
Is Santa Cruz, CA (Pogonip / Harvey West) a Safe Place to Live? Housing, Crime & Buyer Guide
Explore safety, home prices, commute patterns, and neighborhood insights in Santa Cruz, CA - so you can decide with confidence before buying or renting.
Most buyers only see the home. Smart buyers check the neighborhood first.
Crime Summary:
Crime Overview (last 12 months)
3 Registered Offenders Nearby
Crime Details:
Recent reported incidents in the past 12 months (newest first). Up to 10 records.
| Crime date | Crime description | Address | Crime category |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jul 6, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, authorities responded to a vehicle that went off the roadway near Empire Grade Road in the Santa Cruz area. A 28-year-old man was evaluated, and the incident was later reported as a non-injury crash with the patient apparently refusing medical care. A tow truck was requested and highway patrol was notified. | Empire Grade, Santa Cruz, CA 95060 | Traffic |
Nearby neighborhoods
Overview of Pogonip / Harvey West
Pogonip / Harvey West is a suburban neighborhood in Santa Cruz, CA, with a median home price of $1,615,287 and average rent of $5,216, both above state averages.
The neighborhood features medium to small single-family homes and townhomes, mostly built between 1940 and 1969.
Vacancy rate is 11.9%, higher than 70.3% of U.S. neighborhoods, partly due to seasonal occupancy.
It is a popular area for retirees and urban sophisticates, with a strong college presence.
Quick Facts
| Vacancy Rate | 11.9% |
|---|
Housing market and real estate character
Pogonip / Harvey West has an older housing stock with notable seasonal vacancies.
| Owner Occupied Rate | |
|---|---|
| Housing Type | Medium to small single-family homes and townhomes |
| Built 1940-1969 | Majority of residences |
What buyers will notice right away
Families & Lifestyle
The neighborhood supports a wealthy, educated, and retirement-friendly community.
| Executive Occupation Share | 62.7% |
|---|---|
| College Enrollment | 11.8% |
Demographics
| College Educated | |
|---|---|
| Executive/Professional Occupations | 62.7 |
| Income Level | Wealthy |
| Child Poverty Rate | 1.9 |
| Foreign Born | 12.8 |
| Top Languages | ["English 79.3%","Spanish","German/Yiddish"] |
| Top Ancestries | ["English 16.0%","German 11.0%","Mexican 11.0%","Irish 9.9%","Italian 8.2%","Russian 5.1%","Yugoslav 0.6%"] |
Commute
Residents have moderate commute times with diverse transportation modes.
Pogonip / Harvey West offers manageable commutes and strong bike commuting.
| Main Commute Time | 15-30 minutes (43.1%) |
|---|---|
| Drive Alone Rate | 49.3 |
| Carpool Rate | 9.5 |
| Bike Commute Rate | 3.5 |
Homes for sale near 95017
For-sale listings in this zip code. Open a property in HoodScore to run a safety report.




Frequently Asked Questions
What is the median home price in Pogonip / Harvey West?
The median home price is $1,615,287, higher than 84.2% of California neighborhoods.
How common is bike commuting here?
3.5% of residents bike to work, higher than 96.7% of US neighborhoods.