative value (more home per dollar). Reviewing the component scores and the Full Reports for crime, schools, and real estate separately will give a clearer picture than the composite alone.

Santa Cruz — ZIP 87522

Real Estate Snapshot

Crime Overview

Nearby Schools

Demographics

Map

Frequently Asked Questions

Nearby Neighborhoods